Word of the Year : 2011 Edition

For the past three years, I’ve adopted a Word to help me focus on the year ahead. The idea originates from Scrapbook extraordinaire Ali Edwards, who reminds us that, "One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities."

In 2008, I wanted Peace. I looked hard for it. I took deep breaths often throughout my days, and I found it. I meditated. I prayed. I tried to live with Peace in my heart, and put peaceful energy into relationships that needed it. It was a wonderful word for that year.

In 2009, I sought Balance. I needed it, bad. With a husband whose job required him to travel more and more, I felt like I was drowning between home and my own work, between being a Mom and being Me. I needed it to stop. I needed to focus. I needed balance. I said “no” to more things, and I said “yes” to things that brought something good to my life. It was a wonderful word for that year.

In 2010, I yearned to Create. The inner artist in me was starving for attention, and it was time I returned to my roots. I photographed, cooked, painted, scrapbooked, baked . . . I even gardened (which is the true sense of ‘creating’, don’t you think?) It was a wonderful word for that year.

Now, as I approach the New Year, I’ve come up with my next journey of discovery . . . and decided on the word that will help me get there.

In 2011, I Believe . . . 
Google Image search for "believe" - original source unknown

be•lieve

verb \ be•lieved be•liev•ing
1 a : to have a firm religious faith
b : to accept something as true, genuine, or real
2: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something
3: to hold an opinion : THINK

The past three years have helped me focus on some really important things in my life – from choices I’ve made to living a happy life, to realizing the importance of creating for my spirit and my soul. This whole exercise of choosing a "Word of the Year" has done more for me than I really ever thought it would.

But when deciding on a word that fit for 2011, I struggled. Until . . . I found “believe”.  Here is the thing . . . I’ve spent a lot of time trying to be a better me. I’ve written many blog posts about things in this life I am blessed with, and shared stories when taking a step back from it and reflecting on the true moments as they were. These things are all GOOD. But, if I don’t BELIEVE . . . then what GOOD am I really doing? So, for 2011 . . . I’m focusing on Believe.

Here are some of the things I believe right now:

• I believe that, deep down, there is good in all people
• I believe that my children can do and be anything they put their minds to
• I believe that love is all you need
• I believe that I am an artist
• I believe that someday we will all be united again
• I believe that if you treat people well, you will be treated well
• I believe that we are truly more alike than different
• I believe that people can change
• I believe that laughter is the very best medicine
• I believe that I am a writer
• I believe that everything happens for a reason
• I believe that raising children is the most difficult, but most rewarding job around
• I believe that I can do anything I put my mind to
• I believe that life is good
• I believe that if you put it out there, it will be returned
• I believe that there isn’t a single cheesecake that I wouldn’t like

So, in 2011 . . . I’m focusing on Believe . . . believing in the things that are important. Believing in the dreams. Believing in today. Believing in tomorrow. Believing in You. Believing in Me.

What about you? What is your word?

Join my linky below and let's BELIEVE in the power of the WORD in the New Year. Or, if you still aren't sure that the "Word of the Year" idea is right for you, simply read some other inspirational posts below to find how others are approaching the New Year.

I'd love to see what Word will lead you in 2011. . .

(The linky will be open until 1/31/2011, so come back and add your post whenever you have it completed. Visit some of the great "Word of the Year" posts below and tell them you read about it here!)

Comments

  1. I love your word and I think that a Word of the Year is a great idea. Believe. That is fabulous and if you feel in harmony with it, then it is the PERFECT word for you. Now, I am putting my thinking cap on. I am going to let it simmer and see what happens. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.

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  2. Leanne this is a wonderful post! I love the word you have chosen and the words from the past. I also think that it is a great idea to do this. Believe is an inspiring word and takes on so much! You are an amazing bloggy friend and I wish you all the best in the New Year! Have a great New Year's Eve!

    Mama Hen

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  3. Leanne, I love this word. Such a peacefulness about it. Don't you just see a connect-the-dot thing going with all your words??? Incredible!

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  4. Another great word of the year you've choosen! I'm still working on mine.

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  5. Leanne, that is a perfect, beautiful word! We should all give up more of our rational, intellectual, cynical selves and just give ourselves over to belief in all possibilities ... :)

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  6. This post is simply beautiful. Love. LOVE this.
    My word for 2010 is strength. I've overcome so many things this year, one being postpartum depression that I am very proud of. I never thought that I would see the end of 2010...because I was that bad.

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  7. Believe is a great word. And I love the photo!

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  8. This is a beautiful post, Leanne!! I am looking forward to sharing mine later this morning. I will for sure link here, too. I am loving your attitude...so positive and full of spirit. Love your new blog look, as well:)

    Les

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  9. That's a perfect word to start the year!!

    I just love your post and your new wintery look!

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  10. I believe you are an amazing person and I believe in you...thanks for believeing in me. I look forward to all the wonders that are Leanne in 2011. Oh and the new layout is awesome...nice work. Love you.

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  11. Loves it! How fancy you are - with the linky tool! ;-) I LOVE your word of the year! What a beautiful word for a beautiful person and a beautiful blog!

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  12. I believe I love your list! It was my word I chose for 2010. I believe I failed to truely LIVE that word. I'm going to use it again in 2011 and this time I'll MEAN it! ;)

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  13. LOVED this post! I am going to use it as my word this coming year and doing so I hope it also leads to other words like success, happiness, peace, bliss, security, proof...and so many more. Not all in that order! Here is to 2011!

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  14. I was waiting for this wonderful post. Each day going on and looking. Then I go out of town and proof there it is.... I loved your post and I think your word is just perfect for 2011. Your past words have really brought you to this word. I really think that the belief in your creative self over this past year, really leads you perfectly into your 2011 word. Happy New Year, my friend!!!
    PS Mary Kay is going to LOVE your word :>)

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  15. Just found your blog and this post by Frosted Petunias! Love this project and I also have a word, actually phrase for 2011! It's No Fear!! My name (Confessions of a Kitchen Witch) is linked to the post about not fearing anything and moving toward my heart's desire!~

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