The new year, it’s here. I am ready.
One Little Word:
I have followed Ali Edwards project “One Little Word” for two years now. My word for 2011 was Peace and my word for 2012 was Balance. I’ve never taken her class but I have incorporated my word into my monthly goals/wishes/resolutions. Here’s how to come up with a word (from Ali)
My word for 2013 is Grace
CHOOSING YOUR WORDCan you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2013?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It can be a thought, a feeling, or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother’s word or your spouse’s word or your child’s word”this is YOUR word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here’s one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our heart speaks to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren’t ready for it yet.
Again, be open to the possibilities.
My Happiness Project:
Goals help me to get through the day and to remain focused on what is important. I work well when I have inspiration and motivation. A few friends also participated in monthly goal-based projects of their own last year and we were able to support one another. This year my husband is doing it too so there will be inspiration in my home!
Last year I started my own Happiness Project, inspired by Gretchin Rubin. Happier at Home came out earlier this year and I have decided to start another Happiness Project this year. If you would like to read about my 2012 project, click here.
The best part of blogging about my project?
1. It holds me accountable. I am not sure who the 200+ readers are of this blog, but I know you are out there reading what I am saying I am going to do! It motivates me to do it knowing I’ve told you this!
2. I have managed to inspire others to start their own Happiness Project and that is simply THE CAT’S MEOW!!! Posting my monthly updates on Facebook has reached others besides simply blogging about it.
3. Writing is therapeutic for me. I grow when I write. Do I feel like I need to do this to be happier? No. I get a lot out of research and learning. It’s important to me to do this but not necessary. In a way, I miss being a student. Reading, refelcting and doing feel good to me!
January: Learn
This month I want to learn something new. I commit to doing this in three ways.
1. Learn to be more efficient in cleaning.
Well, learn to load the dishwasher. Thanks to my friend Erica, I have someone to teach me. Seriously, I think this will help me to save time and energy if I stop throwing things in without any organization!
2. Learn about the instrument I play.
Play the piano twice a week. I took lessons for a few years growing up and a few years as an adult. I am going to set my alarm on my phone to remind me to play twice a week. My girls will love being a part of this!
3. Learn to share my love.
The Happier at Home 21 Day Relationship Challenge. I signed up for this challenge to learn some new, creative ways to show my appreciation to those I love in my life. I see it as going along with how much I love participating in Random Acts of Kindness. Someone once told me, it doesn’t have to be broken to fix it. I don’t see my home lacking in love but why not learn more about vulnerability and authenticity?