Sunday, January 2, 2011

One simple word

It is amazing how one simple word can have such a big impact on your life.

For the last couple of years I have chosen a word for the year.  The idea is simple.  You choose one simple word and invite it into your world.  Then once you are open to that one simple word it can surprise you with all the ways it makes itself into different aspects of your life.  Ali Edwards is a big believer in the whole idea!

Last year my word was CHOOSE. 

In the beginning of the year I was really amazed how empowering that one word was.  It made me aware of my ability to choose.  Of course I already knew that I had the right to choose, but it almost gave me permission, if you will, to choose. 

Did I choose to spend my birthday waiting in line at the DMV with two young boys?  Yes and no.  I did choose to stick the auto renewal form into a drawer, even though there was a voice inside my head telling me not to do it.  So in a way I chose to be there.    What I really chose to do was to try and enjoy it as much as I could.  You know what?  By choosing to enjoy it, it wasn't THAT bad.

We had quite an exciting year in 2010.
First there was this


It lasted forever.  I chose to stay inside til it melted.  Well once I went out, and it ended badly.

Then we did this

  We celebrated a special anniversary with this





Then my wonderful sister took me here.  It took a lot of work, but I chose to enjoy it no matter how hard it was!

I'm totally being sarcastic.


Then I got to do this




At this point, maybe I should have just called it a wrap.  I had some fantastic experinces in the first half of 2010.
Then we found out we were moving.  To the Bahamas. 
So the summer was a bit hairy.  However through all the upheaval we still manged to sqeeze in some really wonderful memories.

Chasing fireflies
 Selling our house
Going to the beach

 Seeing the pig races at the Fair
Seeing a baby chick make its way into the world

Riding a Faris Wheel for the first time



The Pirate Party Blowout

Then it was time to move.  I CHOOSE to forget most of that.
Right before we left, the boys got to experience a little Autumn in NC and J learned this cool trick.

As soon as we got here we got busy doing this!

Then he wanted to do this.  My heart is still broken

From Nassa and Beaches

Then I decided that Butterbean and I would enjoy some alone time, and I taught him to do this!

From Miller

All of a sudden we were doing this

Oh my goodness, now we are already done with this-


So back to my word...
Did I choose to all of it?  No, not really, but I did get to choose whether I got to enjoy it or not.  Enjoy it I did!  What an incredible experience this year has been.

Which brings me to my word for 2011.  What do you think it is going to be?  It will be hard to top 2010.

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think my word will be.  It is in one of these sentences after the pictures.  First one to guess gets a free nights stay in the Bahamas the prize!


10 comments:

  1. Could the word be "manage"? Because after all, you are "managing" to live far away from all your love ones! Does the runner up get a half night stay in the Bahamas? LOL! Miss you guys!

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  2. ooh, but "decide" and "enjoy" sound good too!

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  3. You two are good! Anyone else?

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  4. Sarcastic. Oh wait you already perfected that! I think it's "enjoy" if it's one of the words in the pictures but I think patience would be a good word for 2011. Or looking back maybe that should of been the word for 2010.
    Either way I WIN a trip to the Bahamas! ;- )

    Aunt Chele

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  5. I guess I can't guess since I already know your word...!

    Didn't last years word prove to be just perfect?? This one will be too!

    Kelly

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  6. My words for you are RESPECT and ADMIRATION. YOU my friend, are a STUD. I love you and the life you have CHOSEN....do I win the prize???!!! ;) Either way, I Love you. Cat

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  7. I like experience - as a verb. Synonymous with to learn, to be involved, practice, to understand. If you don't take it, I might!

    I love you and miss you!

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  8. All of the Above...I have "CHOSEN" to use everyone's word selection in 1 comment.

    The "experience" you and your "STUD" have "decide"ed to take is incredible! "Enjoy" every moment of it. I know trying to "manage" your lives away from family and loved ones requires "patience." But my "RESPECT" in your decisions, and "ADMIRATION" for you as a Mom, show me and everyone what an amazing family you have built!!

    I LOVE and am so Happy for you all!

    Aunt Chele

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  9. Dangit Holly this post made me cry.

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