“Mindfulness is bringing to the present the awareness of things that you have learned.” ~ The Dalai Lama
Hello endings and hello beginnings. This was my first year participating in Ali Edwards’ One Little Word class and what a year it’s been! My word for 2012 was MINDFUL.
In January, I said that I hoped “to remember to do one thing at a time, to savor the sweet moments, to notice how things around me feel and sound and look.” I’d say I did that far more than I would have otherwise, but I wish I’d focused on that more. It’s funny to read that my daughter wanted her word to be “fast” in contrast to my “slow” word… she definitely has changed with lightning speed this past 12 months.
In February, I posted this picture and said I hoped to focus on one thing at a time. Ha! I am starting to wonder if that is really possible for a mother of a preschooler.
In March, I noticed that my perspective drastically changed. I wrote that “having more of a big picture view has helped me realize more and more that everything is precious… childhood, flowers, compliments, smiles. Another part of this month is that one of my friends told me to tell “Judgy McJudgerson” to take a hike. I thought that was awesome and have been using it since.
In April, I decided to focus more on accomplishments than to-dos and I tried to limit myself and take it easy. It didn’t work, but it was a noble goal. I wrote this letter to myself also.
In May, I set some big goals for myself: stretch a little each day; rest a little each day; physically stop rushing. Oh well on those! Also, we began eating mindfully and not ingesting so much junk (but that only lasted a month).
I had a blast creating my page for June, playing with supplies I had on hand but had never used. I trusted the process and just created. I shared the creation process in my post.
My favorite assignment of the year was in July when we created a personal playlist for our word.
August was a welcome pause. Ali invited us to let go of our own expectations and accept ourselves right where we are.
Our September task involved celebrating. I looked for ways to show myself kindness.
October was another opportunity to use photos in place of words, which is one of my favorite things to do anyway.
November sort of flew by, and this past month has been the same. That actually helps me let go of my word and gave me space to think of another that I’d like to focus on in 2013. I’m proud of my efforts and my progress with “mindful” and am way better at slowing down, but far from where I’d like to be. So I’ll keep working on it. I feel uber-grateful for all the friends I’ve made throughout the year and for their constant encouragement.
Luckily, my new word ties right in… with the help of my hubby, I have chosen STILLNESS, as in be still. I first thought of “stop” because that’s how I have been able to recognize that I’m doing something in a frenzy. I literally tell myself to stop and it works… I put away the spray bottle of cleanser or the laundry or whatever and take it easy. 🙂 Maybe next year (2014), I’ll be ready for “grounded.”
So here’s to new beginnings. I wish each of you a very joyful and peaceful new year.
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If it weren’t for this group, I probably would forget to do my monthly projects! Some of the artwork these ladies do is just incredible! The rest of the participants for this month are listed below. I encourage you to visit them for more creative fun.
You can read other posts related to my OLW here. I look forward to visiting again with you on Friday.
Margie http://xnomads.typepad.com
Lisa http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word/
Cheri http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com
Ruth http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com
Nikki www.inkyart.com.au
Veronica www.veronicanorris.typepad.com
Naomi http://www.poeticaperture.com <— You are here.
Missus Wookie http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.co.uk <— Go here next.
Kara http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com
Lee http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife/
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I love your recap. It just looks like you had such an awesome year. Your letter is wonderful and the little snapshots are so fun!
Michele Bergh recently posted…10 Questions: What Makes You Tick?
Thanks, Michele. 🙂
Naomi, This is my first visit to your site. We have reading (a lot) in common. I notice one of your favorite quotations applies to stillness as well as to mindfulness: “The most precious gift we can offer to others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” Blessings to you!
Janet recently posted…Gratitude
Janet, I’m so glad you came by! You are so right about that quotation… I hadn’t thought of that. What are you reading these days? I just found a book I can’t put down: It’s called “Proof of Heaven” and is by Dr. Eben Alexander. It’s totally unlike me but it’s really compelling.
Well, Naomi, I am a little embarrassed to tell you . . . I’m reading a murder mystery. It’s by David Handler. I’m not liking it as well as his others in this series, I think because it takes place during an ice/snowstorm & I feel a little physically uncomfortable when I read about physical discomfort. I’m glad you found a compelling book. One of my next books is about mandalas!
Lovely blog post Naomi. Enjoyed reading about your year and your new word for 2013. Wishing you a wonderful year in 2013!
Suzanne McRae recently posted…Remembering… Ice Storm of 1998
Naomi,
Thanks for sharing a wonderful wrap-up of a beautiful year. You are one of the most creative, motivated, and inspiring women I know.
I am so grateful to have you in my life.
Here’s to a sparkling New Year.
XOXO
Thank you for such a lovely compliment. I shall not forget it and I feel the same for you. I’m glad we got to meet this year!
What a great wrap-up, Naomi! You’ve been an inspiration to me since we 1st met (I’ve forgotten when that was!) I think you’ve done an admirable job with “mindful” and I’m sure you’ll embrace “stillness” with the same dedication. I’m coming off of “create” for 2012 and heading into 2013 with “happy.” It’ll be interesting to see how our journeys go! Looking forward to traveling with you!
janet forrest recently posted…Sassy or Functional?
It was either in BBTL or BTS. Or maybe OLW? I love our acronyms. 🙂
Anyway, me too, me too! Here’s to new beginnings!
A fabulous recap, thanks so much for sharing.
big bright blessings to you
as you soar into the new year:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson recently posted…breezes and bells
My word is begin wonder where it will take me hmmmmm…..
PS I’ve signed up with Ali too….
Desktop Dreams recently posted…MONDAY MUSINGS
Looking forward to seeing how ‘stillness’ plays out in your updates!
I love your recap – your word worked very well for you didn’t it. Great choice for this year’s word – I look forward to seeing how it progresses for you. Happy New Year fellow OLWer!
What a spectacular recap! Really a wonderful year for you 🙂 Ah, stillness. That sounds lovely. All the best in 2013 🙂
Lee recently posted…ONE little WORD | Blog Hop + Giveaway
Oh I like how you’ve summarised the year here – I read through my posts and album before doing my worksheet. Isn’t it amazing how far we’ve come? I think you are right though that the pre-school years are full of such energy it is hard to be still – but I introduced ‘quiet time’ with my pre-schoolers sitting with them thinking about stuff. I was amazed at how good they got at it – and how they liked it too. Candles and sand timers helped them focus.
Missus Wookie recently posted…OLW Blog Hop – December’s prompts
I think she may be more receptive to that now… I’m going to try implementing something like what you mentioned. 🙂 Maybe it’ll help her learn to relax enough that she could put herself to sleep at bedtime too! Someday…
mindful is a great word and I think I had similar results/experiences with my word FOCUS. Best of luck with stillness in 2013!
Cheri recently posted…One Little Word Blog Hop – January 2013
What a lovely post! It was great to see your year-long journey with your word. I hope to be re-joining the blog hop in 2013 (I active in 2011) and will be looking forward to your posts! Happy New Year!
Love the OLW recap, Naomi! I’ve loved getting to know you this year through your word and think that STILLNESS is a perfect choice for you. Can’t wait to see where it takes you in 2013 🙂
Lisa recently posted…Final OLW Blog Hop of 2012
Happy New Year Naomi. I love that letter to yourself, I bet that was fun to look back on at the end of the year. I will be participating in Ali’s OLW for the first time this year and I am super excited. It will be a great year!
Oh Sarah, I’m so excited to hear that! I hope you’ll be part of the blog hop as well. It’s honestly kept me accountable and on target each month. P.S. NICE Macbook!!