“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/