A year ago, I posted our "Word Up" group, and we all chose one little word to focus on for the year - a word that reflected something that we hoped to see more of in our lives. And, the question was this: Can one little word change your entire life?
(More projects I'd like to stitch - some day)
It's been a year now, and I can honestly say- yes! One little word, can transform your entire life. I am indebted for this idea to Dianne of Suburban Stitcher where I first saw the idea, and to Ali Edwards @ AE Blog, where I believe this wonderful idea originated! Thank you girls!
My word last year was REST! Being a lifelong workaholic, and coming out of an extremely busy year, I knew that I needed physical rest, and a less hectic lifestyle. Yet, I also sensed that I needed something greater, something deeper - I needed rest for a weary soul.
("Happy Dreams Bedding Set" by Crabapple Hill)
As I have reflected on the past year, I am amazed at how that one little word changed and transformed my life. I took a hatchet to my overly busy schedule, and my days are much more serene and happy now! I learned that true rest for me comes in something I didn't expect - it comes in trusting in the sweet perfection of life!
(from the book "Quilt Yourself Gorgeous" by Mandy Shaw)
Another part of rest was learning to let go of the expectations of who I should be and how my life should look. The more I stopped trying to fit like a square peg into a round hole, the more I was able to embrace who I am not only with joy, but with gratitude. As the year passed, I found myself discovering more and more who I truly am, and what I'm meant to do with this life, what my special gifts are (and what they're not) - in a Word, I learned to be much more comfy in my own skin - just as I am!
("Bluebird" by Crabapple Hill)
And, without all of those high-pressured expectations, well - I did a lot of resting and relaxing last year - and you know what? The earth didn't fall off of it's axis, the sun still came up every day, and the stars and moon still came out every night, and we didn't die from having a little extra dust on the furniture- all was still well with the world, even better actually. I certainly didn't accomplish as much as I have in years past - I didn't get as many organizational projects completed, I didn't make as many quilts and sewing projects, I didn't stay on top of answering e-mails, I didn't sell as much fabric or design as many quilt patterns, my house didn't stay as clean as it used to be, and I sure didn't make more money than in years past.
("Cottage Flower Pots" Tea Towels by Crabapple Hill)
But, let me share with you a few things that I did do a lot more of in 2011 - I gazed in awe at the beauty of the sunrise more times than I can count. I sang and I danced - a lot. I took the time not just to smell the flowers, but to get lost in their beauty and to feel the soft touch of their petals on my nose. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the art of cooking with the McStudly's! I savored too many delicious meals to count. I planted a vegetable and herb garden, and thoroughly enjoyed watching it grow. I traveled, and read wonderful books. I spent more hours laughing, playing and being down-right silly with my family than I have in a long time. I snuggled and watched more movies with McStudly, I even took a few naps. I was more patient, kind, loving and warm to my hubby and my kiddos than ever I thought was possible for a Type A, Perfectionist, Tigger like me! In a Word, I found the freedom to truly enjoy the simple things in life.
(from the book "Sewn Toy Tales" by Melly & Me)
And, perhaps the greatest gift from this little word was finding something I've longed for my entire life: true peace and joy. This little word taught me that true joy and peace come in a way that is completely the opposite of the way we think they come. Authentic peace and joy come not from having everything under control, not from frantically trying to keep it all together, not from being perfect, not from being skinny, not from having a perfectly kept house, not from being Superwoman. No, true joy and true peace come in quietness and trust, they come in relishing the simple things in life, they come in rest.
("Grandma's Apron" by Lori Holt of Bee In My Bonnet)
Yet, with all of this, I feel as if I have just scratched the surface of the depth and richness of that one little word - rest. I lost my way many times this year, but just kept going back to this little word - rest (and, you all reminded me to rest in your comments and e-mails, too :o)!! I feel like this flowering into the fullness, richness, and goodness of life that comes with rest is just beginning. I think I could chose this Word for several more years, and still have oodles to learn. And, so, my word for 2012 is very closely related to Rest, and I'll be sharing that soon!
(from the book "Get Red, Red, Ready for Christmas" by Natalie Ross)
For today, I want to invite you all to Word Up with me in 2012 - to choose one, single little word that could completely transform your life, and share your Word with us here. And, also, to invite those of you who did Word Up last year to share your stories about your Word for last year! I'll be looking forward to your Words, and to hearing your stories!
("Piggy Tails Penny" by Raggedy Pants Designs)
I'm raising my cuppa and toasting with you all - "Here's to One Little Word, and to Many Amazingly Transformed Lives!"!
TTFN,
Kelly
Well said again as always! It's been wonderful to see you rest, relax, and enjoy the simple things in life the past year. It's helped me enjoy the simple things too! Looking forward to much more REST in the years to come! All my love.....McStudly.
Posted by: Studly | January 03, 2012 at 04:47 PM
WOW! Fantastic Kelly, one little word that gave you power to be who you are..I am so excited for you for the coming year...What does God have in store this year. How wonderful to be able to grasp hold of rest and allow it to bring such beautiful change to your soul.
Many Hugs Dawn x x x
Posted by: Dawn | January 03, 2012 at 04:47 PM
WOW! Has it really been a year since we selected our word? My word was "time". I know that as a result I have been more aware of how I spend my time. Whether it be with family, my down time, or managing my time. Once spent--that moment will never return. Now to contemplate my new word! The compliment that McStudly gave you is awesome.
Posted by: Linda Schrankel | January 03, 2012 at 04:53 PM
What an inspirational post Kelly! Now I just need to pick a word.
Posted by: Michele | January 03, 2012 at 04:56 PM
How beautifully put Kelly! I think I already know what my word will be this year, although there are certainly there are several I could choose- Trust, Patience, Relaxing. I need more of any of those, esp patience, most days:-)
Looking forward to a Wonderful 2012!
((Hugs))
Posted by: Lisa | January 03, 2012 at 05:05 PM
I think I have decided my word for this year will be either acceptance and or patience. This year is going to be a beginning of new things in our family and I am going to embrace every opportunity as it comes along with open arms. I might even get back to blogging and update mine more regularly. Best wishhes to all readers for 2012
Posted by: Jeannette | January 03, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Kelly you are a insperation, my heart sings with job after reading a post from you. I have to give some thought about what word to choose--joy~kindness~patience (I have little)and more compassion.
Posted by: Marie | January 03, 2012 at 05:55 PM
I really enjoyed reading your comments on the simple life. We need to remember it's not a race and to keep a balance in life. I'm going to be thinking about a word for 2012.
Posted by: wendy | January 03, 2012 at 07:30 PM
Loved this post - to see how much that one word transformed your life is amazing! I've decided on my word for this year, for some reason last year I kept forgetting my word "joy" but did find myself more content and happier. I do enjoy these posts, girl!
Posted by: Allie | January 03, 2012 at 09:48 PM
You are a definite inspiration to us...and what a very sweet comment from McStudly!! My word last year was Gratitude and I found myself being grateful for so many things in my life that had been there all the time, but for being too busy didn't notice..not to mention being so grateful for my family and friends. Now, to come up with my word for this year! Great post Kelly, and it has been so wonderful to watch the transformation that has taken place in your life.
Posted by: Cheryl | January 03, 2012 at 09:59 PM
Good for you! Thanks for sharing it with us...I have never done the word thing, but last year I bought myself a necklace that says "believe" and that would have to be my word...I am trying to believe I can get healthier and stop eating ice cream!
Posted by: Andee in AZ | January 03, 2012 at 10:53 PM
Kelly, you inspire us, amaze us, we laugh, we cry, we rejoice. Thank you for living up to your word....it made the world a better place for all of us. Especially McStudly! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful husband who shares your vision and helps you attain it. I have already picked my word this year...RELAX...the world will not end if I don't get it done. I so look forward to your post in 2012. Love and gratitude showered on you!
Posted by: Martha Raiford | January 04, 2012 at 04:59 AM
Is it horrible for me to say my word needs to be simply ME ? As you know being a Mother and a wife can take control of everything that you are. After 17 years of marriage and 16 years of being a parent I have lost ME. I stay at home and do not get out. I think this year I have to focus somehow on finding ME again. But even as I sit here and look at the year to come I am having such a difficult time with that word. My Honeyman is off work because he hurt his back so I am focused on his mend, my Lillian is facing possible surgery this year, and The Brat will start her Sr. year in High School. Wow, what a year to come.
I cannot wait to hear your word and follow your journey.
Posted by: Josie | January 04, 2012 at 05:17 AM
Kelly, thanks for your thoughts and sharing your year of rest...we all can certainly learn from your experiences. My word last year was Joy and we had a joyful year in celebrating our daughter's wedding in July, gaining a wonderful SIL, spending time with family, and I found joy in new experiences in my quilting. Now I need to think of a word for 2012! Looking forward to following along with you.
Posted by: dawn | January 04, 2012 at 06:48 AM
Great post Kelly! My work last year was Blessing, and by using it in my blog 'signature', I was constantly reminded. I've already chosen and blogged about my word for 2012 - Contentment, but after reading your post, I'll go back give more attention to my word. THanks so much for starting Word Up last year, and suggesting it again this year!!
Posted by: Sunny | January 04, 2012 at 06:56 AM
What a beautiful and touching post, thank you . I did not do this last year but I am willing to give it a try this year. My word for the year is going to be "Harmony" I would like to have all things in my life work in better harmony with each other. The family, the job, the crafts, the obligations,and way to many more things to name. Thank you for this idea.
Posted by: Jo | January 04, 2012 at 02:22 PM
I'm glad your word worked so well for you. Or that you worked your word so well this past year. At any rate Congrats on learning so much about yourself, learning to rest and creating the life you want to have. I've been thinking about my word and I'll post about it in a day or so.
Posted by: Linda in Calif. | January 04, 2012 at 03:19 PM
When I followed your example last year and chose a word to influence my life for 2011, I had no idea how profoundly I would be affected. My word was "calm." As I tried to live through my word, I realized exactly how lacking in "calm" my life had been. If I chose one word to describe the pre-2011 me, it would have to be anxious. I let myself fret over everything whether I could control a situation or not. Last year, I found myself taking a deep breath whenever I needed to regain control or a realized something was taking away from my feeling of well being. It made a huge difference. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm on my way.
Thank you Kelly. In 2011 you shared parts of your life that resonated with all of your readers and helped us to realize that we are not alone in our struggles. Although I will continue seeking calm in 2012, my new guiding word will be very different.
Posted by: katieQ | January 04, 2012 at 03:43 PM
Kelly, you are a true inspiration to me! I thank you a million fold for sharing all that you do :) .... Last year I had so much to "persevere" and while I've just about made it through the other side of the year, and have yet a bit more to persevere through, I believe this year my word will be "refresh." As in, refresh, renew, rejuvinate. Refresh my interest in life, refresh my online friendships, refresh my postive outlook ... my soul needs refreshed and I believe this will be the year to do so. Thank you dear lady and I send you all the wishes and blessings you so obviously deserve!! Thank you :)
Posted by: WendyMT | January 04, 2012 at 04:53 PM
Kelly, reading your article, I felt like reading my word for this year lol !
Last year and before my word was more stress and similar words: result is a health problem so ..
This year my word is CALM and REST !
And all the inspiration I find here will definitely help me, thank you !!!
Posted by: Jo | January 05, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Hi All,
I didn't participate last year, but I intend to evaluate my year. There have been many blessings, tender mercies, realizations and other things I need to take out and look at and see what I am going to do with them.
I am excited to participate this year and my word is INTENTIONAL. I still am figuring where to go with this word but know that this is the word I need this year.
Good luck in choosing and embracing your word for this year.
~M~
Posted by: Margaret Wright | January 07, 2012 at 06:12 PM