One Little Word

It has been five years since Ali Edwards first introduced scrapbookers to "One Little Word."  The basic idea is that you select one word to focus on and strive toward during the coming year.  Ali says:

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or 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...

I'd read about One Little Word for several years, but never felt moved to join in until last year.  As I read Ali's post at the beginning of January 2011, I felt a strong sense that my One Little Word was supposed to be "balance."

For years I've struggled with balance.  I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, godmother, goddaughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend.  I am a scrapbooker, card maker and crafter.  I am a Contributing Artist, Design Team member, and Fiskateer.  I am a classroom volunteer, a board member, a playgroup coordinator, church member, and a blogger.  A lot of different things fight for my attention and time.  Too often I give 100% to a few areas and don't spend enough time on others. 

As we come to the end of 2011, I've been reflecting on how balance has played a role in my life during the past year.  I've also been thinking about what I want my 2012 word to be.  While I have a concept in mind, I haven't chosen my One Little Word yet.  But I did realize that I am not done with my journey toward balance.  I'd like to continue to find a way to balance my various commitments and roles.

So I decided to make this:

It hangs on the wall of my scraproom.  Each year I will add the new One Little Word, but I will never remove an old one.  I'm hoping that displaying all my words will help keep them in mind.  I've added a blank tag, which will eventually display my One Little Word for 2012.

Did any of you choose One Little Word for 2011?  Have you chosen your word for 2012?  I'd love to hear!