Last year I chose my one word not knowing the impact it would have on my world. How can a two letter word have any impact? Well, I decided to really embrace the spirit of the exercise and involved my word DO in just about everything - every aspect - of my life. If you need to get off your duff and get things moving THIS is the right word for you!
I definitely needed to make some changes and DO was the right catalyst to choose.
As with most things, plans are just that: plans. When I put together my plan for 2011 post last year I thought it was pretty ambitious. I had no idea the domino effect - or the amount of time - one decision makes on countless others! This year went by at breakneck speed, some recorded in various blog posts, most just spent doing and catching my breath then doing some more!
Of the things I outlined for 2011, this is where they stand:
PERSONAL DO | Last December, if anyone told me I'd be where I am now, I'd have fainted from the immensity of it all. My simple plan to keep my head above water: lose some weight, take charge of my health and care for my kids became so much bigger, in such a good way. Essentially I have done all of those things: lost some weight, took charge of my health and cared for my children but on an epic scale that includes a can't-be-soon-enough divorce, a lovely but different new home, a new purpose and a new life filled with opportunity, positivity and kindness.
CREATIVE DO | As a direct result of the epic changes in my Personal DO my Creative DO suffered. But really, it didn't. I can now bring a new meaning and authenticity to all that I write, all that I photograph, all that I blog. Just when I thought I couldn't be more honest or genuine, I find another layer to expose.
SOCIAL DO | Funny, this is the one area I managed to accomplish exactly what I set out to do: I want to spend more time with my friends. Make them a priority. Let them know by my actions that they are a priority. Plan coffee, lunch, dinner, evenings out and make them important enough that the only thing that would make me cancel would involve an aneurysm or household catastrophe. There were no aneurysms, but there were plenty of household catastrophes! Through it all my friends have been patient and supportive.
SPIRITUAL DO | Here's the cautionary tale in "be careful what you wish for" as my desire for less clutter, less stuff catapulted me into a need to sell my big beautiful house on the lake. When I wanted to purge the house of anything not used or loved, I had no idea I'd end up purging the house itself.
FAMILY DO | Regarding my children, I wrote the words this time is about them and it really resonated within me. This is really what kept me going through all of the changes I created through the year. I reminded myself that this time is about them and behaved accordingly: like an adult, like a parent, like their greatest cheerleader and guided them as best I could through what could have been a shattering experience for them. They've had to maneuver their way through an emotional minefield and I'm so very proud of each of them for their strength and risiliency.
WORK DO | So my ambitious plan, to take my love of words + photos and make things to encourage intention and authenticity in the lives of others, was a bit more than I could take on. Who knows? I might get at it this year? or not.
How did your word work for you?
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PLANS FOR 2012 | My word has been purcolating for a while. 2011 brought with it so many changes - and new adventures, people and opportunities; so much DOne, I think this year coming up my "word" will need to offer a change of pace. Something to help me cope and absorb the whirlwind around me. Again, I'll be joining Ali Edwards on her One Word journey. Last year I checked in on occasion and enjoyed the process and community, this year I hope to check in and participate a bit more.
