Photo by Marissa DiMaggio
I am commonly mistaken for a Type A person. I’m really not. About certain things, sure: my closet, my handwriting, thank you notes… but in the grand scheme of life I’m actually more of, say, a type B +. And although I love a good list, I’m not one for resolutions. Traditional goal setting has always felt a bit constricting to me. What if I change my mind halfway through? What if the goal-post, metaphorical or otherwise, moves? I come up with new goals all the time, why all this pressure to write them down in January? Turns out, I’m actually a fairly dramatic, Type B+ Gemini and I like to keep things moving. I like the freedom to make it up as I go along.
And I LOVE words. So for the last six years, instead of making resolutions, I’ve chosen a word for the year and let that word become a north star, and also an anchor, for all that I hope to invite into my life over the next twelve months. I’ve noticed that this has become a bit of a trend recently, and if it’s something that resonates, I highly recommend enrolling in Ali Edwards’ One Little Word workshop.
Every month you receive a creative prompt to complete in relation to your word. Each prompt only takes a couple of hours to complete (or more or less, however you want to do it) and can include journaling, photography, and various art mediums. Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, there is a little something for everyone. One month we may collect and document quotes and song lyrics related to our word, another month may include a practice centered around habit- building. A great balance of structure and flow, each month is an opportunity to use your hands and your imagination to bring your intentions to life. Well-worth the $34 investment (for the entire year!) plus any album and supplies you want to use. Ali offers her own products, and they are super cute, but encourages that everyone just use what works for them.
Some years I am deliberate with my word choice, and other years the word chooses me. But every year, without exception, my word (and its’ various definitions) manifest itself in my life, and not necessarily how I would have predicted. For example, my word for 2019 was story. I wasn’t sure in January where this word would lead. Then, last June, Stephanie asked if I would start writing some blogs for her, sharing my musings, thoughts…essentially telling parts of my story…not entirely sure anyone would read them, but sharing nonetheless (and you ARE reading them and I am so appreciative!)
You end the year with an entire album - a three dimensional journal of your journey with your word. I’m grateful to have these and often look back at what I was thinking in past years: what did I want? How have I changed and evolved? What are the through lines from year to year?
Sparkle upon sparkle…
My past One Little Words have included authentic, shine, open, begin, present and story. Steph has also participated in this workshop and her words include adventure, build and discover.
My word for 2020 is delight.
It came to me late in December of last year. Christmas decorations (and I like ‘em sparkly) had left a seemingly endless trail of glitter behind, even after they were diligently packed up and put away. I’m still finding glitter in my bathroom (where it wasn’t initially; it traveled), in my home office, in my dishwasher. One day I marveled out loud that I felt like I was living in a disco ball. Right before New Years Eve, when I found a chunk of glitter in my kitchen cupboard, I lamented my surrender to Stephanie: “Well, I think I’m just going to let it be disco.” (Which has subsequently become a front runner for our favorite family catch phrase of 2020. - Stephanie). Which is to say, I resigned myself to embrace the permanent remnants of the sparkle (type B+!). Heck, I spotted three pieces of glitter on my floor this morning and it is literally January 31st. I decided this is how I want to show up for the new decade - searching out the elements of everyday life that encapsulate fun, light and the occasional dance party. To find the shiny in the simple, to be reflective (like any good disco ball), and to wonder at things I may not have noticed this time last year. To be delighted by the small things. .. such is the power of one little word.
Registration is still open for the workshop if you want to read more about it! Click below!
By Marissa DiMaggio
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