necklace from Charmed Collections |
A few weeks ago, I also started reading Greg McKeown's book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less and didn't even make the connection until this week that it goes hand in hand with my word of the year. His book talks about focus and making choices - which means saying no to a lot of things so that your emphasis is on the biggest goal and most important things in your life. That emphasis is personal and different for everyone, but finding it and defining it is important to do for yourself, since no one else can do it for you.
I'm excited and hopeful about seeing where this focus takes me. I'll probably continue to take on too much and drop balls here and there, but hopefully progress will be made with more peace of mind to be had a long the way.
Anyone else out there taking on the One Word Challenge?
Terri S.
I've never done this challenge either, but the moment I read your post, a word zinged into my brain! I think it's a great way to frame your motivations for the year like you said. I'm going to try!
Tiffany
What a great word. I love how it is all-encompassing and covers all of the most important things in life.
Melissa Corry
Love the word!!! Great inspiration for 2015 🙂
Amy Friend
I like your word. I fall into the same trap so I will try to remember this (as I rush out to get more supplies for a Brownies project, lol...you see what I mean?)
Elizabeth Robbins
Great word! Mine this year is Ready. I'm going to focus on being ready for whatever is happening next, rather than trying to tackle a million other things and then being late/unprepared to everything. So if I wake up before the baby, I have to get ready for work before I try to squeeze in laundry/cleaning/quilting/blogging/whathaveyou.
Anna
Love it Amy. Excited for you!
Abbie Osborn
That is a great word! I agree that people often tend to forget about the small essentials in life such as family so I like really your take of 2015's word x<br /><br />Abbie|<a href="https://Thoughtsandthunder.blogspot.co.uk" rel="nofollow">Thoughtsandthunder</a>
OPQuilt
Lovely word and lovely illustrations and thoughts that go with it. As a collector of words and phrases, I've never dared single out just one, but I love reading about the word choices that others make. Thanks for this!<br />Elizabeth
Marianne
"Kind" for this ultra-critical gal!
agravette
I love the quote and what it stands for...if we dedicate ourselves to making sure our essential physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met, we'll be much more fulfilled, happier people. God bless you and thank you for this post!
Katy Cameron
Good luck with your year of essentialism :o)
Mary Gillmarten
I am! My word is Rise!
Lisa
I just wanted to say very well said! Wonderful post! We all need to keep the essentials first!
Kathy E.
I've chosen a word for the year for 4 years now. This year, I have chosen "simplify" so I can concentrate on what it really important to me and get rid of the clutter in my home, social life, and mind. I love the word "essential" that you've chosen!
Allison
Excellent word and excellent sentiments Amy - hope it goes well for you! I posted the word(s) I'm applying to my patchwork and quilting a few days ago - FINISH and LEARN. Next year my word will have to be something about decision making and choices so I don't end up with two words again!
Stitchin At Home
I think essentials' is a great word. I like the quote you used. Sometimes we miss the essentials in our rush to get other things done that really aren't essential. My word is 'hope'. https://stitchinathome.blogspot.ca/2015/01/hope.html
Elsa
My word last year was productivity and boy, I was ~ I still can't believe all the things I made and did! <br />I haven't been able to decide until I went (just now) to an online thesaurus and started putting in words. I've wanted to improve my skills at sewing and other things and came up with words like skillful and possibilities. Well ~ that led to proficiency ~ advancement in
AnnieO
Saying the words "No, I'm sorry, I can't" is a hard thing to do sometimes, especially if it's things you love but don't have time or energy for. Wishing you well on your challenge and the peace you seek. One more thing, the quoted phrase is a complete sentence that you don't have to explain:)
janie
I had never heard of this New Year's one word usage until this year. So I also thought about it and decided to use the word "Calm". It really should be Stay Calm, because when I am quilting or planning or cutting, etc..... I quite often tend to wish I was done this particular job and start to rush and end up getting frustrated with a job I truly love. This way hopefully I will
Rachel
I've seen this same word on several bloggers sites this year, including the reference to the same book. I'll have to look into it. I hope the Emmy Grace tutorial is one of the essentials!
Lindsay Swoboda
Great word! I chose three to encompass some big changes for us this year: Attempt, Bliss, Change. I'm going to have to embrace all three to make it through;)
quiltytherapy
Wow! Essentials would be a really good challenge for myself. It's such a powerful word. I wish you the best of luck with focusing on those essentials. Can't wait to read how it's impacting you over the next few months.
Hitch and Thread
Love your word. I chose growth for mine.
Thimbleanna
What a great word Amy! You're always such an inspiration -- Good Luck with your one word this year!!!
Tsoniki
I've been doing the one word challenge for quite a few years now, I love the focus it brings! I may not think about it every single day, but very often. I also ordered a piece of jewelry this year to wear my word.
✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾
That's a good word to focus on. I wouldn't be so good at that one I don't think...just signed up for the I want her stash (saw you are this month) and I probably have more fabric than most. Certainly not essential but it will be fun to see what people pick each month!