One word for 2012

There’s a lot of chatter in blog land and cyberspace about the ONE WORD movement. I’ve heard it mentioned in passing and I’ve read about it on blogs like this one. It’s a great concept. And I’ve been pondering this idea since way before Christmas. Thinking. Listening inside myself. Searching. Soul searching. To find that ONE special word that could be my mantra for 2012.

There are just so many words that could be the ONE. I’ve  lived with each of them in my mind for a few hours, a day, even a few days to see how they fit. If they could be the ONE. The ONE WORD I could focus on this year. This was not an easy thing for me to do. None of the words I considered at first seemed quite right. No, they needed to be better than “quite right.” I needed to find the ONE WORD that is perfect for me.

And I think I’ve found it. Or rather, that ONE WORD finally found ME.

My ONE WORD for 2012 is:

PERSPECTIVE.

Looking up the actual definition of perspective, I found the following:
  • A view or vista.
  • A mental view or outlook.
  • The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole.
  • Subjective evaluation of relative significance.
  • A point of view.
  • The ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance.

I truly want (need) to keep everything in my life in perspective. On a daily basis (no, make that an hourly basis) I need to decide and choose what is really important — what truly matters in my life — and prioritize. And keep things in perspective.

I’m sure this will be easier said than done.

But isn’t that what having ONE WORD is all about? I believe it is about choosing to commit to focusing on the meaning of that ONE WORD and all it implies for the rest of 2012. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.

So….do you have ONE WORD? And if so, what is it? Inquiring minds (well, at least mine) want to know. Please share. I love reading the comments you leave. And there haven’t been too many comments lately, although I’ve enjoyed reading the ones you have left. (Seriously!) So even though my blog doesn’t tend to generate many comments, I’ll keep that all in perspective. It’s not the quantity — but the QUALITY. And all you good people who have left comments have that in spades.

7 Comments
  1. I love that word! I am a big believer in “Perspective is Reality.” Don’t like your reality? Then change your perspective! It’s the easiest and most often, the only thing, you can change! When I am feeling upset, overwhelmed, or stressed out, I just stop myself and “Reframe,” which is really only changing my perspective. That is such a great word to choose! Good luck. Keep us updated on how you “keep your perspective” this year 😉

    • THANK YOU so much, Jen! I love your phrase “perspective is reality.” In fact, I wrote it on a post it note and have it posted on my desk at eye level so I can see it all the time. I’m so glad you took the time to share with me — and with all the readers!

  2. Oh, dear friend, you and I have never EVER been ONE WORD ladies. I do like “perspective”, however. Great post.

    • Pat —
      You know me SO well!! LOL. You can sure make me smile like no one else! And you’re right — when in my life have I ever been defined by just one word?

  3. My word is contentment. I think it is hard to recognize sometimes and appreciate things that “are”
    Do not confuse it with complacent or satisfied. Hugs,laura

    • Laura – I love the word “contentment.” In fact, I thought about that same word a lot when I was trying to find my word. Contentment is such a wonderful word — and encompasses so much peace. Peace within us to be happy right where we’re at. I love it!

  4. Kimberly, My word is TRUST. Of course you know who I trust most in, but there are so many areas of trust to life. We had a very hard year end with Tommy almost dying from complications with pneumonia. It was 2 weeks in intensive care, a week on the regular floor, and 2 weeks of out patient dialysis and my daughter being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at 32 – so unusual – no family history known. Lots of questions, but not a lot of answers yet. It’s neat to know you were on the same path as me in trying this new way of spiritual growth study.
    Love, Suzie and Tommy

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