Just One Word for 2012

I have struggled this year to find one word. Yes, lots came to mind and they were good words.  Inspiring or powerful, but somehow they did not completely fit what I felt.

I knew 2011 was going to be a challenging year with lots of decisions and choices to make.  

And so I chose the  word 'intuition'.  It was a reminder that I just need to sit quietly and listen, rather than to act straight away.  And I learnt that if I didn't follow my head, or what other people said, I could trust my intuition to guide me.  

And so, I sat with not having a word  to start this new year.  Hoping that it would come to me when the time was right.  And it did.  Last night.

Progress

It's not a word that I had considered or even thought of.  But it felt just right.  And last year I made a lot of progress.

For one thing I was redeployed and my role within a new service  has involved lots of adaption and a big learning curve.  It has worked out much better than I expected, and it continues to be a time for development and change.  And I am looking forward, rather than to the past. 

And my home.  Well, yes that is still work in progress, with the kitchen and utility room unfinished.  But change has happened since I posted here.  Lots of change infact.  And it

continues to happen.

                                                             In all areas of my life.

But, because change can happen slowly and progressively I don't always  acknowledge how hard I have worked throughout the year.  But I am giving myself a pat on the back right now, and recognising that progress has been made and that 2012 has started out on a much more positive footing. 

And the more I think about the word, I like Progress.

Yes, I really do. 

I wanted a word that recognised change, movement, and growth....   how far I came last year in practical achievement and personal growth.  And the work that is yet to come.... the planned and the unexpected.   And the dictionary defines it just so:

noun1.

1. movement forwards, esp towards a place or objective

2. satisfactory development, growth, or advance

3. advance towards completion, maturity, or perfection; the steady onward march of progress

Progress sits comfortably.  It is not static or stuck.  Yes, I can happily live with this word, because it is positive, inspiring and it has energy.  Thank you, intuition.....


Before I go I want to share these two posts.  Because they describe how other people chose their words.  

So, I wonder if Alexa, at Trimming the Sails will leave you thoughtful and moved, like I was?

Or, Layla, at The Lettered Cottage will make you smile with her tale of a movie?

And finally, I wonder if you have a Word for the Year, and if so, what inspired you to choose?

 Because what ever it was, I hope it brings you guidance and inspiration throughout 2012.

Pondering PROJECT 365

This is my third year of Project 365 and I have mentioned before that I download them onto my Flickr site.   I love some of these photos and how they remind me of everyday life.  Like, when it is two minutes before midnight and I suddenly realize I haven't taken a photo.  Some of the most mundane shots, such as a book on my bedside table, remind me of what I was reading or trigger other simple memories. Sometimes these photos surprise me by how much they mean to me, everyday objects that I would not otherwise think to record. 

But I have always felt that there was something missing.....  and I have wanted to find a way of putting these photos into an album so that I can enjoy them even more.

Then yesterday I went to a new crop, organised by the amazing and talented Ann Freeman.  And what a lovely day I had, with friends, Ann's warm welcome, and her lovely homemade lunch.  Ann had also prepared a layout to do in the class (or take away, as in my case!)  and it started me thinking about how I could do something similar with my Project 365 photos....

.... then during the day I browsed some of Ann's albums that she had bought along.  One of these was a Project 12 album using 12 inch double pages.  And I immediately saw how this could offer flexibility and space for me to use for my Project 365 photos.  I could choose some or all of the photos,  but I need time to let the idea settle and spread before it comes together.  It is exciting to know that I shall be taking down one of my 12 inch albums to use because I also have a plan to 'Use it Up' this year.  But more about this soon.


As you might know, I like to include a photo or two with my post so here are a couple of recent 365 photos.

Some of my blog friends may recognise familiar faces in this photo taken at last weeks Eclectic Keepsakes Crop.  It's the 15th and I've already been to 2 Crops.  What a great way to start the New Year!! As well as these I also have 2 Craft Shows and a residential weekend in my diary during the next 6 weeks.

Who's a lucky girl then?!