One Word

This time of year many people are thinking about their one little word.  Some may be narrowing their choices.  Some may be waiting for that sign.  While others may be choosing a word for the first time.

This will be my third year to choose an OLW.  Search was 2013 and REACH was my word for 2014. Both of my words found me, and both were inspired by Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.  I think I have once again found my 2015 OLW from Ann's blog. I will be writing about that soon.

Last year I ordered the book One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon. Because I already had my word for 2014 by the time the book arrived, I chose to wait to read it until I was thinking about my word for 2015.  

Many lines and ideas made me think about choosing the right word for me.  Giving up resolutions was very easy for me because that was something in which I typically failed.  Choosing one word gives me a way to approach the new year and a focus to carry me throughout the year.  It certainly became a way for me to grow this year in so many ways.

If you are narrowing your choices or considering choosing a word for the first time, the book suggests you ask these three questions while opening your heart for your word:

1.  What do I need?  Think about what areas of your life need attention or change and why?  Try not to think about what you want, but rather what you need.  You might be surprised by what you find.  

2.  What's in my way?  What obstacles are in your way?  What do you need to remove in order to find this personal growth?  "Sometimes the barriers are simply in our mind."  This line was an eye opener for me.

3.  What needs to go?  We all make mistakes or hold on to things in which we need to let go.  This is the time to let go and move forward.

This year I learned the power of one word.  It was a journey that led me throughout the year, and I know I became a better person because of it.  I end with these final words from the book.  For me, this is the key.  This holds the power of one little word.

Your word shapes your character.  

Your character influences your actions.  

Your actions influence others.  

The lives you touch and the impact you have 

determine the story that will be told about you tomorrow?