Word of the Year

I know we’re not even past Christmas yet, but I’m already starting to look ahead a little to the new year. Not making any plans, not scheduling anything in my calendar, just thinking.

Last year I did something a little different than writing out a bunch of resolutions or goals. I picked a single word. Have you done that before, or seen other people do it? It’s like choosing a one-word-motto to reflect and focus on during the year. I got the idea from Ali Edwards (click to see comments with tons of ideas)

The word I picked for 2011 was Do. Not really with the purpose of trying to add more to my to-do list, but to act on ideas rather than just file them away, to complete projects, to not procrastinate (so much), etc. I wasn’t always great with it, but I think it did help me get more done during the whole year than I may have otherwise.

And now we’re nearly to 2012 and I’d like to try the word idea again. The word I picked this time is Reclaim. My first inspiration was in the trend of using recycled and reclaimed items in home decor and craft projects (like my Christmas wood sign) Making something pretty from something that other people gave up on is kind of exciting. Then I realized it could apply to so much more. Reclaiming life–routines, relationships, spirituality, my inner child 🙂 All things that could help me grow, and help me be a better wife, mother, friend, don’t you think?

re·claim

re·claimed, re·claim·ing, re·claims

1. To bring into or return to a suitable condition for use, as cultivation or habitation: reclaim marshlands; reclaim strip-mined land.

2. To procure (usable substances) from refuse or waste products.

3. To bring back, as from error, to a right or proper course; reform.

4. To tame (a falcon, for example).

So for the next couple of weeks I’ll let the word stew in the back of my head and see what other inspiration I get from it.

What about you…what word would you pick for your new year?