It's a New Year-time for resolutions and new beginnings, right? For a number of years now, inspired by Ali Edwards, I have chosen a "One Little Word." This year, in addition to selecting a word, I decided to join Ali Edward's class at Big Picture...and so I begin. My word, LISTEN.
I have always considered myself a reasonably good listener, but in recent years, not so much. I am NOT a sparkling conversationalist so in order to contribute to a conversation, I start planning what I'm going to say next. You cannot listen when you're planning!
Then, there are some conversations that are, well, argumentative in nature. Being hyper-sensitive to critism, and like most of us, wanting it "My" way, I find that from time to time, I'm either on the defense or the offense---not the best mode for listening either!
For the last two years, my daughters have each chosen a word, too. I love hearing why and how (or if) the word impacts their lives. Their words: WRITE; PATIENCE; FAMILY. I like it!
As for a list of resolutions-nope, not going to do anything other than one little word. I've been thinking about these resolutions...
Like many, I'd make the list, I'd initiate the list and slowly, or not so slowly, my resolve would wavier. I'd be mad at myself for failing. Naturally, I took comfort in knowing I was not alone in my failures. So, this year, no big, grand resolutions for the YEAR. I 'm deciding to be gentle with myself. Every morning is a NEW DAY so why not make a daily resolution? At day's end, if I've kept that one small deal with myself, I can count it as a good day!
Oh, I just LOVE these!!!! I need to work on that as well. . ..listening! I'm not very good at it. Sometimes, I'm just waiting for the other person to be quiet, so I can get in my 2¢ worth! I'm sure people are thinking the same about me, because at times, I just DON'T SHUT UP! :)
I love the idea of one word and I think I've picked mine for this year. Thanks for the idea! Let me know how your 'listening' works out. :)
Thanks for playing along in the Sassy Cheryl's SMThursday fun this week.
Posted by: CHERYL | January 09, 2013 at 12:36 PM
Ann, I love the idea of a resolution a day, and of course I love your One Little Word. I think you're about 100% right with most folks and "listening". Love that you've got it set up for the year. Great going.
Posted by: Shirley | January 09, 2013 at 12:19 PM
Oh how true all of this is! I am also not making a resolution! setting ones self up for failure.. so I am winging it this year! giving things a try and if thy don't pan out the way I want, don't beat yourself up over it.. as you say every day is a new day and we can start over with a clean slate!
thanks for the inspiration today my friend!
gentle hugs
Judy
Posted by: Judy | January 06, 2013 at 03:52 PM