The idea of choosing One Powerful Word as your guidepost for the new year seems to have a highly positive magnetic charge. There’s so much excitement and enthusiasm for this simple alternative to New Year’s Resolutions.
If you haven’t chosen your word yet, that’s OK. There’s no rush. Let it germinate and blossom in its own time. You’ll find inspiration and simple tips for choosing and working with your perfect word in my original blog post – One Powerful Word: A Simple Approach to New Year’s Resolutions – and in this article too.
By the way, we cheat! One word, two, or three – it’s all good. It’s all OK.
Your Powerful Words
It was a supreme pleasure to hear your enthusiasm and read your chosen words in your comments. Here are the words that you have either embraced or been seriously tempted by:
- Balancing Serenity and Full Throttle Ahead
- Bold
- Compassion
- Continuous and Never Ending Improvement (CANI)
- Courage
- Creativity – Express and Embrace
- Decide
- Fearless
- Flow
- Growth
- Healing
- Just Breathe!
- Gentle
- Kindness and Positivity
- Love
- Mindfulness
- Minimalist
- Nying je – the Supreme Emotion
- Omipotent
- Peace
- Peace and Abundance
- Present
- Reconciliation
- Rise and Shine, Sunshine
- Simplify and Grow
- Success
- Team-Time
- Trailblaze
- Passion
- Void
- Yield
You will find more inspiration for finding and working with your special word in these insightful blog posts.
- Lance at The Jungle of Life chose shine.
- Galen at 10 Steps to Finding Your Happy Place chose yield.
- Tess at The Bold Life chose love.
Or if you need more words, try these simple approaches:
- Sandi at Deva Coaching entertains us with More Joy, Less Oy
- Bob at Satisfying Retirement hits the mark with real goals in New Year’s Resolutions: No Way
If you’ve written a blog post on your One Powerful Word 2011 please leave the link in the comments.
My One Powerful Word 2011: Healing
Almost all of us need healing in one way or another, don’t we?
It might be a small hurt from sharp words, a funny kink in an important relationship, a deep childhood wound, a severe trauma, or sudden serious illness that’s caused us to lose our ground.
But sometimes healing isn’t easy to come by.
Then the planets shift. A karma completes. Grace penetrates. The time is suddenly and gorgeously ripe for healing.
I didn’t choose healing. Healing chose me.
It all began gradually last summer, a month or two before my birthday. In astrology, this is the time of the solar return when themes and issues in your life naturally shift. It’s not the exact time of your birth time. It may be the day before or the day after and it changes each year. As astrologer Mary Fortier Shea explains.
“A solar return chart is a chart erected for the time that the transiting Sun returns to the position of the natal Sun.”
“The significance of the solar return runs birthday to birthday, with a three month overlap at the beginning and end of each year. The symbolism of the new solar return can be felt as much as three months before the birthday by very intuitive people. Usually, at this time, one becomes aware of new directions, opportunities, and problems. …On the other hand, the significance of the old solar return may not feel passé until three months after your birthday.”
This may be one reason that many people aren’t successful with New Year’s Resolutions. It’s not a natural time to make changes for everyone.
Since my own birthday in September, I’ve noticed an increase in spontaneous occurrences related to healing. For example, I happened upon a medical intuitive who graciously tuned in and told me the name of a specific remedy I need. I didn’t know this person and didn’t ask for a reading. It was a brief, chance encounter. I may never see her again.
So HEALING is my One Powerful Word 2011
Profound healing. Deep healing. Joyful healing. Playful healing.
Healing encompasses faith, contentment, comfort and ease – the other contenders for my 2011 extraordinary word. A single word doesn’t have to be limiting. Like a jewel with many facets it can and most likely will reflect different aspects of your transformative process.
What am I healing?
- A frazzled nervous system
- An overactive immune system
- The remnants of trauma
My Healing Tool Kit
Here’s my healing toolkit:
- meditation and mindfulness
- loving kindness
- faith and trust
- breathing exercises
- relaxation
- rest
- playfulness
- visualization
- nature
- the elements
- gardening
- chi gong
- expressive writing – blogging and journaling
- eco-friendly conscious living
- drumming
- intuition and receptivity
- NAET and other unconventional approaches to healing
- acupuncture
- meaningful relationships
Meditation itself is profoundly healing. It’s the core of my approach to wellness and a primary focus in my life.
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” – Buddha
What does healing mean to me? This definition captures the essence of healing:
“Healing means to ‘to make whole.’ It, in fact derives from the same root as ‘health’ and ‘whole.’
from The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook – A Guide to Healing, Recovery, and Growth by Glen R. Shiraldi
Recovery means returning to your former state of health. That may not always be possible.
But healing – feeling whole again – always is. Here’s a toast to feeling whole again. For me and for you!
Have you chosen One Powerful Word for 2011? Please tell us in the comments and let us know how the process has been for you.
If you liked this article, please share the link with others. Thanks so much! Sandra
Hi Sandra,
I think my word for 2011 is Resolve. I’m resolving myself to make sure that this year is better than last year and that I don’t settle. There were some changes in my life that I thought I worked hard at achieving, but in retrospect, I was fooling myself and didn’t actually work hard enough to make the change.
It sounds like you have a really good Healing plan to get ahold of your emotions and events of the past year. All the best to you
Thanks,
Karen
Hi Karen,
There is so much insight embodied in your word! You are not alone by any means. We all tend to let things slip and slide a bit. At the same time, transformation is cumulative. So all your good efforts from last year will just buoy up your focus in this year. May you fully enjoy the fruits of your focus this year.
I’m very happy with my word for the year as it encompasses all levels of growth ~ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Most important, I want to approach it playfully!
This concept seems so simple. But, in reality it is not. Picking the right word or phrase takes thought. If you are serious about focusing your energies then the word must be correct.
After that comes the hard work of deciding how to integrate it into your daily existence. Anything worth while requires effort. Your idea is a perfect example.
Thanks so much for the link and thanks for allowing us to share in such a powerful concept .
Hi Bob,
Thanks for adding this twist on choosing one word for the year. It can without a question be a deep and profound process. I feel it’s OK if it’s the “wrong” word because the wrong word may lead you to the perfect word. And it’s OK to change. We are not harnessed to the word for a year. It has to work for us.
I loved your article on goal setting. It was so simple and clear. You are a master when it comes to goals!
I have loved this word of the year concept for years and I adore the list you compiled here and especially the word you picked! What an awesome tool kit to have with you as well.
I chose willingness as my word this year. It speaks to the place I want to come from and the attitude I want to embrace. I love the idea of being willing to simply be.
Hope you new year is off to a glorious start!
Hi Emma, I love this —> “willing to simply be.” That could be my slogan for the year too. It’s so rejuvenating to simply be and it is so profound to simple be with what is. I will be very curious how your word plays out in your life this year! Thanks for sharing your word with us.
Hi!
I just discovered your blog. It’s very warm.
My one word for 2011 is WRITE. That’s what I want to do and that’s what I’ve been doing. Thank you for this post, it got me to really listen to myself, think deeply, and focus on exactly what my goal is for this year.
Welcome Vi,
There are so many ways the perfect word can manifest – from a quality to an activity. I like your focus on the one activity – WRITE – that is your most important priority. I wish you well in achieving your goal for the year. Good luck with relaunching your personal development blog.
I’m glad you find my blog “warm.” I myself would like to have more warmth in my life and would also like to express more warmth. My blog is one expression of that. Thanks for noticing. Be well and thanks so much for your comment.
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Funny thing is I keep questioning my word – Connection. I already feel quite connected in my life so I’m not sure why it came up. So maybe along with connection is Trust and an opportunity for me to stop analyzing!
Hi Sandi,
That’s really interesting. Working with a word can truly be a deep process. It seems like “connection” may hold some profound lessons for you!
Hi Sandra,
My words are “Thinking Ahead.” 2011 is the year where I intend to develop my foresight and bring it to a higher level. To do so, I will learn to play Go and read up more on strategy and creativity.
I think “Healing” is a great word that you have chosen. I love the story you have shared about the medical intuitive. It gives us a clearer picture as to why you chose “Healing” as your word. I have always believed that it is important to be aware of the signs around us. Doing so will allow us to develop as the universe wishes us to. Your list of healing tools are impressive as well. Since all of us need to help at one point or other in our lives, this will be a good article to come back to for reference.
Thank you for sharing your word with us!
Irving the Vizier
Hi Irving,
I am really fascinated by your choice of the game Go to help develop your strategic thinking. I’m really looking forward to see how this evolves over the year.
I appreciate the way you have tuned into my hint at the interconnections with the universe. It may sound like I believe in predestination, but that’s not the case at all. I would like to tune in more to the signs around me as you suggest.
Modern medicine has its place in some circumstances, but generally I prefer alternative approaches to healing.
All the best to you!
Dear Irving and Sandra,
i feel it is important to see the signs of the universe and also the signs of our own bodies. if we just listen carefully it will tell us the route to perfect recovery.
Sorry, missed this point in my update, Sandra.
varuni
Hi Varuni,
I agree wholeheartedly with seeing the signs of our own bodies! Thanks for adding this wisdom.
Hi Sandra
My word is FREEDOM.
Freedom from all that stops me living my life to the full, eg anxiety, stress, negative thoughts etc.
Freedom to be myself .
Stella,
I vote for FREEDOM too! Great word and I wish you success at liberating yourself from anxiety, stress, negative thoughts and anything else that gets in your way.
Stella ~ Great word!
Freedom’s been my word for the past several years.
Freedom to follow my bliss (and become a freelance writer). Freedom to Be Here Now (rather than dwelling on past hurts or future fears). Freedom to move to Florida (where we live beneath swaying palms, beside turquoise seas). Freedom to be exactly who I’ve always wanted to be.
Life is magick. Be a magician. Create the life of your dreams.
I’ll second that!
Hi Sandra–at the risk of sounding crass, I think my word for 2011 is Money! This is the year I want to develop a healthy relationship with money and earning money for my work, all as part of Right Livelihood. There are so many other things I can take care of if there is sufficient income for the work I am meant to do, including my health and helping others. Money in and money out must have good chi. Right now there is almost nothing coming in, so the balance is off. I also am not certain of my own professional worth, another source of imbalance and stress. This is the year that changes
Hi Meg,
This is so insightful! Money does seem to be the perfect word for you and I don’t find it crass at all. There are two elements you mention that draw my attention ~ Right Livelihood and balance. I’ve heard spiritual masters says that in terms of spiritual practice having too much money or too little money can both be an obstacle. I think this principle can apply to life in general and feel you are very wise to look at money from the perspective of balance, as well as finding the work you are meant to do. This is a very soulful reflection! Thank you for sharing so deeply.
There are so many wonderful posts out there on themes words and intentions for the year
I love Healing and how you have your healing tool kit. Yesterday I discovered Lance’s post and I had considered shine too- I have settled on Manifesting magic as foe me this encomoasses many of the othere wors i had considered- You have inspired me to develop my MM tool kit
in gratitude
Suzie
Suzie,
I’ve been enjoying reading people’s posts on their theme words and intentions too. I’m sure I’ve missed some gems, but I’ve gained so much from those that I’ve read. In fact, this whole process makes me feel closer to people. It’s truly wonderful.
Manifest magic is so wondrous! I absolutely love that and it seems to fit your light-filled spirit so beautifully. Thanks for inject a little magic into the mix.
Hi Sandra,
I chose the word strength. Thanks to this wonderful post you made me think a little deeper about that word. What am I strengthening? My ability to bouce back from hurtful comments. My body. My relationships with family. My ability to recover from profound grief and loss. My strength tool kit? Loyalty, self-love, positvity, kindness, perseverance, acceptance, exercise, healthy eating, journaling, yoga.
Thanks for this great post Sandra!
Hi Dandy,
Your word – STRENGTH – is indeed like a jewel with so many different facets. I love the way you have enumerated them here. And a strength toolkit too! That’s awesome. Sharing this way really helps inspire others. Thank you so much.
Hi Sandra, and Happy New Year!
DETERMINED is my word for this year, as it clearly represents my mindset and purpose. I’m determined to rise above every obstacle that appears in the path that leads to my goals.
Why might this year be different than others? Simply because I can clearly see each step of the way and have a complete vision of the end results, all of which drives me to get there.
Thanks for this nice post, it really makes you think and stimulates great conversation.
Hi Jimi,
Wow, that’s focus! It really helps to be clear about how this year will be different than previous years. I admire your clarity and DETERMINATION.
I’ve really enjoyed the conversation on this topic too. It’s been awe-inspiring. Thanks for sharing your word with us.
Sandra,
The word “healing” is one that has special meaning to me.
I’d like to share a short story with you. Over the last couple of years, I have been participating in a healing service (about once every six months or so). It’s been a very sacred service, and other that has each time touched my soul. I have went into this, with an active role in the service (including the role of healer on the most recent time). Some of the people who have been at this service of healing, are there with very deep needs for healing. And it has been so good to be able to “be” there with them in these moments.
This is a very personal experience, where each person is invited to come into a healing circle (if they so choose). While I have not felt the deep needs for healing that some have had while being here, I always choose to receive healing while at these services. There is always healing we can use. I believe that very deeply. And, being in this “laying on of hands”, in a very intimate setting, it has left me, each time, with such a deep peace.
So, your word for this year, Sandra…it touches my heart. And my hope for you is that you feel this healing presence all the way to your soul. And know, too, that I am walking this journey with you…and if there’s ever anything I can do to support you, know that I will.
Much peace and love,
Lance
Lance,
This is such a beautiful story. It takes courage to be receptive to healing in a healing circle. How wonderful to share healing energies in this way. I’m moved by how deeply touching this has been for you.
I’m fortunate to live in a place where the healing energies are very strong. In my own small way, in my meditation I try to send them forth to heal others and heal the planet. There are also many incredible healers in my tiny part of the world. I feel so fortunate to be here.
Thank you for your wish that I feel this healing presence all the way to my soul. This is where the deepest healing can take place, precisely where I wish it to be. Thank you for your offer of support. I treasure our connection.
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Best wishes to all of you as you allow the path to unfold before you and steer you in the direction of your heart’s desire.
Thanks for this wonderful wish, Nancy.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for sharing my word today. I love reading what others chose. And for your healing I’ll hold you in the light and send loving energy to you. You’re the best. xo
My pleasure, Tess. Our special words arise in so many different ways. Your story is an important and powerful one. I love being held in your light! Thank you.
Sandra, if I use a lot of hyphens, does letting-go-opinions count?
Thanks so much for this thoughtful and thought-provoking post. I liked the post about Nying je, too.
-Christopher
oops…I forgot the “of”
Letting-go-of-opinions
Thanks
Absolutely! Letting-go-of-opinions…now there’s an art! Nying je is a wonderful word indeed.
Hi – I stumbled upon your site via a google search on “art therapy” and “focus word.” I wanted to see if the blog post I just published would show up. It did – and so did yours! I truly like your blog/site. I promise I didn’t steal the idea – but isn’t it amazing how so many are travelling together along the same path? good luck. — Also read your article about epsum salt baths
Hi Terri,
How fun that our paths should cross. I loved your article on using a “focus word.” This struck me in particular” “A focus word – a single word – can have so many associations. It can act on a cognitive level (left-brained thinking) and simultaneously work on a symbolic level (right-brained thinking).” Now that’s magical!
I’ve never been very tuned into symbols or right-brain thinking for that matter. I think you have appeared here at this moment to give me a little nudge in that direction. Thank you!
Note: Here is a link to Terri’s article on using a focus word, which has a very special slant: http://spiritspeaksart.blogspot.com/2011/01/focus-word-for-new-year.html
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Hi Sandra,
I love reading each person’s word and their intent for it..allowing for so much but focusing energy with intention!
This year, I combined last year’s theme “embrace” which led me to new and different and far more magnificent than I could have imagined…with my heart whisper of “simplicity” to create my 2011 theme: “embrace simplicity”…I am excited to allow for all within this intent..
http://unfoldingyourpathtojoy.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/raoka-embrace-simplicity/
Hi Joy,
This is such an exciting and uplifting process, isn’t it! I love reading each person’s word too. I really enjoyed reading your article. I beginning to tune into the whole idea of “unfolding” more and more. Thank you for that inspiration. I loved the way you illustrated your intent with images. You are truly joy indeed!
I like the possibilities that can happen when you narrow the focus. By going deep on healing, you can expand the possibilities and add facets and dimensions to the word and it can take on new meaning.
I like the counter-intuitive idea that we can narrow to expand.
J. D. That’s an interesting take on this: “the counter-intuitive idea that we can narrow to expand.” Your mind works in such intriguing ways.
Hi Sandra,
after much thinking, I chose my word: FLOW
For the last couple of years my word has been ALLOW (it seems I needed a lot of time to let go of resistance!).
I think that Flow is the natural follow-up of the process, and I’m looking forward to seeing what will change in my life as a result of this word
Hi Cristina,
It’s so nice to “see” you. It’s insightful to hear how you have worked with the word ALLOW for a few years. I’m happy it’s taken you deeply into transformation. FLOW is another fabulous work. I look forward to seeing how you flow through the year!
Sandra I have seen this post and part 1 in your twitter feed and I have finally read both. I must say I have never heard of choosing one or two words for the year before. A very thought provoking approach.
Strangely enough I have seen the notion of the power of one. A fellow blogger about disabilities. Mary Ulrich of http://www.climbingeverymountain.com has been mentioning it lately. Frankly I’m stumped as to what my focus point(s) will be this year.
It must be synchronicity because I have been trying to figure out what I would like to manifest in my life this for about a month now. So I will start thinking about what word or phrase will be my touchstone to a better life and a better world this year.
So Thanks for sharing this concept and tool. I would never have heard of it without your blog posts.
Hi Gary,
The beginning of the year isn’t the natural time for everyone to make changes, so maybe that’s why you are stumped. May your natural time of transition is another point in the year – like your birthday. Or maybe it’s simply a period of inner reflection and the clarity will burst forth later!
In any case, I hope this idea will support your process! Thanks for your comment and I wish you clarity in its own time.
Hi again Sandra. I’m a was born on Feb 20 that makes me a Pisces and this close enough that i should be able to come up with something. I’ll say at this point I don have some contenders.
Focus
finding my place in the world( this has been a problem for my whole life)
sense of belonging.
Community
interdependence
usefulness to the world
See what I mean it is going to be interesting to see what I narrow it done to. Maybe you and Mary Ulrich’s comunity can help in this regard. Who knows.
Thanks for the quick response. Now its off to choir practice
You certainly have a lot of great ideas, Gary! There’s lots to work with here. Sometimes the transitions occur gradually before your birthday, sometimes after. It will be interesting to see if clarity arises as your birthday approaches. That’s still a good 7 or 8 weeks off. I love these themes; almost any one of them could be so beneficial to work with. In the meantime, you bring your special spirit and insight to the world which is meaningful indeed.
Hi Sandra, this concept has really resonated with a lot of people! That’s so exciting that we both have the same word.
May 2011 be healing for both of us.
What really struck me was the part where you wrote that January may not be the natural time to make changes for you. That’s certainly explains a lot for me! I always feel kind of burnt out in early January from the holiday craziness (even though it was a lot less crazy this year) and not at all enthusiastic about starting new projects. I feel more ready to start things in late August/early September about a month after my birthday. I think the one word concept works better for me because it just helps to focus and strengthen things I put in motion last fall.
Hi Jennifer,
I too am very excited that we have the same word ~ healing. As you pointed out in your comment on the original post, healing happens at so many different levels. I want to allow healing to penetrate my life without too many concepts or expectations about how healing should look.
The cycle is the same for me too ~ all that gradually began late summer, early fall last year is now budding, or something like that. It helps to pay attention to our own natural cycles, I think.
Wishing you joyful healing!
Sandra,
You inspired me late last year to think about this, and I came up with the theme of “joyful abundance.” I am practicing joy to change the negative patterns engraved in my brain, so I love the lists you have above of all your tools you are applying to your word/goal/plan for the year. I also wrote on the idea of taking a different approach to new year’s resolutions: Hate New Year’s Resolutions? Here’s a Better Way to Change in 2011 at http://wp.me/pI34V-eV. I love a kinder, gentler approach to change, as you suggest.
Thank you!
Linda
Linda,
Gosh, when you say “last year” it sounds so long ago!
Joyful Abundance is beautiful! I loved your article and your emphasis on kindness not criticism. I’m one with that idea, for sure. I really like the notion of retraining the brain for joy instead of negativity. I wish you tremendous success – and joyful abundance – this year.
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