Monday, April 11, 2011

2011 Word: Present


Four months ago as I selected "present" as my word goal for 2011, at the time, my goals were:
  • to spend less time worried about where and when I was moving on to my next work assignment and to enjoy the time I had at home
  • to reduce the levels of procrastination in my life 
  • to enjoy the time I have with friends and family
  • to let go of the worries of work once in a while
After experiencing a month of sharing a home with my sister, BIL, niece and nephew I know my goal was an inspired one.  It sits in the back of my mind in the afternoon when I've finished work for the day and my niece and nephew want me to play hide and seek with them when, what I really want to do, is sit quietly and read for a while or catch up on blogging/email.  That little voice reminds me I want to be present this year and that I won't have them with me for long; the time I have with them now is a rare gift.

I'm so grateful for the inspiration back in January that keeps me focussed even on those days when keeping up with a 2 & 3 year old makes me feel old!

Did you pick a word for 2011?  Or maybe a goal for the year?  Looking back, how is it going?  Did you pick the right goal or is it time for a new one?

I've fallen in love with the way the day sounds at my house, full of childish voices and laughter. 
Greg Laswell - How The Day Sounds


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20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the way choosing OLW seems to help me stay focused on my larger goals. Mine is FINISH this year, and every time I'm tempted to add more classes, more obligations, more activities to my schedule, I remember I have a lot I want to finish. I have taken on some new projects (and am glad I have), but they've been much more thoughtful decisions. This month hasn't been as productive, but the first three were great!

Simon said...

Present is such a great word. This is such a great shot of them...and they grow so fast, should you not take the time for hide and seek...regrets later I fear.
Congratulate yourself for staying the course. I did not choose a word, but admire those who did.

Ashley Sisk said...

Great song! And I struggle with being present when I'm around my niece and nephew for much the same reason.

Caroline said...

I am looooooving this song right now. I picked the word Believe this year...and yes, it is the perfect word. It's not always easy to do, but I do believe...more and more. :)

blue china studio happy said...

It is so great that you remind yourself of your word. That is the biggest battle sometimes.

blue elephant photography said...

this year i picked the word GROW. i really feel i am growing in different aspects, personally and the business. i feel lots of changes good ones! i am glad you are having fun with the little ones =) emjoy and be present!

k said...

Greg Laswell is one of my FAVORITES! I saw him in concert once with Jenny Owens Young (or something like that). Here's the atlas hands song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyue2N1XZ0M

Clare B said...

Thanks for the reminder - my word this year is rhythm and I'm a little off track with finding it, although perhaps slowly I feel like I'm finding rhythm with the changing seasons

Justine said...

what a great song, I didn't have a word for 2011, so glad you are having such a good time with your family, it's so important.

Ms. Becky said...

the photo of them is precious. look at his direction, how he knows precisely where he is going. and though I don't like saying so, it's common for girls to be looking down rather than up. a gender thing. she is so adorable. I'm digging her boots too. I love this photo Jamie. it's a winner, it captures so much. I didn't choose a word. I had thought about selecting the phrase "no retreat" but then decided it best not to choose anything. I most enjoy the journey of others as a spectator in this, and actually end up learning more from that, if you can believe it. you teach me all the time, in many ways.

Amanda said...

I so agree with you and am glad that you are getting so much quality time with them. They are completely adorable by the way...

It's easy to get wrapped up in the blogging world and be sucked in and forget that you are part of the true real world. Thanks for reminding me that the real world is better! :)

kelly@thebluemuse said...

I had a word, and as I sit here now, I can't remember it. I guess it's time to revisit my own posts to remind myself!
love the photo!

Lisa said...

I love the song . I never did pick a word but have many. I think it could be time to choose.
Thanks for the inspiration Jamie.
xo

Courtney said...

So glad you are enjoying your time with your niece and nephew! Being present seems to agree with you. :)

Rosie Grey said...

What a great song and a great word for 2011 - it's really amazing how a little word helps to stay focused! Maybe it's not too late for me...! ;-)

Cat said...

I need to pick like 3 words for 2011...patience, structure, and adventure :). What a genious idea :)

Lisa Gordon said...

They are so precious Jamie, and I am so glad you are enjoying your time with them!

ELK said...

I do not pick a word..seems as if a word project "picked" me this year...your n&n are a adorable!!!!!

Anonymous said...

You picked the perfect word! I keep meaning to post on mine, but I finally adopted "re-commit" for my word and I'm positive it was the right one for me too... :-)

Anna said...

Jamie, your word is perfect for your life, year, time with your n & n - how lovely! My word is reveal and so far lots of beautiful newness is being revealed to me :)

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