Sunday, January 8, 2012

one little word...

One Little Word. Can it change your life? Can it change the way you view your life? Evidently the answer is YES. Yes it can. 

I have heard of this trend, program, exercise, whatever you want to call it for a few years now. For some people you choose a word, and for a few, the word chooses you. And you apply it to your life in a way that transforms the way you use it and see it, and in turn see the world and live your life. One such class is offered by Ali Edwards at Big Picture Classes fittingly called "One Little Word". You can read about it here.

This year I decided it would be a good thing for me to participate. I signed up for the class having not yet chosen a word. I had a few bouncing around in my head, but nothing was resonating. I prayed about it, and wrote them down, and said them out loud. But one in particular kept coming back to me. It isnt romantic, or pretty, or poetic, or any of the things that I hoped it would be. But it is the word that needs to be part of my life now and for the next year. 

My One Little Word is "Forward". 

If any of you have read my blog, then you know that I have been suffering from a pretty debilitating depression. A big part of that Depression is from my tendency to look back and see what it is I dont have any more. Whether by my own choices or things that have happened to me...I just dont have them anymore. And I carry a lot of regret and shame for that...and sadness and anger too. That is a great recipe for Depression. But its time to move on. Its time to stop looking back and start looking forward and just be whoever im going to be and live this new life that I have to live. 

We all look for confirmation in our lives for the choices we make. And this time wasnt any different for me. And I got the biggest most beautiful confirmation that "Forward" was the right choice for me. 

I had just chosen my word and I went out on my deck to grab a breath of fresh crisp winter air. As soon as I opened the door and stepped out onto the deck, a large flock of geese flew directly overhead. I just gasped. That is just not something you see in Southern California where I grew up. They were so Glorious and United. But more importantly they knew exactly where they were going, they knew exactly how to get there...no looking back. They were doing exactly what they were created to do. Going forward to the next chapter and cycle and season of their life. They don't question, they just do.

So here I am. Flying to the next chapter...the next cycle and season of my life. And Im just going to do what my Creator created me to do while Im on this earth. Im not entirely sure what that fully entails. But I do know that it does include making Art. Its how I express myself best...so of course I had to create to honor my word. 

I have had this canvas sitting around for many months. I have even shown progress pics of it here on my blog. But,  I just couldnt figure out how to finish it, or the words that it needed. And now I know why. It was meant for this project, for this moment, for this "One Little Word". While it doesn't say my 'word', it does express what the word means to me, what the geese illustrated to me.

I am associated with a great group of artistic souls that are also revealing their Words as well. We call ourselves The "FlyTribe". So I invite you to join my FlyTribe as we all announce or Word for the year. We are having a blog word hop today. The list is posted on our group site and we hope you enjoy reading about our words.  Just click the pic below to take you there.



 Thank you for joining me here and reading about my struggles and victories, and taking the time to comment, and always being such an encouragement to me. It means more that you will ever know.

I hope that this New Year brings you all you hope for. And that you too can move "Forward" with all that this life has for you.....

Love and Blessings...Kelley

31 comments:

  1. Kelley! That is just the perfect word for you this year, and the words you added to the canvas are just what it needed! You're off to a wonderful start!

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  2. Hi Kells!!! Great word!!! Keep pushing and before you know it, it will become a totally natural place for you!!! I love your beautiful artwork!!! You are one very talented lady!!!! xoxo Kath

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  3. Kelley, this is such a moving and inspiring post. I appreciate your honesty and openness. So many of us can get lost in looking back or noticing what is lost. It takes such practice to remember to look forward. Your post was a wonderful reminder of how important that is. Also, I really LOVE the artwork you posted with it. We all know the way: forward. Thank you.

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  4. Your artwork amplified your word. What a visual! Love it.

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  5. As I sit here and read this I am cheering you on Kelley!!

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  6. You are an inspiration, Kelly! Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you many blessings this year and hope your word continues to guide you. Your artwork is beautiful!

    So happy to be in this tribe with you!

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  7. Oh Kelley, I hear you and think I understand where you are coming from. What a powerful and meaningful word for the journey you are on. Letting go of the past and what once was, is so so hard. I'm currently experiencing a little of this type of pain, so I get it. I think I need a dose of your word "forward" and you need a dose of my word "forgiveness". Love you friend.

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  8. Isn't it beautiful how you came to your word. No one knows better than you. It is so entirely perfect for you and where you are in your life. The Painting you posted with it is so wonderful and so fitting with your journey. Wagons ho!

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  9. A great word for you - I can totally empathise with you, having been in a similar place myself, but you are indeed moving forward! Your art is beautiful and an inspiration to your tribe and I hope that this confirmation will help propel you along in 2012. xx

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  10. What a beautiful and heartfelt post. It is a privilege to fly with you.I think we all need a dose of "forward" from time to time. Wishing so very many good things for you in 2012!

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  11. Kelley - you chose a great word! And as you move forward, the objects in the rear-view mirror will get smaller and smaller. Meanwhile, don't glance back as often because the view in front of you is much more exciting! May 2012 be a year full of joy and blessings!! (Jeremiah 29:11 talks about a future and a hope! - take a peek at it)

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  12. Kelley, what a great word "Forward" is for you and all of us. I'm glad you chose this and I know moving forward will help you find peace and happiness together. I'm so glad we're part of this together. I also think of your message "Just Be" every time I see your painting and it helps me to put things in better perspective.

    Jill

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  13. Kelley, what a beautiful and heart felt post! I luv the part about the geese - that is surely a sign of great things to come for you! All the best in 2012!

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  14. Yippee! Forward is such a wonderful word for you. And, your post is so beautiful! I love how you finished your painting. Happy 2012! xoxo

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  15. I loved reading your post, I can relate to feeling regret about the past and what I don't have anymore and I came to the realization after watching Jane Fonda on OWN the other night that it is never too late to start over. I have heard that a million times but for the first time it made sense. Moving forward starting right where you are today. Beautiful!

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  16. A beautiful post and your art fits your word perfectly. I am excited to see all that will open before you as you move forward!

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  17. Best post I have read all day! Kelley, so well written and meaningful. You have grasped your word and run with it...Love it! Wish you all the best in 2012. Julie xox

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  18. Kelley, I love your post, your word & that you chose to move forward, very inspiring stuff, I also love your story about the birds, sometimes these little moments can be so significant in our lives, I see you moving forward in big strides, Happy 2012.

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  19. Thank you for sharing such an honest and inspiring post, Kelley! Your visual about the geese was just beautiful. Cheers to moving forward in 2012!

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  20. Wonderful, what an optimistic post and choice of word. Its almost overwhelming to think that you have chosen that word when you have been in such a dark place. Very best wishes and dreams for 2012.x

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  21. your artwork is soulful and grounding...thank you.

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  22. Very well written, Kelley! I think you chose the perfect word for you for 2012. We all have things in our lives that we wish we could go back and change, but that's not to be. We have to plow forward and "let go". Wishing you the best for this year and beyond!

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  23. A lovely, inspiring, and heartfelt post. Forward in 2012 is the way.

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  24. Love your art, and yes, a great word. Have you ever heard of "lessons from geese" piece of writing? Google it and you'll find it. It's so wonderful. Perhaps that is what the FlyTribe is...

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  25. We love your blog is wonderful and we are always here giving all the news.
    Super Glorinha kisses.
    To help better position your blog, click on Google +1
    http://sobrincosvendas.blogspot.com
    http://sbrincos.blogspot.com

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  26. Forward is such a great word to spur you onward and help you focus on brighter days. Whenever I see flying geese in the air I am so moved, no matter how many times I've seen them before as they are commonplace where I live. They know where to go!

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  27. I have bipolar disorder, with depression as my primary symptom, so I feel for you. You are amazingly talented -- I hope you do move forward this year, in every way you desire. xoxo

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  28. Hi Kelley! I just found you on the One Tree Village blog... love your HOPE piece and your story... I also just followed your blog and would love it if you'd do the same and follow mine! xoxo
    Happy Painting!
    Renee!
    www.fussitup.blogspot.com

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  29. Hi Kelley

    thank you for sharing your authentic self. I have suffered from debilitating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and depression for the past 15 years. I can completely relate to your situation. I also have to keep reminding myself to look FORWARD and move forward every day! You can read my blog at www.angelladeedesigns.blogspot.com
    strength and good health to you
    much love
    angella de jager
    south africa

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  30. This is an amazing post. Like you, I battled with depression and was on medication for a little while. Like you, I dwelled in the past for too long. It's passed, gone, and in reality it is changeable, mutable, not stagnant and defining as I once thought. You can rewrite it, not in lie, but in the new way you see it.

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