One Little Word 2018

A new year has started, how are you feeling about it?

Personally, I am excited. I’m a little overwhelmed because my brain runs away with ideas and so many things that I want to do, and the simple fact is that I just can’t do it all.

I have shown this photo quite a bit lately, in the Facebook group (PS if you’re not in there, why the heck not?), and in an email recently with a HUGE model call for an event that I have next month! I keep going back to it, and the one below, because that is where my heart is right now, and that is what has influenced my word for this year.

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For anyone unfamiliar with One Little Word that would like to read the origin and information from the original creator, Ali Edwards, click here. If you want to read MY thoughts on it, keep reading.

Every year, people make resolutions. Resolutions that have the best of intentions, but get lost rather quickly. I think I just saw a statistic that 6% of resolutions actually stick – SIX percent, that is crazy!

I used to make resolutions as well, but in 2008 I STOPPED entirely. I decided to choose a word for the year, a word to focus on. This is a word that is the underlying word in most decisions and day to day tasks. It is a word that is necessary but also healing, something that will help me to change into someone that makes the world a better place.

I can hardly believe it’s been 10 years.

You can read more about past words here:

2008 – Independence
2011 – Confidence
2012 – Action
2013 – Sticktoitiveness
2014 – Fearless
2015 – Thrive
2016 – Revitalize
2017 – Progress… {over perfection}

Whew. Yes, I know there are a few years missing – not because I didn’t do them, but because I didn’t blog about them. That was a really turbulent and crazy time in my life, and I’m happy to have just survived, so I will give myself a pass.

One of the things that I love the most about the One Little Word is the ability to look back on my life, see what was happening and see how that word played into the crazy events that happened each year. In 2008 I was redefining myself and my family after a divorce. In 2012 I was laid off and was forced to really focus on my business – to take ACTION and make shit happen. In 2014 I moved into my commercial studio, which scared me SO much, but I had to embrace fearlessness.

There are so many other examples that I could give, but those are just a few – and the one little word plays into my life heavily. Do I always remember it in everything I do? Nope. But I do try. I try to focus on a word that will help me to become a better woman. A better wife and mother. A better business owner. A better influencer. Yes, I know that’s not a word but I’m going with it.

Lately I have been struggling with a lot of fear. Ironic right, given that I encourage women to know their value and move past their fears! And in some areas of my life, I am very confident. I know my value, I know what I have to offer, and I’m not afraid to say it.

But in some areas of my life, fear has kept me from doing the things that I really want to do. That I really NEED to do. The things that I feel called to do, to accomplish.

Fearless seemed like a natural word, right? But that wasn’t it. I wanted something to encompass not just the absence of fear, but an attitude. A concept.

My One Little Word for 2018 is DAUNTLESS.

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Google defines Dauntless as

daunt·less
ˈdôntləs,ˈdäntləs/Submit
adjective
showing fearlessness and determination.
“dauntless bravery”

Dictionary.com defines Dauntless as

dauntless
[dawnt-lis, dahnt-]
adjective
not to be daunted or intimidated; fearless; intrepid; bold:
a dauntless hero.

Merriam-Webster defines Dauntless as

Definition of dauntless
: incapable of being intimidated or subdued : fearless, undaunted a dauntless hero

I love little pieces of all of these definitions. Showing fearlessness and determination. Not to be intimidated. Bold. Incapable of being intimidated or subdued.

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I want to FEEL that. I want to act based on that. I want to KNOW that, deep inside, in more of my life. Yes, there are some areas of my life that Dauntlessness rules – but there are others where fear takes over, and it’s time for that to end. Time to move PAST intimidation. Time to embrace my strength, and be bold in ALL areas of my life.

The two images featured here (not of me) make me think of this word – these women were DAUNTLESS in accepting my invitation to do something that most people would consider a little crazy. To walk around in lingerie on a rooftop. To lie down in some water and pretend the sand underneath was super comfortable. Both women set aside their fears and knew that the experience would outweigh all of the negative talk that could have weighed them down.

And I want to embrace that, remember it, and focus on it in every aspect of my life.

Part of this leans into not caring about what others think. Part of this holds onto last year’s word of progress – and knowing that DONE is better than perfect. Part of this means telling the asshole voice in my brain to STOP telling me that I shouldn’t do something, and to just DO IT.

So yes, I had the word cut out of acrylic (hello Etsy) and yes, I glittered the fuck out of it. Because ROSE GOLD GLITTER Y’ALL – plus it looks better on my wall. This word will be going onto my inspiration wall that sits directly in front of my computer in my office. My dream board will be going there, with this word, along with a huge glitter Believe, a smaller glitter sparkle, and another sign that says Be Happy. Because I want to see these things every single day.

I often get overwhelmed by gratitude and it leads into self-deprication – who am I to deserve all of these amazing blessings? But the truth is, I’m awesome. And yes, I probably use that word too much but I don’t care. I am strong, I am smart, I am kind, and I will change the world. Whether it’s by raising kids that are kind and loving and graceful, or by touching womens’ lives in a way that is immeasurable, I WILL change the world for the better.

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What is YOUR word for 2018, or your focus? What are you wanting to accomplish, wanting to embrace? A new year, a new beginning, or just a seriously awesome start to something amazing. I would love to know what your focus is, share in the comments below!

And as soon as you have shared what your focus is, I want you to put down your phone or keyboard and do something, RIGHT NOW, that scares you. Maybe it’s a phone call that you’ve been putting off, or an invitation that you have yet to accept. Maybe it’s something small, maybe it’s huge – but DO IT.

Special shoutout to my amazing assistant, Anne, who took the photos of me!

Love & Adventures,

 

 

 

 

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