One Little Word 2014

The past few years I've seen many of my online network of friends choosing their "one little word" for the year.  The idea is that the one little word will be a reminder of something they want to work toward or change.  I've thought about those one little words, but I've never jumped on the bandwagon, partially because I was already feeling overwhelmed with life.

BUT...
the past several months I have been doing some soul-searching about that overwhelmed feeling, and I think perhaps having a mantra of sorts would help me remember to slow down and be more purposeful about the ways I expend my energy and the ways I react to situations or events or people who get me stressed or upset.  I know that how I view my life and experiences is completely up to me, and I am the only one who can decide how I will live my life.

With that in mind, I've thought about several possible words.

I thought about PRESENT - a reminder to be fully present in each moment and to enjoy the amazing things that happen every day and learn from the mistakes I make along the way.

I thought about BREATHE - a similar reminder, to slow down and take a deep breath before reacting or speaking.

I thought about NO - a word I don't use often enough.  I'm more of a yes-girl, which can be a big problem!

In the end, I decided on.....

be

I though this would be a word that encompassed the others that I was considering.  I need to BE present.  I need to BE open.  I need to BE calm.  I need to BE mindful.

So there it is... my one little word for 2014.  I'll be checking in from time to time to let you know how I'm doing with this word as my focus.

What's your word?