A revelation about New Year's eve, (And about me) a word for the 2011, and a giveaway.

Okay, so since sharing my post about New Year's eve celebrations and all that I thought it stood for, I have come to realize that I am in a rather..um...small crowd. I asked my best buddy down at Camas Antiques what he and his partner would be doing to usher in the fabulous new year, to which he replied, "Nothing. I mean, we keep it low key. It's not a big deal."

I then asked another single-gal-pal from the antique mall what her plans were. She had no idea. Probably early to bed after dinner with some family.

Finally, I asked my daughter yesterday morning what she would be doing, (You know, since she has a semi-new beau and all, I was sure they'd be doing something absolutely inspired.) and she informed me that she was working all day, so no plans had been made. She did say she planned to most likely watch the ball drop in Time Square. (I didn't ask if she'd be watching it on eastern, or pacific time.)

Hmmmm.

So.

Apparently I am in the minority in thinking of New Years Eve as a you've-got-to-whoop-it-up-till-the-stroke-of-twelve-and-see-what-changes-happen-in-your-life kind of girl. That got me thinking.

A lot.

Why do I have this concept? One of my biggest little city friends pointed out that whooping things up if they even remotely resembled a holiday or event was all I had known for three plus decades. She pointed out that I had been married to, as she called him, "The Party King".

Really? 

Oh. My. Ga. 

I thought about it for a moment. She was right. When I was married, any occasion was a potential party opportunity. Mmm hmm. My ex-husband liked to entertain and so did I, so consequently, everything was a party. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas of course, but also things like the-daughters-are-coming-home-from-college-for-the-weekend, or...we're-going-on-vacation-and-taking-the-kids-friends-with-us-so-we-all-need-matching-custom-made-Spring-Break-2003-bags-to-carry-our-stuff...heck, we once even hosted an elaborate formal brunch (with printed invitations!) for a group of my girl friends after a yard saling excursion one morning. No lie.

Consequently, New Years Eve is...or was, in my mind...forever a confetti and champagne event. Now, I am not saying I was wrong, I am simply saying that I had yet another light bulb moment this week. I now think that while the new year is cause for thinking about the nice clean slate and the possibilities for good things to happen, it doesn't have to be an over-the-top event, unless you want it to be.

With this being said, I read a blog post this week that really got me thinking...and inspired me. Kim shared her concept, like a lot of other people do as well, of having a word of the year, and she even shared some ideas for how to find your word.

I thought it would be really fun to hear what your word for 2011 will be, so here's the deal, in three easy steps-

1. comment on this post before next Tuesday, January 4th at midnight, sharing the word you've chosen, and why.

2. Wednesday morning I will draw one comment and pick a winner.

3. The winner will get a custom banner sent to them in their inbox of their word for the year.

so...as I was saying....I liked the idea of a word for the year, and I decided to pick one. After not more than two minutes I knew what my word would be for 2011, as it was the exact thing I have been working on developing for all of 2010. (Some of my closest friends already know what this word must be and are chanting the word aloud right now...)

Anyway.

Since there are no real rules for this, I figure I can use the same word two years in a row, right?

Right.

Wanna know what my word was (without formally calling it my word for 2010..)...and will be?

.

.

.

.

.

.

BALANCE.

Balance between work and play, between sleep and activities, between time with friends and family, and time with myself.

As I said above,those of you out there that know me really well, know that I have been searching for this all year, since I am rather...manic?...spastic?...obsessed?...er...Enthusiastic? (There, now that sounds more positive) and not terribly laid back when I do not know the entire plan for things in my life.(This being said, I am actually very laid back when plans change most of the time and go with the flow on things for the most part...I just initially like to know a loose game plan, and where I stand,if that makes any sense at all.)

I go all out for any new job, or creative endeavor, but then, I am easily sidetracked. (I know you're not shocked.) I seem to get carried away with one thing and forget another. Likewise, I get involved in a project and stay up far too late into the night working on it, like a crazy woman.

Yeah, so...Balance.

That's my word, and that's what I am gonna strive for.

(Now, pick your word, and enter my giveaway!)

Comments

[Dixie Redmond]

Hmmmm. I think my word is YES. But not YES to everything. ;-) Maya Angelou said she always tried to say YES to requests for speaking engagements if at all possible. I've been thinking a lot about what I want to say YES to...and wrote a post about it here.

http://www.northdixiedesigns.com/2010/12/12-things-to-say-yes-to.html

I like your word. :-) It's really important.

[Sheila]

My word is either BEAUTY or GIVE. I'm still deciding. I've been blessed and I need to give as I have been given. I would also like to spend a little more time making myself beautiful in the morning since it makes me feel better. I want to find the beauty hidden under clutter in my house. :) Maybe DECLUTTER is my word? It wouldn't look very pretty as a banner, though! :)

Thanks for your post. I appreciate how you share your heart.

[The Sewing Queen of Northern NV]

Your word "balance" is a good one for you. I've seen some results already this year (2010). Good luck with 2011.

[Leslie J]

Simplify! I love this word and it will be my buzzword for the year! Much needed around this house, and already started this year, but I'm going to tackle it like a Leo that I am next year!!

[Kim]

I LOVE the word from Eat Pray Love.... ATTRAVERSIAMO which means let's cross over together, but since I am not Italian.... I think the word Patience will be my word this year. Being a caregiver for my mother now (only 2 months into it) I will need patience and then more patience.

[abby]

I love your post! My word is Acceptance. My hope is to accept the the things I can't change and learn to see the positive side instead.

Abby

[Jill]

My word is NO! As negative as this may seem, it is actually a very positive thing. Saying NO to things that steal my time and joy, allows me to say YES to things that really are important. And by doing so, I will have achieved....BALANCE!

Learn from me grasshopper.

Jill

[Elaine]

My word for 2011 is "embrace". I'm going to embrace the changes and challenges, ups and downs, anticipations and potential let downs. I'm going to embrace waiting and learning and growing. Great post!

[Lindseynbuxton@gmail.com]

True will be my word for 2011. I need to be more true to myself and others. This covers not always saying yes when I want to say no and not saying no when I really want to say yes. I think I also need to be more realistic...true to myself about everything. Not build a mountain out of a molehill and not downplay something that really is important to me. Come on in 2011!

[Terry]

My word is Stitch. I love to do needlework, but I ALWAYS put myself last. I entertain, teach in public school, and a million other things before I take any time to stitch. That one word represents so much more...just taking a moment for myself..to be healthy and sane! :) Thank you!

[Dawn]

Ponder... I want to take more time to think on things. I go way to fast most days, I would love for my kids to see me pushing the 'pause button' more :)

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

If I had to pick a word for 2011 it would be "Chill". I get myself too anxious over things and after a horrible year at the day job {where morale is just so low at changes made in the office}, I've decided it's not worth getting myself worked up over. It's not just stressful, it aggravates my IBS. Also, with a new granddaughter, it is more important for me to take any opportunities to spend time with her than it is to clean my bathroom.

[Lori]

My word will be "Progress". There are many things important to me this year, and I will strive to make progress towards getting closer the top five :)

[Elizabeth]

Balance was my word for 2010. I used scrabble tiles to spell it out and perched it right on the kitchen counter where I could see it all the time. Having it right in front of me was a big help day in and day out. Think I did pretty good overall. I enjoy your blog so much, thank you for all that you share.

Happy New Year!

[LindaSonia]

Joy. Be less serious and be more joyfilled and guard against having my joy stolen by the naysayers. Find the joy in everything!!

Happy New Year!!

[Cathy Miller]

My word will be be "JOY", as in "Jesus", "others", "yourself". Let's hope I can live it!! Happy New Year, Tracy, thanks for all the "joy" you bring me when I read your blog!

[Lisa Wilson]

what a great post. thank you for sharing.
I think my word for 2011 will be... Faith.
I have faith in my husband, faith in my god and lastly faith I'll get a job. :)

thanks again!!

[Lynne]

My word is "relax'! Take a deep breath...stop worrying, and make more time for "me". Take a walk, and soak in the sounds of nature. Organize, remove the clutter in my life. Smile from the inside!
Happy New Year Tracey! Your blog is such an inspiration!
Lynne

[Kathleen]

What a great idea. One year for my birthday I had a small dinner party and put frames with a word in each frame and made my guests choose their seat based on what word most described how they felt. It was fun to see what everyone's word was. My word for the New Year will be energy...I want more energy. You,Tracy, are the kind of person I wish I'd had around for New Year's because I love people who know how to celebrate life. I have always been one of those people who falls asleep just before midnight, so yes, energy will be my word for the New Year!

[Kathy Strawn]

My word for 2011 is CIVILITY....something I wish we could all keep in mind as part of our interactions. In light of the freedom to say horrible things in blogs, facebook, etc., it is (civility) lost so much of the time. I set as my goal to remember that everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt. To resist the urge to spew nastiness could change so much.

Thanks for all your great insights. I enjoy your blog immensely.

[Candy Marcase]

My word is TRUST. I worry too much about things i have no control over, and need to rely on God and his wisdom for certain things.

[Dana]

FAITH- Faith is my word for 2011. My son found himself suddenly single this year and it was my faith in God that has got me thru this very difficult time for our family. I need to spend more time in daily devotions this year and I want to continue to grow in my faith, that no matter what comes our way that God is in control and will work all things together for good. Yes- Faith, that there will be good at the end of this very dark tunnel.
Happy New Year!

[christine]

My word for 2011 is contentment. I hope to become the consistent, contented woman I've always wanted to be in this season of my life. Since turning 60 a few years ago I've had to deal with the "getting older" issue. I've kicked and screamed at the thought of being a "senior citizen". Being contented with my age is what I'm striving for this year.

[Cheryl]

Joy - that's my word to live by in 2011. I am sort of at a crossroads in my life. Not sure what I want it to be - alone, with some one, a special someone? I'm doing fine on my own - except, the Joy is missing. I want to find it again...

[sandryplainandsimple]

My word is SIMPLICITY. I long for simplicity in my life! It is my goal to make my life more simple, to be able to enjoy each day in it's small moments...duties as well as pleasures.
Though I have to say I love the word ACCEPTANCE provided by Abby. The words of a song -- Perfect submission. All is at rest. I in my Saviour am happy and blest! -- come to mind. I have a lot of things I need to accept in my life...that I really don't want to! But to have peace, I MUST. Great ideas, guys! Happy New Year to EVERYONE.

Sandry

[Jilly]

My word is BETTER. There are so many things that I would like to do better this year, and this will also be the year of the "better me".

[Leanne]

beloved.

to remind me that I am God's beloved, and he is mine, and if I play about with it, it reminds me to "be love" to others.

this past year has been one of transition for me, so I don't dare set goals, as I still don't know where I'm going, but attitudes, attitudes I can do!

[Dalene]

My word is Prosper after losing my job that I hated I am focusing on what I love doing and hope it will prosper so I can pursue my bliss.

[sam]

This is post, and the link, was just God confirming what he had been putting on my heart all week. I have never been a resolution-type gal but this week I really felt called to pick a word for the new year and work on it in all areas of my life. I didn't even have to think twice about my word, it has been in my heart and mind all week: consistency.

[Tracy J]

My word for the last two years was STILL. As in...be still..in order to enjoy what is happening right now, in order to listen better, to be in the moment. I liked it so much and it helped me so much that I used it a second year. I am thinking for this year CLEAN. Clean and clutter free mind, home, thoughts, spending, body (ie eat healthy.

[Nadine From Nevada]

My word is an acronym: FROG

this is my reminder to:

F-ully
R-ely
O-n
G-od

[Sheila]

I was going to say Trust. I need to put all my trust in God, but I have chosen Remember. There have been so many times that God has been faithful to help me and I need to remember those times when I get stressed out. 2011 will be a big year for our family. My son and Daughter-in-law are expecting their first baby, my first grandchild, a girl. We are all so excited. 2010 was the year that the doctors gave my sister the official diagnosis of ALS so 2011 will be a tough year. She and I will be getting our own apartment as I will be her main caregiver. It is going to be a wonderful and yet heartbreaking year and we all need to remember God's faithfulness.

[Tjbh]

Tracey, I have come to really look forward to checking your blog and am amazed at your determination. This has been a very busy year for you! Thank you for sharing...I have never picked a "word" for the year but this morning, I decided my word for 2011 will be ADJUST! We all have things we are going through and the past year has been a different one for me and I will keep ADJUST in front of me. Have a wonderful New Year ahead and God bless...

[Marsha]

I could have many words for 2011. I, too, could use a little "balance", but I think my word for 2011 is CELEBRATE. I want to celebrate every day God has given me as He meant it to be - a gift. I want to be able to celebrate each and every day no matter what it brings, whether joy or sadness.

[Ellen]

My word this year is CREATE. Creativity has taken a nose dive as I've dealt with issues with elderly parents. I miss it terribly.

[Priscilla]

preparedness (ready to help those who need me)

[Andrea]

My word is warmth. Last year was "architecture" as I created the infrastructure to support this new life of mine. That, it turns out is the project of more than a year ;) However, this year I want to focus on warmth, both literal and figurative. I live where it's cold and my house is a drafty 125 year old dear of a thing, but... cold. I'm going to work to fix that in a structural way, but also adding curtains and color and other "warm" things. I also mean warmth metaphorically in the sense of my relationships with people, having my home be a welcoming place, even things like knitting can be folded into "warmth."

I also want to have this year be the fittest year of my life and couldn't figure out what that had to do with warmth. My daughter said, "Easy!. You'll be hot when you've accomplished that." I almost spit out my champagne from laughing so hard, but.... I'll give it a shot.

[amber]

"Positive" is my word. I always thought I was a happy person, but lately I've realized that I've turned into a worrier. Sort of a pessimist. Often thinking the worst. I am recognizing that I tend to be that way and am conciously trying to choose the opposite. Thanks for the giveaway!

Amber
adctd2qultng@gmail.com

[SueZ]

~CONTENTMENT~
Being "content" no matter what the circumstances...knowing everything happens for a reason and drawing strength from the reality that it's all going to work together for good!

[Katherine McKamey]

My word last year was Peace and when I was starting to look for signs of my word for this coming year I kept finding Peace in unexpected places and during unexpected events - that being said I think Peace isn't ready to let go of me yet. I think I need to continue living with it as my word of the year for another year. So that is what I'm going to do. There are still so many ways I need Peace in my life and I know I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of what it should mean to me. I'm okay with having the same word two years in a row. It will be enlightening, I'm sure.

[Elizabeth]

My word for 2011 is HOPE. God has promised us a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11. I love your blog and love your space at Camas Antiques...my favorite store!
Elizabeth
http://www.justfollowingjesus.com

[Maggie Dee]

My word is PRESENT. To live one day at a time. It's in my DNA to be a worrier. I'm chosing this year to let each day take care of itself. My worrying has never given me anything but anxiety and taken away the joy that I could be experiencing.

I think this is my first comment here even though I visit everyday. I love your blog!

[Kristen]

I like your word. I need that too.

My word is Renew. I want to remember to renew daily and seek joy. I gave up too much joy and peace this year.

Kristen
searchforgod@yahoo.com

[scrappy jessi]

Hey Doll
"Happy New Year!"
Have a Fab 2011!
oxoxo,
Jessi

[Debbie]

Blessed...thats what I am. Debbie

[Susan]

CALM.... I also obsess and over-do. As the mother of 4 (2 that just moved back in)... My word this year will be to stay CALM...I will try.

[pam]

I hadn't really thought about a word.. seems a lot like a resolution. But for right at this moment I think I'll try Enjoy. Sometimes I neglect to do that. Like enjoy the moment.

Happy New Year. I look forward to following you in your journey. You are a lovely inspiration for living.

[Sarah]

Great Post Tracey.. Perfect post.
I was talking to a lady in her 70's this morning at Jazzercise about this topic... We concluded it's better to be with a few close friends and a simple occasion rather than a big to-do.
I loved reading these comments.
My word for the year is Free. My big D was finalized in April. so this year.. I'm freeing myself from the ball and chain that kept me down.. free from the guilt others try to inflict on me. and most importantly free to finally be the person i want to be.

[cindy b.]

My word is going to be "LAUGH". Happy New Year Tracey!!!!

[Tracey]

Okay people, a couple of you took the words right out of my mouth...so I will choose "Bliss." To follow it, or chase it down and stuff it in my pocket... to create it in all aspects of my life, and to give a little bliss to others as I pass by. You never know when a few kind words can lift a person out of the sadness they might be feeling to a place of bliss, even if just for a few moments.

Happy New Year Tracey...

From ~ Tracey { I don't know why mom insisted on giving us the same name, downright confusing }....Lol