One Little Word – February
My One Little Word – February “lesson” is done! February is the month to envision how your word fits into your life and heart.
For those who may not know, Ali Edward’s One Little Word is a year-long project for self-improvement. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, you choose one word to focus on throughout the year. This word serves as a guide, shaping your intentions for the days, weeks, and months ahead.
To learn more about why I chose the word “Open” and how I completed the January activities, visit my post, “One Little Word – January.”
One Little Word – February
This Month I Will . . .
This month, I’ve added a new card – “This Month I Will”. At the start of each month, I’ll select something to do that month that aligns with my word.
In February, I decided to focus on getting out more. Typically, I spend February indoors and avoid going out. I struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and February is particularly challenging for me. By this time, the excitement of the new year has faded, and it’s yet another month of cold, short days.
My focus for February is to venture outdoors more to help me resist the urge to hibernate indoors.
Having Fun With My Word
This month I wanted to have a bit of fun with my word. I used it as a reminder to be open and embrace my true self.
A Personal Manifesto
This month’s focus is on creating a vision board. Although I’ve made a vision board in the past, it hasn’t proven effective for me. Despite being a visual person who benefits from tangible reminders, a vision board just doesn’t seem to work.
This year, I’ve decided to try something different: a personal manifesto and affirmations.
Upon researching what a personal manifesto entails, I found a common definition: “A personal manifesto is a collection of statements that serve as guiding principles for your life. It helps you remain authentic to your values, aspirations, and intentions.”
We all have a values, goals and life intentions but we don’t always put them into words. For most of us, these aspects remain vague, undefined, and exist primarily in our minds.
Throughout February, the idea of creating a personal manifesto lingered in my thoughts. Sometimes I consciously considered it, but mostly, the concept brewed in my subconscious. Interestingly, I find that when I allow my mind to naturally process, I end up with exactly what I want.
And that’s exactly what happened for me this month!
I have always felt what people believed and how they lived their lives is their choice, provided they do not attempt to impose them on me. And I certainly should not try to force my lifestyle and beliefs onto others. Have I always succeeded in this? Unfortunately I have to admit I haven’t. There were times in my life when I let others’ narrow-minded philosophies influence my beliefs.
My Personal Manifesto
I want to share my ideas and beliefs without making someone feel that I’m imposing on them. And try to be open-minded and accept other’s differences and lifestyles even if I don’t agree with them, as long as no one is being hurt. I want to learn from my mistakes and make the experience positive.
This is the motto I want to live the rest of my life by!!
Positive Affirmations
The next part of what I decided to make February’s One Little Word about was positive affirmations. If you’re not familiar with them, positive affirmations are phrases or statements used to challenge negative thoughts and promote positive changes.
Battlefield of the Mind
Joyce Meyer, an American Charismatic Christian author, wrote a book called Battlefield of the Mind. The book is faith-based and contains many references to God’s Word. But even if you don’t live a faith lifestyle, don’t let this stop you from picking up this book and reading it! There are so many awesome takeaways in this book!
A statement that really hit home for me and has stayed with me years after reading her book is that the mind often feels like a battlefield. Our thoughts fluctuate between positivity and self-doubt, with our logic and emotions constantly at odds.
Joyce’s book discusses breaking free from patterns of negative thinking, how developing positive patterns is within reach and how to take control of your mind. Winning the battle of your mind is crucial to reshaping your life!
Joyce Meyer is not the only one who advocates for positive affirmations. The Mentalhelp.net website states, “Positive affirmations work by replacing negative thought patterns with healthier ways of thinking. They can have a positive impact on the brain and body.” Other websites discussing positive affirmations include PositivePsychology.com and WebMD. Therefore, it’s a scientific fact that positive affirmations can be life-changing!
My Positive Affirmations
I’ve created positive affirmations to help shift my mindset and foster a more optimistic lifestyle.
- I focus on the positive and find something to be grateful about every day.
- I am conscientious and diligent.
- When I start a task or project, I stay focused until I complete it.
- I am open-minded and considerate.
- I have the courage to step outside my comfort zone to tackle the items on my Bucket List.
- I have the focus and energy to follow through with whatever I want and decide to do.
To change my thought patterns, I’ll remind myself of these affirmations throughout the day. I’ve printed them and placed copies in several locations – my daily planner, my work calendar, the end table for reading over morning tea, my nightstand to read before bedtime, and in my phone.
Will I see immediate change? I hope so, but if I don’t, I won’t become discouraged. After all, I’m on the battlefield of my mind, and victory will require a substantial fight.
High Fives to Me!
My “Story” for February involves Tigger and me embarking on two more short hikes. Our first adventure was exploring the Front Royal Trails. Our next outdoor adventure took us to Blandy Experimental Farm, where we celebrated the beautiful day with a hike and our first picnic. Being outside, even on a chilly day, lifted our spirits.
If the concept of living with a word resonates with you and you’re interested in joining me on this journey, I highly recommend Ali Edward’s One Little Word class. This class offers monthly lessons and exercises designed to help you connect deeply with your chosen word and guide you throughout the year. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with you all. Here’s to a year of personal growth and embracing change
I’m eager to know your word for 2024 and your experience with it. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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