iChoose

I first became aware of the one word movement on another blog. And then I saw it on a couple others and I really wanted to be a part of it. But, I couldn't think of a word. Then, on Thursday I went to a Homemakers Association meeting. These meetings are kind of like Relief Society without the prayers. Women getting together to do some good, have some fun, and try to help themselves be a little bit better. This time we had a speaker who happens to be in my ward and is also a friend of my sisters. She spoke about the types of questions we ask ourselves and the answers we give. For example, "Why did I say that to that person? Response: Because I'm too dumb to think of something smart." So, then she talked about how to talk nice to ourselves and she said something that really clicked. She said when she starts this type of self talk, she says to herself, "Stop! I choose to believe that..." and then she finishes the sentence in a positive way. I really liked this idea! I let it percolate, as the one word movement starter suggests to do with words. The only problem is, I couldn't get it down to one word. I didn't like just choise, or just choose, and then it dawned on me. If we can have iTunes and iPods and iPhones then I can have iChoose!

I choose!

...how I feel, how I act, how I react, what I eat, what I read, what I watch, etc., etc., etc...

I was able to use it today when feeling a little self conscious of my bowling skills at a fairly busy alley. I thought to myself, iChoose to do my best, and darned if I didn't score a 118! How good is that! (rhetorical, please don't answer) But it freed me from worrying about the lady next to us who was pretty good, John who's not half bad, and my own self telling me I looked funny in my purple and white bowling shoes. I've thought quite a bit about this iChoose thing since Thursday and I really like the idea of it all.

And isn't that what life's all about? Ever heard of Choose the Right? I realize this is not new or ground breaking, but it does make me feel in control of things again. I read about a lady who took a vow of yellibacy, where she choose to not yell for a week, and she was really surprised that she was able to do it. It really is all in your head. So, my word for the year is iChoose, although my teacher self is going to have to really write it as I Choose for the rest of my life after this post :)

Incidentally, last year I chose a phrase (all on my own!) and it was this, "What's the most important thing?" In this way I could guage what it was I should be doing. Sometimes dishes won, sometimes playing with the kids won, sometimes serving someone else won. It really helped me to put things in perspective quickly! So, I guess you could choose a phrase if you had to!

What's your word (or phrase...I always have to add my own thing, don't I!)?

(If you don't want to go to the website I've included her thoughts here)
"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."
Also from that same newsletter:
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word. One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities." --Ali Edwards