I am sitting here, at 4pm, stuck in bed with the flu. Not quite the start to 2012 I was hoping for! Flu aside, I am really excited for the start of a new year.
Every new year I select one word to help guide my year. 2011 my word was “happiness”. I read and was inspired by The Happiness Project and it seemed only natural to focus my 2011 on intentional happiness. My “Happiness Reports” will continue into 2012, but my word is going to change.
For 2012 my word is CONNECT.
I want to spend time developing relationships and connecting with others on a deeper level. I want to connect with my husband through (at least) monthly date nights. I want to connect with my kids by spending more one on one time with them. I want to connect with my friends, making getting together with them regularly a priority. I want to spend time with my family…visit them more. I want to find blogs that move me and spend more time reading them. I want to engage my mind… read more, take more photos, live life vibrantly.
As a visual reminder of my 2012 word, I ordered a stamped metal bracelet from The Rusted Chain. On my bracelet will be the word “Connect”. Beki has generously offered to give one lucky Dine & Dish reader a 2012 word bracelet as well! To enter the giveaway for a stamped metal cuff bracelet from The Rusted Chain, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what your focus word is for 2012.
For additional entries:
- Become a fan of The Rusted Chain on Facebook
- Tweet the following “I hope to set my 2012 intentions in metal by winning a bracelet from The Rusted Chain & @DineandDish http://bit.ly/wmEchi “
All entries must be received by midnight, CST on Tuesday, January 9th, 2012. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified via valid email address.
Laura says
My focus word for 2012 is STRIVE.
http://trainsandtutus.com/?p=2300
Laura says
P.S. I hope you feel better soon!
Roberta Whitley says
I hope you don’t mind, but I think your word selection for 2012 is fantastic & I am seriously considering that it will also be mine! Thanks for the chance to “connect” with you & your readers – its going to be interesting & fun here! Thanks also for the chance to win!
Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
I hope you are feeling better soon, being sick is no fun (and since I’m currently battling morning sickness I can definitely commiserate.)
Amy says
Lovely bracelet!
“Abundantly” is my word for the year.
Dawn says
My 2012 Focus word is “DELVE.””
sharon barry says
IMPROVE!
rebecca Garcia says
I picked two… Connect and complete.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
My word is RELAX. I have a very hard time doing this seemingly simple thing. I am go-go-go all the time. With just a year and a half left in graduate school, the stress is only going to get worse. Seeing the word relax on my wrist could be a great reminder!
Sheila @E2g says
Focus. It was the first thing that came to mind. Focus on family, loving better, laughing more. Focus on the things in life that matter and not letting worry and guilt distract.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I tweeted about the giveaway!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I liked the Rusted Chain Jewelry on Facebook
Tricia Marble says
Discipline ~ I want to be disciplined in how I spend my time, disciplined in my finances and disciplined in how I treat myself (exercise, food, etc).
Thank you for a chance to win one of these beautiful bracelets!
Tricia Marble says
I also “liked” The Rusty Chain on Facebook
Carla Bornhoft says
ACCEPTANCE
Lauren says
What a great idea. Connect works for so many of the themes of my life right now, but my word for 2012 is “leap”. I’m ridiculously excited for this year, and a touch nervous about what it holds. Happy New Year, Kristen!
heather k miller says
Blessed is my focus word!
*Just Fran* says
My word for 2012 is PEACE. The past couple years have been a pretty rough journey, at times, and I hope to have the peace to weather what ever the road for 2012 may bring.
Melanie says
My word is happiness. Wish I could say dont sweat the small stuff in one word!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Well my word for this next year I think is going to be savor. I want to savor every moment and every delicious bite.
Jen says
My 2012 focus word is, Breathe.
TidyMom says
Hope you feel better soon Kristen!!
I”m going to steel your word from last year………”Happiness”
TidyMom says
I tweeted!
Sally says
My word is TRUST.
Sally says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/sallykelly1/status/154373931602690049
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Tweeted!
Sally says
I already am a fan of The Rusted Chain on facebook.
Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen) says
TRUST is my word for 2012. I don’t give it up easily and take on too many things myself that others could totally help with.
Cate O'Malley says
My word (or phrase) actually for the year is Love, Love Big. Coined by my daughter the other day. http://sweetnicks.com/weblog/2012/01/new-year-randomness-and-loving-big/
judith says
LIVE is my word for 2012.
lorene holbrook says
my word for 2012 is simplify
lorene holbrook says
I am a fan of rusted chain on facebook…..
jenn says
My word is Serenity
jenn says
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/jenzen69/status/154379025022849024
jenzen69atyahoodotcom
jenn says
like rusted chain on fb
jenzen69atyahoodotcom
Michelle @ Taste As You Go says
With so many words to choose from, I’m going to go with “balance” as my word for 2012.
jules p says
I guess my word for 2012 will be….patience. I do not have enough patience with my children, husband, even myself.
Michelle @ Taste As You Go says
Tweeted! @tasteasyougo 🙂
jules p says
I liked Rusted Chain on facebook
Stephanie says
My word is Balance. Rest up and feel better soon!
Babs says
My word would be growth.
carolinaheartstrings says
Love the bracelet. My word for 2012 is Gratitude!!!!!
Kelli says
My word is ENJOY
I want to enjoy life and all I have been given and worked hard for–my family, my home and the goals we have obtained
Amy McElroy says
Love your word for the year Kristen…and love this jewelry! Already saved the website for future purchases!
My words for the year are: Life is Good!
MaryBeth says
I’ve been thinking about my “word” for 2012. I think it will be FEARLESS. Not the daredevil type of fearless, but rather the “do not be afraid” type of fearless. Yep…I’m going to be fearless in 2012. Best w
Laurie says
My word for 2012 will most definitely be PEACE.
Amy Kempf says
While there are many things I am trying to improve in my life, I am working on being more self-disciplined in a lot of areas this year.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Focus word: Excel
(in all that I do, in all that I put my mind to…just excel.)
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
FB fan of theirs now
Claygirlsings says
My word for 2012 is surrender. Hopefully, I’ll blog about it soon.
Mary Beth Hunt says
My word is DO.
I’m tired of wishing……..
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says
I think my focus word for 2012 should be “peace.” Both internal and external.
Claygirlsings says
I like The Rusted Chain on Facebook.
– Janice S.
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says
I also tweeted the giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/ChipChipHooray/status/154389795211186176
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says
And I’m now a fan of The Rusted Chain on Facebook.
Cheryl says
My word for the year will be Gratitude. I have started writing random thank you notes to people in my life and hope to maintain a goal of 3 – 4 per week for the year.
Amy says
My word for the year is Balance. Although I love your word connect. I am trying to not live at work and take care of me as well as everyone else. I want to find that balance in my physical being and spiritual self.
I hope I will get to meet you Face to Face when I come out west to see my kidlet.
Kelly S. says
My word for 2012 is Focus. I want to focus on regaining my sense of self which has been lost over the last few years. I want to focus on spending more intentional/less distracted time with my kids, and I want to focus on building my own business.
Elle Hyson says
I think I need two words for 2012 – keep going – to continue to confound the doctors who gave me four months ten years ago –
Happy New Year to you and yours Kristen and I hope you get over the flu quickly – my husband came down with it today and I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Elle Hyson says
I liked The Rusted Chain on Facebook
Pam Kennedy says
My word is reduce
Rachel Cort says
My word for 2012 is Mindfulness. I want to create a habit of mindfulness–of what I am doing, saying, thinking, feeling…my goal is a more intentional way of being.
Rachel Cort says
Just liked the Facebook page!
Kelly Ulven says
My focus word for 2012 is joy. Something that no one can take from you. It is internal and emanates outward.
SherryG says
No Regrets. It was given to me by a friend the day my mother died last August.
Tracy Cooper says
My word is fitness. I am hoping to become more physically fit during 2012.
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
My focus for 2012 is exactly that: Focus. To focus on the things that bring peacefulness, happiness and closer to my monetary and career related goals.
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
I like the Rusted Chain Jewelry on Facebook.
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
I tweeted about the giveaway!
Deb says
For 2012 my word is “trust”. Thanks for the exercise in clarity!
Heidi says
My word for 2012 is ‘complete’. I have started so many things over the years and never finished them. This year I will follow through! It also speaks to me in many other ways.
Rose Mary says
I hope to find more time to be creative!!!!
Jill G says
Breathe
Michelle Hudiburg says
I chose the word discipline for this year. I have such a horrible time finishing what I begin and I know it stems from a lack of discipline in my life. So, I’m setting out on a road to claim Proverbs 15:31-33. I want to welcome discipline so I can gain wisdom and follow the path the Lord has laid out for my life.
Alison C says
My word is peace. I had the family fill out a New Years form and the first blank was to write one word. Peace came to mind – with four 13 year olds, three cats, one dog, and one husband, I never seem to have any peace!
Thanks for the chance to win!
dee-ann says
my focus word this year is “hokey pokey”
my post about why I chose this word:
http://deeannchibry.com/wordpress/?p=4609
I hope you feel better soon and Happy New Year.
take care,
Dee-Ann
THERESA E says
CHERISH IS MY NEW WORD FOR THE YEAR. I WANT TO CHERISH THE TIME THAT I DO HAVE WITH MY FAMILY AND FOR WHATEVER AMOUNT OF TIME THAT WE HAVE.
Marla says
My word for 2012 is Courage because I am opening a new business – a bakery cafe. It has been my dream for many years & I’m finally seeing it happen!!
Marla says
I follow the Rusted Chain on facebook!
Marla says
I tweeted!!
Misty says
My word for this year is “PRESENT”. Would love a reminder to stay in the moment, and fully participate in my life!
Dana says
smile 🙂
Bee says
My focus word… success. I have a lot that I want to do with my life, and I need to take steps to make it what I want it to be.
naomi says
My 2012 is ReDiscover. My love for playing the piano, creating (I want to learn to mosaic and make candles), the city I live in … so many things can be preceded by the word “Rediscover”
Yep – that’s my word.
Mia says
My word is “persistence” for 2012. Keep going and just don’t stop. <3
Mia says
I tweeted! @miacupcake
Jenniffer Hernandez says
My word this year is “Heal”. It’s been a seriously rough 6 years and this year begins my time for healing.
Averiesmom says
My word is “Hope.”
Averiesmom says
I became a fan of “The Rusted Chain” on Facebook
Averiesmom says
I tweeted the statement written in the article. Thanks!
Annie says
my focus word is WEDDING…this is the year for planning it and doing the things i want to do before it happens 🙂
Katie | Healthnut Foodie says
My word for 2012 is “Intentional”.
Di says
How funny to see this post from you! Just yesterday a college friend of mine had a similar post about picking a single word to define what you want out of this year. I’ve decided that my word for this year is FOCUS. I looked through a lot of different words for ideas, but this one really spoke to me. Now to figure out where I want to go with it…
Deb C says
My word for this year is Achieve…to strive for all my personal goals.
Deb C says
I liked The Rusted Chain on FB!
Natalie says
Santa gave the littles each a word for this year. Gabriel – Believe, Ethan – Joy, and Summer – Dream. I think that I am going to choose Hope for me because I do have so much hope for what is in store for my sweet family in 2012.
Happy New Year!
Natalie says
I tweeted.
Natasha Hudnall says
Perseverance
Natasha Hudnall says
liked Rusted Chain on FB
Megan says
My word is “focus”. I quit my job at the end of September and I feel like I’ve been drifting the past three months instead of working on the projects I quit my job to do. I read The Happiness Project last year, and I think it will help me divide up my focus into smaller pieces. I don’t know if I will report on it every month, but it might help keep me accountable!
Michelle says
I’ve picked out a New Year’s word for the last several years. Some past words include passion, happiness and peace. This year my word is FUN. I want to spend more time having fun—date nights with my husband, playing games with my kids, getting together with my friends and neighbors for drinks, expanding my new business and meeting new people, following my passions, traveling, reading, writing and baking. Life is short and I want to try and experience as much as possible by simply living and enjoying it.
Sean says
I think my focus workd for the new year is HAPPINESS.
Sean says
I like the Rustic Chain on FB.
Alina says
Liked the Rustic Chain on Facebook.
Alina says
My focus word would have to be INSPIRE
Courtney A. says
INTENTIONAL…the one word that will mold me and fold me and bring me to my knees in 2012…
Maria says
Gratitude
The Hungry Housewife says
Sorry you are sick…seems like everyone has the flu right now 🙁
I want to be more organized this year!
Desi says
I have several words that I love and really resignate with me…. your word from last year “happiness”… “grateful” because I need to stop wishing for more and realize what I do have… “cherish” because I want to cherish every day, even the little things, I want to cherish my successes, and my relationships. And lastly “blessed” because again, I am so very blessed and I would love a reminder on my bracelet 🙂
Maggy@ThreeManyCooks says
Integrity. Purpose. Vision.
Irina G (Fit Flexitarian) says
My word for 2012 is THRIVE.
I also liked The Rusted Chain on FB and Tweeted. Thanks! 🙂
Karen P says
My focus word is Gratitude!
wendy says
I have two words for 2012: patience (for my work life) and love (for my personal life).
samW says
organize
Jackie Gordon Singing Chef says
My word for the year is YES! Whatever the question the answer is “YES!”
LyB says
I love the idea of choosing a word to guide us throughout the year. I had such a hard time choosing mine but “mindfulness” feels pretty right. Most of the time I am so rushed with everything I need to do that I don’t actually take time to savor the moments, every little moment. So, mindfulness it is this year!
LyB says
I liked The Rusted Chain on Facebook 🙂
Susan says
Hope you are feeling better. My word for 2012 is EMBRACE.
I want to embrace the time I have left with my teenagers before they leave to start their own lives as well as the chaos that includes. I want to embrace the time with my husband as we become re-acquainted during this start of the next phase of our life together.
lulujohnboy says
Healthy !
Rebecca says
My word is SUCCESS!
Jill says
BELIEVE!!!
Alicia says
Unwind. I need to learn to be less stressful.
Kari says
My word for 2012 is going to be Faith!
susan says
I think my word would be commitment.
susan
susie.galasso@triad.rr.com
susan says
I like the Rusted Chain on FB.
susan
susie.galasso@gmail.com
chantal says
Strength
Amy says
My word would be PATIENCE
Laura Spragge says
Change
Mandy says
Creativity
bianca says
Oh my WORD (no pun intended)! I love this novel idea of a word for the year – that is so much easier to keep track of than a list of resolutions!!! I might just follow suite and come up with a word…oh but there are so many great words in my mind! Perhaps that is a sign my word should be SIMPLIFY. Yes, I love that!
Krissy says
My focus word for 2012 is “Patience”.
Thanks for a great giveaway. 🙂
Krissy says
I became a fan of The Rusted Chain on Facebook…..
jacquie says
perservere
Robin says
Bliss
Laura says
You are the first person I’ve come across with the same word as me…connection. That’s something I really want to be more intentional about this year.
Melissa @ Baking For The Boys says
Liked on FB!
Melissa @ Baking For The Boys says
I know this isn’t one word, but for weeks I have been thinking about the phrase “free yourself” I love it, takes me back to the days of all day hiking & scenic views.
Jen at The Three Little Piglets says
Mine would have to be peace. This needs to be the year I find peace! I loved The Happiness Project – such a great way to focus your energies on redefining the pieces of your life that you’re a little less than happy with.
Jen at The Three Little Piglets says
I liked The Rusted Chain on Facebook…
Jen Hegemann says
I liked the rusted chain on Facebook
Jen Hegemann says
my word would have to be LOVE.
Kim Miklos says
LIVE!
Susan says
My word would be CHERISH.
Catherine says
My word for the year is HOPE! Without hope, all is lost.
Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet says
My word for 2012 is Joy. If it’s not bringing me Joy, I’m not doing it. The End. 🙂 Great post and great giveaway!!! Happy New Year.
xoxo
Heather
Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet says
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/FarmgirlGourmet/statuses/154970528610926593
Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet says
Liked Rusted Chain on FB.
Joy says
Positive
Peggy says
I would pick Love.
Cat says
My word of 2012 is Believe
Cat says
I like the Rusted Chain on FB
Cat says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/picatasi/status/155004392691613696
Lorelei says
Acceptance will be my word for 2012.
jessie says
FAMILY.
Micaela P. says
my word in 2012 will be WHOLENESS.
Micaela P. says
I follow The Rusted Chain on Facebook
mary fanara coleman says
I like The Rusted Chain on Facebook
mary fanara coleman says
My Focus word for 2012 is surrender.
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
OK, I love your word! And the meaning behind it. I think my word for this year is “Focus”. I’m going to need lots of it!
Would love to win a bracelet. Thanks!
teresa says
listen
I like The Rusted Chain on Facebook
Eliece says
My word(s)/motto is/are self discipline.
Laura G. says
FAMILY
ter@waaoms says
My word for 2012 is Emerge. You can read about it here: http://waaoms.blogspot.com/2012/01/word-of-year-2012.html
ter@waaoms says
I tweeted @waaoms
Erin from Long Island says
my words for the new year are achieve and accomplish. with a new apartment and a new joblessness, i have a lot to do on these two fronts!
Erin from Long Island says
fan of The Rusted Chain on Facebook
erin neu
Erin from Long Island says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/erunuevo/status/155150783850086400
Lynn BB says
I think my word needs to be “balance”
MyCoCreations says
My word for the year is CREATIVITY! 🙂
Beyunka says
My word is growth.
Shaina says
I want your word: Connect. Another one I could use is Interact. I fail so often at the give-and-take of relationships. The introvert in me crawls into a small, dark corner and hides from that. This year I hope to prioritize trying to put myself out there more in an attempt to really, truly connect and interact with people who may even consider me a friend someday.
Paige says
I relate to your word connect and also this year for me “renew”
Shannon says
My word is REAL. Getting back to basics. Real food. Real realtionships. Real excercise. Real Life.
Delani says
My focus word for 2012 is TIME – to remind myself to spend more time with my children, to make a conscious effort perfecting the art of being on time, to gauge my available time wisely in order to accomplish my goals, and so on. My relationship with the clock has suffered this past year and must be rewound. 🙂 A beautiful bracelet would be an awesome reminder of my intentions for the year. Thank you!
Shannon says
I am a new fan of The Rusted Chain on Facebook .
Shannon says
Also tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/Shandon00/status/155462827514138625
Kel says
That is neat! My word would be thankfulness.
Holly Marble says
Intentional is my word. I want to be intentional about everything I do! Stop wasting time and be intentional about being with my family, the words I say, the activities I involve myself in.
Holly Marble says
I “liked” The Rusty Chain on FB also.
Niki says
“Courage” to make my dreams a reality
Niki says
I’m a fan of the Rusted Chain on fb now 🙂
lrigh says
my word is also connect, thank you.
leigj says
my worl would also be connect, thank you.
Michelle Wright says
I liked on FB.
Tricia Marble says
Tough choices. I would have t o say Intentional. These is my word I am focusing on! I want to be intentional with everything… how I spend my time, the words I say to my family and friends and the lessons I teach my children.
Brandi says
my word is “Future”
Brandi says
I am now a fan of The Rusted Chain” on facebook 🙂
Chelsea says
My Word is Listen…to remind me to be quite and listen to others, to the beautiful laughter of my children, to the sound of my husband saying I love you..to my friends when they talk about thier lives so I can be the best friend for them, but most of all to Listen to God and what he is telling me to do and to be able to hear what he wants from me.
Chelsea says
I like the Rusted Chain on FB!
Chrissy says
My focus word for 2012 is “blessings”. I have been very blessed these past few years and I am continuing to feel the blessings pour over me.
Chrissy says
liked the Rusted Chain on FB!
Chrissy says
Tweeted the giveaway! Thank you for sharing these great pieces of jewelry!
Leigh H says
Enjoy!
Leigh H says
Liked The Rusted Chain on FB!
Sandy W says
My focus word is selflessness