At the beginning of the year, I posted about my One Little Word: quiet. I had chosen this word for the second year in a row because, quite frankly, it got gotten the proverbial short end of the stick.
So how am I doing this year? Have I paid more attention to my One Little Word, or does it still lay crumpled on the closet floor, crammed between the past-their-prime tennis shoes and the sweater that can’t seem to stay hung no matter which hanger I place it on?
Well…I think I’m doing a little bit better, but I think…I could do a little better.
Here’s what I mean.
I’m starting to take more time in quiet. My gym has a sauna, and I’ve elected to leave my phone or other distractions out when I spend time there.
I’ve started to notice when my mind is going into “busy brain” mode, and I’ve used that noticing to bring myself out of my brain and into my body: what am I feeling, and where?
…but that’s about it.
I’m still distracting myself with noise more often than not. Podcasts seem to be the underlying soundtrack to most of what I do: chores, driving, drifting off to bed.
I think I’d like to disconnect more often: perhaps while walking the dogs? Perhaps at bedtime?
All of which is to say, I’m not ready for another One Little Word yet. I’ll keep this one around, but maybe I’ll pull it from the closet, dust it off, and let it sit next to the rock collection on my dresser.
And you? One Little Worders, how’s it going for you?
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
Thank you for this beautiful photo. It really conveys quiet. Forests aren’t really quiet, but there is stillness. I never picked a word! But this would have been a good one, because like you, I pipe in too much sound. Too much news, too many podcasts, You Tubes, reels, on and on. I love the quiet of a sauna. I could benefit from some sauna meditation. Maybe even tonight!
I really like the way you mention it here. Technically, forests can be noisy places – quieter, maybe, than city or suburban streetscapes, but full of their own sound. Thanks for getting me thinking!
On the plus side, you are making progress. Wit all tat is going on it is hard to find quiet time so any time you are able to turn off and disconnect is a winning situation.
Absolutely! Trick is, being a human solidly stuck in the sandwich generation, my anxiety can never let me disconnect too fully…
but OH! to find moments of quiet. That’s a joy.
This word is perfect. With social media and all the noise around us, quiet is something we need to make the effort to find in our lives. When I go places (my husband’s car, a store, my classroom at times) I crave quiet when the noise doesn’t stop. I’m glad you’re going to keep “quiet” around for a while… at least until you master it!
Thanks! My guess is I’ll never master quiet, but it would be nice to hang out together more often. =)
Your check in showed progress! That is amazing, in my book! I too am trying for some more quiet … although I hadn’t quite articulated that … I have been proud of myself for taking some dog walks recently without my AirPods… Just mindfully walking. Seems like a small step… but it’s big for me!
It IS big, Ona! Let’s take our small (big) steps where we can get ’em!
I have a love/dislike relationship with OLW. This year, it found me, in December! I considered not even having one this year. Like you, I’ve kept one for two years in a row.
I especially enjoyed the image of your word, crumpled on the closet floor. I have one of those sweaters, too, ugg!
I’d give myself an A+ for getting the annual assignment done ahead of time, but a C for maintaining it. My word is surrender. Much more difficult than it sounds.
I like how you’re letting it sit next to your rock collection, but hopefully it’s not between a rock and a hard place.
I agree! I like the opportunity to do it, but not it if feels like an obligation or inconvenience. I guess that’s also why i’ve changed my word mid-year to something that fits me better.
Thanks for noticing the closet comment. That was probably my favorite sentence to write in this post!
Have you read Erling Kagge’s “Silence”? It’s a beautiful book with short texts about the author’s quest for silence. It would go wonderfully with your OLW.
No, but I’m putting it on my “to be read” list. Thank you!