one little word
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word of the year 2020
As is now my custom, at the start of the year I chose one little word. I do this rather than make resolutions because quite honestly my resolutions would probably be the same every year! Instead, picking a word allows me to encapsulate my intentions for the year ahead. Focusing on a word gives me drive to achieve my goals and I can reflect on it daily.
Should you be interested, you can read about my previous picks and feel free to adopt any of the following words for your 'one little word' if they speak to you:
2019 ~ Fortitude
2018 ~ Centre
2017 ~ Shift
2016 ~ Enthusiasm
2015 ~ More
2014 ~ Better
This year my word was going to be 'no'. Quite honestly I need to focus on things that things that help me grow, that benefit me somehow; stretch my capacity or expand my purpose. Too often I say yes to everything, whether it's out of duty or even just because it's 'new and shiny' and I want to join in the fun. That's alright but (I am stopping myself right here, as this is part of the problem. I am getting off track with my ambitions, and convincing myself that other projects aren't distractions is false). Working on other projects, agreeing to things that take time and energy, can be at the expense of time working on my own ideas and that time is important if I am going to make my designs a reality and accomplish my dream.
There's also that standard voice inside, the one that creeps up saying 'you can't do it'!
Makes us stronger
I cannot tell you how very important the word of the year has been for me. Especially this past year. My word for 2018 was 'centre' and I did a good job of staying centred, to pay attention to what was affecting me and focusing on the core of what I wanted to achieve.
This year is really one of new beginnings, lifestyle changes and even more attention on that determination to make each day my own. I set my intentions for the year, this year it seems to be smaller and simple ideas that have taken priority. The little ways I can enjoy my time, which we all know can make a big difference.
Being present is going to play a big part in achieving this, not getting absorbed in social media too much and trying to make the most of each day. That doesn't mean the endless to do lists (which I constantly have) but finding a small amount of time for the things that bring me joy. For me that's mostly silence, reading, writing and of course sewing. These things I can do for just a few minutes - mostly any where. It's like a reset for my mind that gives me great inner strength. It would be nice to not put as much pressure on myself, not feel so hectic and (I can't think of a better word...) chill.
Being present is going to play a big part in achieving this, not getting absorbed in social media too much and trying to make the most of each day. That doesn't mean the endless to do lists (which I constantly have) but finding a small amount of time for the things that bring me joy. For me that's mostly silence, reading, writing and of course sewing. These things I can do for just a few minutes - mostly any where. It's like a reset for my mind that gives me great inner strength. It would be nice to not put as much pressure on myself, not feel so hectic and (I can't think of a better word...) chill.
It isn't just about relaxing though, it's far more than that. Switching off and focusing on what's in front of me is empowering. It makes me more 'me'.
As I thought about my one word for the year, the word that would lead me back to my intentions, I realised it had to be something strong. My word for 2019 is 'fortitude'. For me that suggests inner strength, staying focusing and being bold but that doesn't have to mean loud. I like that the word gives me courage and yet it also has a sense of stillness.
It encapsulates how I'm feeling and how I want to continue the year. Being strong, motivated, challenging myself and having strength of mind. I aim to work hard, always being thankful for the blessings I have and to make the most of my creativity. I have specific goals within the three categories that are listed out in my vision board above. They are quite personal so I've decided not to share them here but my overall goals are to have 'create, health and quiet' be at the forefront of my decisions and actions. The whole vibe I get from looking at my vision board makes me really happy and I'm keeping it where I can look at it daily and be inspired.
I am feeling very positive and tenacious about my life right now and what's ahead in 2019.
This year began with a big change, last week I started my new full time job at Janome as Customer Service/Education Assistant. The UK office and Training Centre are based nearby in Stockport and I'm very happily settling in to my new routine. I will continue to do workshops at Patchfinders and am looking forward to teaching at the Purple Stitches retreat this March. There may well be other classes coming soon and all the information about my classes can be found HERE so keep an eye on that!
Of course I will be sewing, click here to see a list of the projects I'm hoping to work on - mostly some old favourites I hope to finish.
I am daring myself to grow stronger, to have spirit in the things I do and create. To be gleeful and mischievous, to be authentically me and have fortitude in all that I do.
Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year and a joyous 2019!
L-I-V-I-N
I have started 2018 with a kick ass mentality. Each year I chose a word, one that will guide me, give me focus and inspire the way I live.
intent...
New year is always filled with hope and promise, it's a time to reflect and set your goals and intentions for the coming year. I like to start by choosing one little word for the year - you can read more about this here.
My word for 2016 was enthusiasm and I do think I have approached things enthusiastically this past year; I have said 'yes' when I might have been scared, danced around, been excited about my sewing projects and been creative every day. Previously I have chosen more and better as my word for the year.
This year I would like to make changes - not all huge but the kind of changes I can incorporate into daily life. To focus on my goals and to do the things I need to do in order to be happy, healthy and filled up with creativity.
There were a few words I could have chosen but when I thought of this one it felt so perfect!
I interpret this in a few ways but mostly it's about changes. Shifting how I think - to keep my focus, so I can stay on track with my goals (I tend to wander a lot!) and see the opportunities to grow.
There are times I have to say no to projects and admit that I can't do everything (even when I want to). Being realistic with my time and priorities is important. Having said that I need to be sure that I am not doubting myself or turning things down because I feel like I'm not good enough/deserving/important. I want to chose to do what excites me and be bold. At these times I need to look inward, to really trust myself and have confidence. When I am mindful, living in the moment and concentrating on now (rather than worrying about the future), good things happen. Everything is clearer and less stressful.
'Shift' will remind me to get rid of all the external noise and anchor me. I want to be clear about what I want to achieve and the steps I need to take for that to happen.
I also want to use the word to encourage me to actually move. On New Year's Eve I made a vision board and one of the quotes I stuck on it was 'strong is the new pretty'. This year I plan on getting strong by exercising, I know how much better I feel when my body is healthy. I have to shift my arse literally.
Change has always scared me but 'shift' seems more manageable and optimistic in my mind. I have been telling myself to "get a shift on" so I can finish projects and stop procraftinating ;)
Shift is a constructive push, like 'just do it'. The shift key arrow points upwards and that's how it makes me feel, I can go onwards and upwards.
I'm feeling really positive about the year ahead and 'shift' is going to help me be clear, focused and moving!
Have you chosen a word for 2017?
Shift is a constructive push, like 'just do it'. The shift key arrow points upwards and that's how it makes me feel, I can go onwards and upwards.
I'm feeling really positive about the year ahead and 'shift' is going to help me be clear, focused and moving!
Have you chosen a word for 2017?
one little word
I like having a focus, one word to inspire and keep me motivated for 2016.
My word for 2014 was 'better', I worked on my sewing skills and learned new techniques. 2015 was 'more', becoming more me and creating more happiness - I feel like I achieved that in most things and I will continue to maintain that happy mindfulness.
There is part of me that is very traditional (quite boring actually) - I like order, routine and being at home. I'm okay with that about myself, I function better when I have a schedule and to do lists! I am very domestic (my husband just said I am like a house cat, in a nice way) but it can cause me to get anxious about going out sometimes. It helps to see friends, get coffee, watch a film, have a date night. I would like to do more of that. There is a need for me to abandon restraints I place on myself and just have fun.
Katie Daisy
Maybe it's also small joys like stickers, dancing and using odd combinations of colours in my sewing - that is my way of cutting loose. It sounds so silly but it's the little things in life! I have so many responsibilities that just having five minutes of doing something fun and frivolous feels really good. Last night I couldn't sleep so I redesigned my blog header and thoroughly enjoyed it.
On New Year's Eve I created a vision board, laying out pictures and words on a huge piece of paper so everyday I can see my goals and work towards them. I want to aim high, taking steps to actually achieve my bigger dreams and not just dreaming about them.
I am happy being me; focused on positive things, being grateful and mindful. Though I would like to be a little bit more unexpected, perhaps even capricious, to inject more passion and energy into my life.
Every day, in everything I do, I want to do it with enthusiasm, so that is my word for 2016.
Wishing you all a joyful year!
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