My word for 2017

Ever since 2012 when I heard the concept of choosing a word for the upcoming year instead of making new year resolutions, I was sold and have been doing it ever since.  I put a lot of consideration into choosing my word.  When I feel the word is right I try not to question it's validity I just go with it.

Sit back and let me tell you a little story...

I lived in Wisconsin for a big chunk of my adult life.  Starting in my early 30's I became an avid goal setter.  I learned about this in the time I spent as a Mary Kay consultant.  I would write all my goals down on paper.  Device my 5 year plan projections broken down into smaller increments.  I made my 10 most important things to do list everyday.  I understood the law of averages and lived my life with those in mind.  I will stop with my in-depth explanation here... you get my point, right?

In my early 40's I moved to Flagstaff, AZ where I was introduced to spirituality, not religion, spirituality.  An interesting path began after I read a book called "The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield.  I could go on and on about my adventures after reading this book but that would take on another whole new story.   I met some absolutely amazing people who, I am thankful to say, remain in my life today.

In my mid 40's there was a shift in my life.  I moved from Arizona to Illinois.  I was saddened to leave Arizona for several reasons.  One was I was afraid I would loose my spirituality.  Yet... I am an optimist.  Onward I went.  I clung to the idea that maybe this move was an opportunity to combine my goal setting self with my spiritual self.   As I settled into my new life, well... life happened.  What more can I say?  I can talk a good talk but the truth is I never implemented it.  I just lived my life, which by the way has been good.

I believe, from the very core of my being, that everything happens exactly when it is suppose to happen.  As I was pondering what my word for 2017 would be it came to me in a flash.   My word for 2017 is BALANCE.  It brought tears to my eyes.  This is my time to focus on blending my goal setting self with my spiritual self.

I made this piece of art that begins with:

~blending my conservative self with my free spirited self

~blending the dark times with the light times

~blending spirituality practices with actions

(click to enlarge)

Thank You for all of your support and encouragement.

It wouldn't be the same without YOU!

Beginnings

My word for 2012 is going to be "beginnings".  Beginnings can represent the start of something new or changes in your current life. The creative journey that I'm committed to has totally new and has taken me out of my comfort zone and everything is a beginning. I want to accept those beginnings in a more positive frame instead of always wishing I already knew everything. After all it has been said many times to "enjoy the journey".  I have experienced my share of fumbling at the start of a new project and then there are those times I totally surprised myself and did pretty darn good.  I have encountered people who support my journey and I've came across nay sayers.  It's forever changing.

This year has been good to me yet I am ready for the next one, even if it means getting a year older. Most of the challenges I faced, with time, I was able to transform them into learning experiences.  I found the silver lining.  That doesn't mean I didn't get pissed off at some stuff because I did.  I just chose not to stay in that frame of mind.  Looking forward  is my way of accepting change.  Change can be difficult if I allow myself to dwell on what I am letting go of instead of anticipating what I am gaining. 
 
I am in the midst of  beginning to open my Etsy shop and officially start selling my art to the public.   I'm excited and scared all rolled into one package.  So.... I am going to concentrate on my word beginning and let the rest fall into place.  The knowledge that everything happens for a reason and ability to learn from the unpleasnat things will help me not let fear hold me back.
 
Thanks for your continued support it means more to me than you know.

Have a Happy New Year!