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!

What my word for 2016 means to me

After much thought, I have chosen my word for 2016.

Abide:

  *to wait for

  *to endure without yielding

  *to bear patiently

  *to accept without objection

  *to remain stable or fixed in a state

My intentions for this year is to combine goal setting skills in conjunction with the spiritual aspect of why I create art.  Lately, in my daily meditations I have taken stock of my life.   I have come to this concrete understanding.  

There was a time in my life that I would have considered myself to be an extreme goal setter.  I had many lists going and working those lists all at the same time.  I loved the things I accomplished and the energy I generated.  My general idea of life shifted when I moved to Flagstaff, AZ in 1996.  It was then I became aware of the spiritual aspects of life.  I had never before experienced the peace and tranquility, admittedly with a little trepidation, too, that came with surrendering all outcomes, yet knowing everything is happening exactly the way it is suppose to happen.  After having the privilege to practice living in that space, for a little over a year, my life shifted, again.   I found myself and my life right smack in the middle of what I would call the unknown.  So much negative shit kept wanting to reside in my head and my heart.  My saving grace became the firm belief that everything is happening exactly the way it is suppose to happen.  With this strong belief I was able to pick myself up from my boot straps, put one foot in front of the other, and move on.  I remember briefly thinking this was going to be the time that I could combine my goal setting techniques and spiritual learnings together.  I moved to Illinois, not knowing a sole, and my new life began.  

Fast forward... I really never implemented the concept of combining my goal setting techniques in together with my spiritual learnings.   What I actually should say is it has taken me this long to realize the value of combining the two.  I am ready!!!

To abide has to do with the concept of 'being' instead of 'doing'.  Setting goals, working a plan, overcoming resistance, daily to-do-lists are all important.  However,  if I am doing these things just because I am  suppose to, or I am doing them in our own strength, I will not have victory or peace and I will miss out in having an intimate relationship with my Higher Power/God/The Universe/Providence/or whatever name you prefer.  That pivotal day in August 2011 that I sat down at my desk and drew, every fiber in me clearly knew it was a gift from God.  I am forever grateful for this gift. Thank You-Thank You-Thank You!   I will continue to create art from my heart because that is where my spirit resides.  Yet, also knowing this is how I will be earning a living I am implementing goal setting techniques.   As I set my goals and do the action oriented tasks required I will remember to wait for/endure without yielding/bear patiently/accept without objection/remain stable in the outcomes.  All the while believing everything is happening exactly the way it is suppose to happen.

Thanks for your continued support.

I couldn't do this without you!

the power of visualization

It always amazes me the lessons you can learn from children.

My granddaughter, Delaina, will be 3 in August.  Her mom & dad and I have been working with her the past couple of weeks teaching her how to ride her tricycle.  I even told her that when she learned how to ride the tricycle that I would buy her a Big Wheel.  Didn't seem to matter, she just wasn't getting the hang of it.  Even the Big Wheel didn't seem to phase her.  Then it dawned on me that she is a little kid and didn't know what a Big Wheel was.  I took my iPad to her house and googled images of Big Wheels.  She was fascinated !  She saw pictures of other little girls on their pink and purple Big Wheels.  She was quick to point out the one she wanted.  By the look in her eyes I could tell the light bulb was on!  We went outside with her tricycle and with a little, only a little, encouragement she was riding the tricycle.  I got teary eyed, I was soooooooooo excited for her!   She was just as excited that she could do it, too.  Bless her little heart!

We made a plan and marked the calendar that on Saturday (today) I would pick her up at 10:00 we would go buy her a Big Wheel and then have lunch.   When I got to her house to pick her up she was bouncing off the wall with excitement.  At one point, I caught her looking in the mirror and telling herself that she was getting a Big Wheel because she learned to ride a tricycle. 

Look at this little girl and know that she re-taught me the lesson of the power of visualization.  She saw what she wanted, she practiced, and accomplished the goal.  Now she is reaping the rewards.  She rode her Big Wheel around the block with pure joy! 

I have another perfect Grandma memory!