Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(FREE pattern DOWNLOAD - My Splendid Sampler Bonus blocks)
On the first of the year I do things I want to be doing all year. Like quilting, exercising, travel, and today.. living my Word of the year.
*** My word last year was Make ***
So how did I feel about that word? Well since I consider myself a 'Maker' I LOVE that word very much. I make a lot of things. But had I fallen off a bit on making joyfully. For the joy of it. I make a lot for work. Which is fun, but also everything has a deadline, which can be a bit draining at times.
How did I do with my word? I did Ok. I made, I was happy with what I do, but I didn't add in as much fun making as I had planned for. Maybe my vision is too 'big' but I think I can do better.In 2018 I made a TON of things. But what I was looking for was making without a purpose. And I didn't do much of that. But it's ok, I'm still working on that!
What word do I want for 2018?
Some years nothing pops into my head. My buddy Cindy (who owns the spa my quilts go to) is my word partner. We keep each other on track and she had her word first... as she usually does! I had another word before the one I settled on. And like Ali Edwards advises, sometimes we need to sit with our word a few days letting it linger in and out of what we decide on it.
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Let's do my set of questions I do each year
- What is definitely happening in 2019?
I have new things going on that are not ready to share, but they will be fun, I can't wait to share! I also have some projects that will wrap up, which gives me space for the new things. Also I'm looking at taking more time to do non work things. We are looking for some non work travel, maybe to do photo shoots as both Gregg (the shipping department) and I love photography and old cameras. (maybe I should write about that at my journal website https://patsloanquilts.com/ )
- What do I hope will happen in 2019?
I hope for more space to do things. I had thought of Space as my word. But I've used that word and didn't want to revisit it. My hope, lets' be more proactive here, my PLAN is to enjoy a more balanced (used that word too) Life/Work schedule. This seems to be the dream of everyone, right?
- What dreams do I want to nurture?
Have I told you that I'm a VERY practical person. My dreams are about my business and often done in full blown schedules, (go ahead and insert a BIG yawn here.. it's ok, I am nerdy and get you aren't) I tend to pick dreams that i can actually accomplish because I want to be able to put it on my list, then cross it off.
So I've not answered this have I? I didn't answer it last year either. Ok.. here we go.. my dream is to get my downstairs painted white. And to build a working area in my dining room for photos and videos.. oh my.. did you just nod off to sleep? It's ok.. I'll get back to fun chat next!
- What qualities do I want to develop?
Exercising .. I can't really say 'more' as I feel I actually need to exercise period. I need to stay healthy so I can do the things I want to do. I am very determined, you have to be to run your own business, but I tend to let exercise, stretching, long walks.. be 2nd class in my life. So I want to develop habits that make that front and center.
For my creative self I want to explore more with the photography I do. I want to share my stories more deeply and I want to encourage you to share your stories too. I want to make for the JOY of it.. For fun. I have loads of ideas for this... of course!
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What does my heart need?
This year my heart some down time. Some space. A way to recharge on a more daily basis instead of crashing into a vacation and then crashing back into work life just once or twice a year. I need to recharge daily in some little way.
This year I've chosen "Joy" as my word.
Here are some thoughts on how I plan to have 'Joy' front and center in my life (remember I like plans & goals)
- On Joyfully making
- Get out a project that I can have all precut and just be able to sew. Seems simple, but when I'm tired I don't want to read directions or make decisions on fabric. I just to sit & push fabric under my needle.
- Take a project that I've wanted to make and set some time to work on it for several days. Like a job... no interruptions
- Work on an idea I have that can be long term. like my hexie quilt or the tiny stars.
- do some Crochet!
- On Joyfully recharging
- Take a break to sit quietly for a few minutes a day. I did this a bit. I read a wonderful book by someone's whose life is on overdrive and how he slowed it down a few minutes a day (this book) and it resonated with me. It's a habit I"ll need to bring back
- 'Scatter Joy' This is the phrase that locked my word in. I am going to look for ways to scatter Joy. By chatting with someone in line to pass the time rather than look at my phone. Smile at someone. Donate some of my quilts to charity
- Reflect Each Month
- I'm going to write an article each month to reflect on Joy. I'm sure over the course of the year how I view Joy will change. It always does in this type of project.
- You can Join Ali Edwards project to receive prompts by buying her class HERE
You can join me here at my website, Facebook group, and here are my previous words if you are interested! And ENTER YOUR EMAIL to get a notice of each new article
This is my 14th year of having a word and goals...14 years.. i really can't believe it!
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Do you have a Motto or Word for the Year or just a GOAL for the year? Put it in my comments below!
- 2018 Make
- 2017 Story
- 2016 Space
- 2015 Finish
- 2014 Balance
- 2013 Create
- 2012 Enjoy
- 2011 Travel
- 2010 Possibility
- 2009 Hope
- 2008 Happy
- 2007 Imagination
- 2006 Twinkle
I started this on my own in 2006 then discovered there is a class by Ali Edwards and I've been taking that each year for
AND... I think many of you are like me ... cruising the end of year clearance for some awesome deals
- Fat Quarter Shop Clearance & Flash Sale
- Connecting Threads Clearance
- Thank you for using my links to do your purchases, it supports my small family business when you do!
