If you were to put all your goals and hopes into one word, what would you choose? Any specific goals or hopes for the upcoming year?
Some time ago I was introduced to the concept of choosing a word rather than making resolutions for the new year. I began to pick a word that would guide me throughout the new year. It would be my touchstone. It would remind me of living my life at the level I want to BECOME. It fills my life with action and has had greater results than any time that I set resolutions.
So this is what I do. Once I pick a word, I let the creative part of me go crazy. I find a way to display it for the year. That is where I love having my clear rubber stamps handy. This year I will share a few different methods of displaying those words to help you get started!
This first one is done on a card. Clear stamps are used to decorate the background papers with swirls and designs. The bird is a stamped image using the Songbird Silhouette clear rubber stamps. The word is assembled with chipboard letters over a hinged piece of cardstock. If you lift the word you will find room to journal your thoughts or goals for the year.
The next idea is a chipboard book made to encompass all that your word describes for you. Each page can reflect a portion of your word including quotes, pictures, scriptures, a definition or even a word cloud that helps you define and clarify your goals and desires for the year.
This next idea is one that builds from year to year. Each year stamp or stencil your word of the year onto a block of wood. As each year passes, add the next word of the year to the stack of blocks. This method of display is an awe inspiring view of all your goals and dreams and helps you remember not only what you want to accomplish this year, but also helps you review the things you have already worked on accomplishing in years past.
Once I have chosen a way to display my word of the year I look for fun ways to pop that word into my life. Some of the ways this can be done are:
- Write the word on one random calendar day of every month. Program these days into your computer or on your phone so you get an instant notification when the day comes. Spend 5 minutes on those days reflecting on your goals.
- Write the word on several pieces of paper and then hide them in your journal, books you are reading or in your stamping corner where you will stumble upon them throughout the year. Let them remind you of your dreams and goals for the year.
- Hide the word around your house in places like the Christmas decoration box, your sock drawer, amongst your scrapbooking memorabilia, in a kitchen drawer or in the tool shed where you know you will stumble upon it at some time before the year is out. Let it be a surprise and a joy to find your word that reminds you of the progress and goals you have been working on.
Sometimes those hidden words pop up more than a year down the road. They are delightful to come across and present a wonderful time for reflection.
