As I come to the end of the year, I start thinking about what the next year will be. What do I want to do in the next year? How will I define it? How will I change and grow? This alone makes it a proactive activity.
Approaching the new year understanding that I can define it is empowering.
Many years in the past I have been carried along like a twig in a current. Go with the flow. Wherever life takes me is where I'll be. No thought or effort to change my own direction, just reacting to things as they happen.
But a couple of years ago, when I decided to choose a word to define the year, a word for my focus, things began to change. My word was KINDNESS the first year and SEE the next. Both of those years were powerful and changed me in amazing ways. The one word for a year thing totally works for me.
I am so excited about my word for this year. I pondered all the things I want to change, all the things I want to do, all the ways I still need to grow. I pondered who I am and who I want to be. I pondered my world and what defines it. Many words came to mind as options. But eventually one floated to the top that encapsulates everything I want.
CREATE. My word for 2014 is create.
This is the moment in my life when I am ready to truly make my world what I want it to be, in so many facets. It fits where I am now. And where I want to go.
My vision is that I will examine my life and decide what I want it to be. I am usually so whatever in my life. I am a very content person, happy with whatever life hands me. And I think there is value in that. But there is also value in choosing. In making it what I want it to be.
It will be less about what I don't want and more about what I do. Not focusing on the things I want to change or get rid of but focusing on what I want my life to be. Less about getting rid of things and more about creating space. Less about not feeling bad and more about feeling good. Less about avoiding people who cause me stress and more about filling my life with people who bring me joy. Less about overcoming negative behaviors and more about establishing habits of good behaviors.
A big part of this will be examining my life (which I love and am good at) and figuring out what I want (which I'm not as good at).
I have already started, because I just couldn't wait. I've taken up a new art form (Zentangle). I've begun creating space in my home. But there's so much more room to create. I can't wait to see what this year will bring.
Maybe it will be the year I finally do the small remodel on the bathroom I've wanted to do for years. Maybe it will be the year I tackle the backyard and make it the oasis I want it to be. Maybe it will be the year my bedroom becomes the haven I want it to be. Maybe it will be the year I find a schedule that works for me and brings me peace of mind. Maybe it will be the year I create a system for our finances that eases my worries.
It's about understanding what my heart needs and making it happen, inviting it into my life.
My life is not quite a blank canvas, but it's got lots of open space and I can easily paint over so many parts I don't like. I'm excited to see what the final creation looks like.