It’s a new year and you’ve been given a clean slate. A whole year to create a life just for you!
Wiping the slate clean always reminds of the Etch A Sketch. Yes, I’m dating myself. This was a red mechanical drawing toy that was fun back in my day–we didn’t have iPhones and computers–I’m a dinosaur. You would turn those dials trying to draw something good (never happening), and when you were ready to start over you just shook the whole thing vigorously to wipe the slate clean.
Begin Again. Shake the Etch A Sketch.
I’ve never been one for New Year Resolutions, but I do create yearly New Year Intentions. My yearly intention is a word or phrase that sets the tone for the year. It becomes my mantra on my yoga mat, during stressful times, and in my daily life. My intention is both guiding and grounding as I proceed and make choices throughout the year.
Some of my favorite yearly intentions over the years (I like to keep my current one private):
- Random acts of kindness
- Love and kindness
- Surrender
- Let go of that which doesn’t serve you
- Just enough
- Love more worry less
- Joy
- Courage
If you could create a word or phrase that you would like to influence and set the tone for your year what would it be? You might be more comfortable creating a statement or paragraph. It’s your life, your game, your mantra—you get to make the rules. And if you’re open to sharing with me, I would be honored to listen.
Begin Again. Shake the Etch A Sketch. Have fun creating your year.
Always with love,
Heather
PS If you’re looking for ways to take positive action this year, here is an exercise suggestion:
Create a vision board for the year—what do you want your year to include? Who do you want to include in your year? (Don’t be the victim here—you are a warrior on a mission making this year happen.) Use pictures, words, phrases. Take out the poster board, scissors and glue. Use magazines if you have them. Or don’t. There is no right or wrong. Your vision board can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. Perhaps it’s a list. Some years my boards have been primarily me writing with a marker. Other years I’ve spent more time finding images and typing out words in fun fonts on the computer. Once finished, place your vision board somewhere where you can view it daily. Use the board for inspiration and guidance. And most of all…have fun!
