As a lot of you know, I am part of a fabulous group of amazing women called the Pages of 8+2 Bookclub (AKA The Peeps or the CryBabies or the Bookclub Without A Book) for the past few years. One of the (many) great things we do is share things that help us all live more richly. We are all fans of Ali Edwards and she is inspiration for choosing a word to focus on each year. The concept of One Little Word is explained here.
To quote: "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow." To review: My word for 2007 was BREATHE and for 2008 it was HONESTY.
I have a tendency to project, to over-analyze, to forecast based on feelings as opposed to facts, to live in the "if" of the future. For 2009, my word is NOW. Imagine my delight when my favourite artist in the entire world created the graphic above to use on her blog one day not too long ago. Her name is Kal Barteski and she is one amazing person. I follow her blog quite religiously and love her "bulletproof positive attitude" philosophy. She gave me special permission to use the illustration and for that I am grateful. Please take a minute (or a thousand) to check out her blog: [i] Love Life. Her artwork (I now have two pieces in my home) and her down to earth, honest writing inspire me. Thank you, Kal. Thank you, Thank you, thank you.
I only know what is NOW. This simple sentence will be my inspiration for the coming year: to help me focus, to help me live in the moment, to help me remember to check in with my feelings and how they may be colouring my view of, and subsequent reactions to, situations I find myself in.
Right now, I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you blessings and strength for this brand spanking, sparkely New Year. Let's GO!
6 comments:
Kal, with the generous heart & quick wit...she is an old soul you know :o)I love her too... my word should be NOW (Blake is always telling me I live in the "next"...my friends tell me that is because we are Women, we are the planners of the "next"! I think it's a combination...) Whatever it is Taryn, we could all use a little NOW...thanks for sharing that & happy new year to you:o)
This is a great word Taryn. You’re so right about the “ifs” – I think we can all fall into that way of thinking that robs us of “now.” I think I can spin this concept into my word – “deliberate.” I’m trying hard to keep living/moving ahead while we work on selling the house. It will be great to move to Kentville and get on with the rest of our lives but I’m so lucky – it’s great right now too.
So sweet of Kal to let you post this image. I loved this piece and so wanted to buy it but I was being deliberate in my choices. Just think, I can visit to see you enjoying the beautiful “birches” – it’s obviously so right for you – now!
I too think your choice of the word' NOW' is a good one. My word was chosen for similar reasons. I felt 'BREATHE' would help me stay more in the present, enjoy whatever I was doing, not feel compelled to push on to the next thing. I purchased something too, not Kal art (although I am now a proud owner of Kal magnets, thanks to Amy!)( I love her blog, ART and ATTITUDE too!) and will post later about my word choice.
The birches reside in the right place, Taryn. Where they will be loved and appreciated for the great art that they are.
I am so darned lucky to be a part of that FAB Book Club...cry babies, Pages of 8+2, whatever you call us, we are one lucky bunch of women!
All of the BEST to you in 2009!
Love
Myleta
Love Kal,
Love your word!
I know you can make 2009 a "NOW" year for you.
OK, I think I found my word Taryn...WORTH! Thanks for the idea. I need to think of me this year...I don't mean being selfish. I think like many other women I often dont't give myself too much self-worth. I need to rise up at work, in my head and heart. The journey begins NOW...
Jo
Hi Taryn !
I just wanted to leave you a wee thank you for the veterinary tip you gave me when you were here a month ago. Boo does indeed have a bad thyroid and is now being treated. Thanks so much !!
And , I am sure, Boo thanks you too !!!
Pam (Classic Hobbies/family Feed)
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