create (and nourish) -- my word(s) of the year for 2017
When I listen deeply to the whispers of my spirit, discovering my word for the year is usually pretty easy. Deep inside, I know what it is that I need. I know which habits I need to cultivate and which habits I need to release.
This time one word especially stood out:
At some point this past year I wrote it on the chalkboard in my studio (you can get a glimpse of it in the tour from the other day... look for the photo of my desk with the doors open) with the words "every day" beneath. A desire to create has been simmering for quite a while.
Maybe this sounds crazy to you, reading this. I'm an artist, of course I create; why would I need a reminder to do so? But I feel that the balance between making art and doing all sorts of other non-art stuff has tipped to a point that I don't like. This year I want to tip it back the other direction.
I know that in order to be successful as an artist, I can't spend 100% of my time making art. Every piece of business advice that I've read or watched or seen or heard suggests the necessity of spending less than 50% (sometimes a lot less) on art-making. Marketing, networking, creating other streams of income, bookkeeping and on and on make up the other percentage of our time. Those things are important, but I can't lose sight of the importance of actually making the art, too.
I have a feeling that finding a balance with which I'm happy may be a life-long struggle.
Nestled in with my intention to focus on creating is a need for nourishment and so my secondary word of the year is:
I want to nourish my creativity and my art -- try new things, explore, play -- but I also want to nourish myself, my home, my garden, my family, our world. It's so easy to rush through our days, letting little nourishing acts slide. Often they don't take that much more time to incorporate into our routines, and yet the benefits are huge.
I think this coming year we could all use some extra nourishing.
I'm happy with my choices for this coming year. They feel right and I am filled with hope.
To help me get the year started off on the right foot I have an exciting plan. I'll share it with you on Friday.
Wishing you clarity in all your planning and dreaming for the coming year. Whether you're choosing a word to guide you or making resolutions or crafting goals, I hope that the process will be energizing for you and filled with hope and joy.
This time one word especially stood out:
At some point this past year I wrote it on the chalkboard in my studio (you can get a glimpse of it in the tour from the other day... look for the photo of my desk with the doors open) with the words "every day" beneath. A desire to create has been simmering for quite a while.
Maybe this sounds crazy to you, reading this. I'm an artist, of course I create; why would I need a reminder to do so? But I feel that the balance between making art and doing all sorts of other non-art stuff has tipped to a point that I don't like. This year I want to tip it back the other direction.
I know that in order to be successful as an artist, I can't spend 100% of my time making art. Every piece of business advice that I've read or watched or seen or heard suggests the necessity of spending less than 50% (sometimes a lot less) on art-making. Marketing, networking, creating other streams of income, bookkeeping and on and on make up the other percentage of our time. Those things are important, but I can't lose sight of the importance of actually making the art, too.
I have a feeling that finding a balance with which I'm happy may be a life-long struggle.
Nestled in with my intention to focus on creating is a need for nourishment and so my secondary word of the year is:
I want to nourish my creativity and my art -- try new things, explore, play -- but I also want to nourish myself, my home, my garden, my family, our world. It's so easy to rush through our days, letting little nourishing acts slide. Often they don't take that much more time to incorporate into our routines, and yet the benefits are huge.
I think this coming year we could all use some extra nourishing.
I'm happy with my choices for this coming year. They feel right and I am filled with hope.
To help me get the year started off on the right foot I have an exciting plan. I'll share it with you on Friday.
Wishing you clarity in all your planning and dreaming for the coming year. Whether you're choosing a word to guide you or making resolutions or crafting goals, I hope that the process will be energizing for you and filled with hope and joy.
Lovely words with lovely intentions behind them. Looking forward to seeing your year full of nourishment and creativity. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Dana! I'm looking forward to it, too. Wishing you a wonderful 2017!
DeleteOh, Anne, I'm so glad that you openly share your thoughts. So often you write about something that speaks directly to me, and this post certainly does. I completely understand what you are saying here, and I love the word "nourish". It's a great word. These words of yours are so true: "It's so easy to rush through our days, letting little nourishing acts slide. Often they don't take that much more time to incorporate into our routines, and yet the benefits are huge." Yes, yes, yes! That's it! Oh, my friend, you are wise far beyond your years. Love you and your beautiful blog. Keep sharing, creating, nourishing, loving. You are an encouragement to all of us. xo ~ Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy, thank you so much for you response to my words. Sometimes I worry that I reveal too much or that what I write isn't that important. Knowing that my words connect with even one person makes it worth it and reminds me why I do this.
DeleteI hope that 2017 is a wonderful year for you, filled with creativity and joy. I'm so excited about your new-found creative energy. It's such a great way to be starting the year!
xo
Ah, I love your words for 2017. I'm still searching for mine, mulling over the year ahead, getting into my "ritual" mind spaces, preparing to listen to any whisper of what it might be.
ReplyDeleteThat's crazy about the less than 50% time spent on art making. It seems counterintuitive, but then again business is a bit of a mystery to me.
Love your blog.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Iluska!
DeleteLet yourself take the time to find the right words. It might take a while. Don't try to rush and meet the arrival of 2017.
Wishing you a wonderful, creative year filled with all of what you need!
(Business is still a mystery to me, too, but I'm working on it!).