Download Your 2017 Guiding Word
Instead of making unattainable New Year’s resolutions, there's a new approach to start the year off with some clarity and focus. I’ve heard it called a few things – one word intention, guiding word, or one word mantra. It doesn't matter what you call it, the concept is all the same.
If you haven’t heard of this yet, there are people who can explain it much better than me. I’ve listed resources below. The simplified version is to think about what you want to do and achieve this year. Make a list of words, whatever comes to you. Is there a common thread in your list? Is there a word that you feel drawn to that encapsulates the tone you want for this year? Pick one word to be your intention or mantra for the year. You can come back to it, let it guide you.
I thought a good way to keep my word on my mind would be to have it where I spend most of my day, on my computer, of course. So I’ve created some computer wallpaper downloads with words and beautiful landscapes to help inspire you and keep your intention front and center. There’s something about nature that brings a sense of instant calm. I need to feel more calm when I start my computer and begin working.
Personally, I’m striving to make 2017 a year of listening + abundance. The listening creates the abundance, I think. The past year I’ve felt depleted. Part of this was the sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn baby and part of it was loosing my confidence in my work. Taking maternity leave was such a blessing for me as a new mother, but it affected my business and priorities in ways I couldn’t have predicted. I lost so much momentum in my business during those months. I was completely and happily in 'baby land'. Then when my daughter was a little older, we found childcare for her. I was excited to return to work and give my other baby (my company) the attention it deserves. But going back to work full time was harder than expected. I’ll go into more detail in another blog post coming soon. The point is, my life has changed, my priorities have changed, so I’m reevaluating. Looking inward. Listen and abundance will help me do that.
A big part of this exercise over the course of the year is to stay flexible. A lot can change within a year. Your one word may take on new meaning as things change within the year. You may even be called to switch your word at some point. If it’s no longer serving you, then change it! This is for you and no one else. You make the rules.
Download Wallpaper
FREE CUSTOMIZATION
Fill out the form below and I'll create a personalized image with your one word just for you – completely free! Your customized image will be emailed to you within 1-2 days of submission.
Here are some words that are meaningful to me as we start 2017. The images above correspond with this list.
ABUNDANCE
In order to bring wealth to every area of your life, – mind, body, soul, relationships, business – it starts with mindset. Positivity and negativity have a ripple effect. If you can keep a positive and focused state of mind you’ll attract what you need to you.
ENOUGH
You are enough. Period. There’s enough time, enough love, enough wealth, enough resources, etc. This also ties into the mentality of abundance. There’s more than enough to go around. Jealousy and fear aren’t helping anyone – especially not you. Reminding yourself that you are enough and there is enough can be really powerful.
EXPAND
Like the infinite universe, ever expanding. This one's about growth. Don’t shy away from challenge or discomfort. Growth can be uncomfortable, but it’s crucial. I like to envision it like mountain pose in yoga, you’re standing tall with your shoulders rolled back and chest expanding. It’s a simple, but powerful posture.
LISTEN
Listening is different than hearing. Hearing is your ear perceiving sound. This happens all the time without you even realizing. Listening is your brain creating meaning from sound, it’s a decision, a choice. Listening to yourself – your intuition – is a game changer. Unfortunately it’s not easy for most of us to listen to, but your intuition knows what’s best for you and sees the big picture when you can’t.
More on Intuition
Another podcast I listen to regularly is The Lively Show with Jess Lively. This podcast introduced me to the concept of writing to your intuition. That’s right, actually writing with a pen and paper. It can really help you get past the ego and find answers. 2016 was wild year for me, lots of change which led to lots of confusion. I came back to this exercise several times to help me find some peace and reassurance. I knew the answers were somewhere deep inside, I had just gotten so far off my path that I was lost and wasn’t listening anymore.
OPEN
By staying open, you’re inviting new experiences, new people, new energy, new clients, new whatever into your life. It’s a ‘yes’ attitude.
RELEASE
It's a new year, 2016 is in the past. Release it and let it go. Forgive yourself and others. Accept what’s happened, we can’t change the past. Move forward. Let that shit go!
Some other words that may inspire you…
FOCUS
POWER
STRENGTH
LIGHT
FEARLESS
RISE
BRAVE
SHINE
SERVICE
ADVENTURE
THRIVE
TRUTH
How to change your wallpaper for Mac users:
1. Click the buttons to download the wallpaper image for your desktop or laptop computer.
2. A new window will open, right click with your mouse, Save Image As. Save the image in a folder where you keep photos or images.
3. At the top left corner, select the Apple menu > System Preferences > Desktop & Screensaver
4. In the Desktop tab, select Folders, and find the folder where you saved the image. Select the image and your wallpaper will change.
Resources
Elise Gets Crafty Podcast episode 117
Being Boss Podcast episode 104
The Lively Show Podcast
#OneWord365
Huffington Post