In 2009 I began an adventure I learned from Ali Edwards, one of my favorite scrapbook designers. She challenged her readers to join her in choosing a word for the year that would help define who she wants to be at the end of the year. I chose SERENE for 2009 and CREATE for 2010. I have enjoyed choosing a word that influences my state of mind throughout the year and creates a structure and framework for my life.
I have done a fair amount of scrapping and quilting this year, along with more gardening than the previous year. I also got out my paints and brushes and made some Christmas ornaments which turned out to be more satisfying than I had expected. I also used other definitions than just causing something to come into being, specifically to cause to happen by intention or design. I worked on that in my professional life and my personal life as I caused things to happen by design and not just by accident. That has also been fulfilling. So my efforts have been a success this year, even if I didn’t get to craft as much as I would have liked.
Now on to 2011. I have considered several words and almost settled on transition because that will be a big part of my life this year, but gave it up in favor of BALANCE. With the health challenges that I have been facing in the last six months, balancing everything has been a real exercise in mental control. I know I haven’t done a great job at it, so the thought of keeping that word in the forefront of my life this year seems wise. I need to balance my needs and my family’s needs, as well as my ability to cope with life and it’s unforeseen curve balls. So think of me on a teeter-totter as I try to stay in balance this year.
