Well, hello 2017!
Last year my word was Inspire. My sweet friend hand wrote it on a river rock after we were prompted to pick a yearly word in a January meeting. It sat on my desk literally all year. After some reflection during the last week of 2016, I realized that my year was FULL of inspiration. I also did my best to pass it on to several folks along the way. In fact, that friend that hand wrote it and I met often to jam on business stuff over the course of the year.
Did I really have an idea of how the word would play out over 2016? Not really. Yet, instead of a resolution, the word was easier for me to mentally check in with from time to time.
My word for 2017 is CONNECTION.
This word has been chosen since New Years Day, but finally sharing it here! I'm definitely adding this new rock to my desk this week. I decided the one I had last year made such a good paperweight and decor piece. Plus, it's nicer to look at than a sticky note!
What I Think CONNECTION Means
1 - Forming & nurturing relationships with clients.
Just like people with all kinds of jobs and levels, they have a story. They have likes and dislikes and things that make them get excited. If I'm working with a client, I want to know what motivates them, their history, their story. This so far has resulted in either something major that we have in common or me learning something I didn't even think about before.
2 - Checking in with friends on the life stuff.
Moving to different jobs and to different cities makes for getting to know LOTS of amazing people. Nowadays, there is no excuse not to connect in some way - via text, social media, email, phone calls and even face time! All our different stages of life changes could actually lead to some new and exciting treats of information.
3 - Mingling with neighbors.
My mom's family grew up having neighborhood taco parties. They still make the same taco fixin's at family events and other get-togethers. Pulling from this idea to get my own neighborhood of new homeowners together. Plus, it's a taco. Easy to set up and easy to bring people together for.
4 - Mind + Body + Spirit.
These three are linked in one big circle for me. Last year, I learned A) how artificial sugar affects my hormones from a 21DSD, B) that my body is out of alignment and requires daily stretching and strengthening, and C) if I just breathe, the thing (or baby) will calm down. Being a new mom and owning a business that I intend to grow needs this continuous circle top of mind.
These are just a few thoughts that help me be a better creative person in work and life.
Do you have a word of the year? I'd love to hear what it is and why.