Every moment offers a new beginning, but there is something special about the collective transition from one calendar year to the next.
It is and always has been a struggle for me not to get too caught up in new beginnings like this, to not be spellbound in the illusion that simply resolving to change will bring change, or that most of the mundane changes I desire, will bring lasting happiness.
And yet. A new beginning like a new year, if I use it skillfully—it can be an opportunity. It is a threshold at which I can pause and listen, receive instruction and energy, and set an intention. I can investigate and appreciate what has led me to this moment, and decide what can be let go of.
Last year I participated in a program that did in fact harness the energy that exists for me in the beginning and the ending of a calendar year, called One Little Word. Created by Ali Edwards, it involves choosing a word to focus on for the year, and as she says, “to live with, investigate, to write about, to craft with, and to reflect upon.”
My word for 2017 was Soul, and using monthly creative prompts from Ali I played with the word in all sorts of ways—set intentions, created a vision board, put together a play list, and a bunch of other fun things.
I’ll be doing it again this year, and my word will be Listen. As in listening to my inner voice, to others, and ultimately, listening to what can be be called my higher power, God or the Universe. But really, there were hundreds of words that are worthy of choosing—the gift is picking one and sticking with it while it works its magic.
One Little Word allowed me to shift away from seeing the new year as a pristine piece of white paper which I should resolve not to ruin, to instead seeing it as the space in which I can play and explore with intention, curiosity and imperfection.
If that appeals to you in any way, check out the One Little Word program for 2018. It would be fun to connect around it.
And just to clarify, I’m not an affiliate and don’t receive any money from Ali. As part of the class you can purchase some cool scrapbook/kit-making merchandise, but I used a sketchbook and my own crafty supplies.
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