I don’t do New Year Resolutions. I prefer to set the new year’s tone by sending out a single-word invitation. And the process to find that word brings gifts of its own - clarity and alignment are examples.

The creative process begins: I hand scripted my word and then Jean gave me the idea of cutting and repositioning the letters to make it more “wonder-like”. The frame dimensions determine the size of my painting and I’m off.

I use the word as a beacon more than a baton; I prefer to focus on what’s right in my life rather than spend too much time on what isn’t.  

I like the whole process of choosing a theme for the year. It requires a bit of house-cleaning - a deep dive into what no longer feels good. I scrutinize all things mental, physical, and emotional.

The top paper shows the design so far. Dragonflies are total kid magic to me so in they went. The bottom paper shows I moved one of the dragonflies, then painted them and my word in iridescent colors. (You can’t see much reflection because it was late in the day when I took this photo.) The turquoise is a gorgeous color and makes me happy.

I then spend quiet time thinking about which parts of me I wish to explore, experiment with, or expand upon. Meanwhile, I brainstorm any and all words that cross my mind.  

It’s fascinating to observe where this can lead. For example: In December I chose “aligned” and watched how simply thinking about this word brought me into alignment in many ways within a month.  

Here you see some iridescent reflection. At this point, I’m thinking I could be done and move on to (here’s my inner critic speaking) something “more of value”.

So, I returned to my list: “lift-off”, “open”, “light”, “embrace”, “eager”, and “allow” came to mind. So many choices…Finally, in January, one felt more right.  

Wonder - the child-like sense of “isn’t this the greatest thing ever?!” response mostly seen in dogs and children. I can remember waking up so eager to dig in to my new day and I knew I wanted more of that in 2023.

Kudos to me, I decided to follow through and enjoy this moment of pure kid fun (meaning, hey! let’s add spirals!) Dragonflies and spirals. I am complete…until I paint in a spiral the adult me doesn’t like. Dilemma: Kid or adult? Go on as is and who cares or correct the composition? Adult won and I tried to paint out the errant spiral. Can you see where?

But back to my story. Sure, I had my tantrums and disappointments, yet I was able to move past those times with the ease of a young heart. So, definitely, give me more of that, please.  

Imagine living your day like this - how light would your body feel, how much room could you find to allow dreams to surface (or re-surface)? Anything could be possible. 

I tried to live with the painted out bit, I really did. But this kind of thing really bugs me; it’s all I saw when I looked at my word. On close inspection, you’ll find three separate color washes: two different light gray ones (boring) and finally a charcoal wash.

Think of your dreams, your desires, your needs. Big or small. Everything matters. And then let them guide you forward.

It’s really about reclaiming who we truly are, giving ourselves the go-ahead to do what matters most to us, allowing in more satisfying moments. Then watching the magic unfold.

Now my word pops and the iridescence really shows against the dark background. The kid in me rejoices and now I look forward to the next fun thing.

Yeah…give me much, much more of that, please.

Judy

PS: Here’s a re-do of a painting my boyfriend bought years ago so I would “stop right there”. I felt it was unfinished but have lived with it on our wall for a number of years. Recently, I saw a painting with large ovals placed over the background and I thought, “That would look GREAT on this (to me) unfinished painting. Took just a little cajoling, but Forrest and I both love this painting now more than before. My point? Trust. Trust that pushing may not be the way to go. Trust that Divine Timing has your back. Trust that, when the time is right, the perfect and often much more satisfying way forward will be shone to you. Wonder….