And my 2019 One Word is

I know, it is about six months late, but there is a reason for that.

In case you don’t know, One Word or Word of the Year is a concept where one chooses a word on which to focus or inspire throughout the year. It kind of replaces the New Year’s resolution. I put my word on a sign and hang it on the steps that lead to the studio where I will see it every day (at least on the days I am home.)

I actually chose my word earlier in the year, but am just now getting my sign made. If you have been following our retirement blog, you know we were on the road the first three months of the year, home in April to host for Quilt Week and on the road again for three weeks in May. Handy Randy (aka Captain) says there is not enough room in our little RV for the craft supplies I might need, (actually there could be enough room if we removed the wine cellar, but we won’t go there) so the sign had to wait.

I chose “fearless” as my word for 2019 because, well I am going to die. Yep, no way out of it. I don’t know when or how, but I am certain this body will die. While it is a non-negotiable fact, I do have some control as how to live until that appointed time.

I can make myself comfortable in our little bungalow, waiting for a cancer diagnosis or heart attack. With Google, I can research what could be a devastating symptom. I could put my doctor’s phone number on quick dial just in case Google isn’t conclusive. I could insist we move into a one level house to avoid the risk of falling down the stairs (or more likely, have a heart attack climbing up the stairs.) I could avoid making left turns when driving. Regardless of all the precautions I could take, it doesn’t change the fact; I am going to die.

So, do I want to spend so much of my allotted time obsessing over dying that I forget to live? Nah, I don’t think so. I want this “fearless” sign to remind me to go on an adventure, hike a mountain trail, push Handy Randy around on the tandem, dig in the garden and be free from fear and worry.

“Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?” Matt.6:27

Now, what to do with all these signs from years past? 

Recycle? Maybe. Or perhaps I should hang them on the back fence to create a little curiosity conversation piece. 

This is what I use to make the signs:

Scrap wood

Silhouette Cameo

Dollar Store contact paper for stencil

Craft Paint

  

And my word is................

It is time to choose My One Word to inspire and help me make positive changes throughout the year. I discovered the One Word in 2013; a concept that replaces New Year’s resolutions. As My One Word website explains it “My One Word is an experiment designed to move you beyond this cycle (of failed resolutions.) The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE WORD.”

Once I choose my word, I make a sign to hang on the stairs that lead to The Underground as a constant reminder.

This year I had two words in mind, one was suggested by my daughter-in-law as she is privy to a new project I plan to initiate this year. That word was hope which I didn’t choose because I think the project will bring me closer to achieving the change that is my goal.

Before I reveal my 2017 Word, I’ll share how well I am doing by focusing on one word a year.

My first word, strength, came the year following the death of my son. I knew it would be important to be strong for my daughter-in-law and granddaughters. I won’t go into a lot of details here; I did work on my grief journey and I do feel strong.

The second word was focus which continues to be a struggle but I have kind of accepted that AADD is part of who I am.

The third year it was purpose; nope still haven’t found it. Recently I came to the conclusion my idea of purpose is just that, my idea. Over the years I have learned when it is God’s plans things fall into place. My ideas are just not falling into place. As I mentioned earlier, I (or is it God’s Spirit) have another craft related project in mind and it seems as though things will fall in place. (I’ll share this with you in a few weeks.)

My 2016 word was soul. Last year I focused on the things that fed my soul like having HR around all the time (retirement has worked out better than we anticipated), daily Bible study and prayer, travel, connecting with old friends, making new friends and of course, finding ways to connect with my two teenage granddaughters. (I am now on SnapChat!) My soul was very well fed!

My 2017 is

Not world peace (although that would be nice,) but peace in my soul. I want to focus on what gives me peace. (And it isn’t all those “what if’s” that float around in my head!) I want to have long conversations with friends, draw more, play (as in not trying for perfection) in the studio, plant stuff, read more and watch hummingbirds and butterflies.

If the idea of having one word instead of a list of resolutions sounds enticing; hop on over to the My One Word website for more details. I’d love it if you would post your word in the comments below.

Wishing a peaceful year to all of you in 2017!

Soul, my 2016 Word of the Year

As HR and I embrace our retirement years, we realize we are entering the finale. We are determined to make the most of our golden years. With that in mind, I chose soul as my 2016 word of the year. This year I want to do more of the things that feed my soul and less of the should do's, always have done, things others expect me to do, etc.

What feeds my soul?

Traveling around this great country of ours with my best friend and soul mate, definitely. It does take me out of The Underground for extended periods of time, but I do have a spot on The Wanderer to keep art and craft supplies, a drawing kit and my sweet little Featherweight sewing machine.

Spending time with our daughter-in-law and granddaughters, especially when we are crafting. If all goes as planned, we will spend the month of March in a RV park near their home. I believe they have begun a list of things we can make.

Time spent with friends, sipping wine on the porch, riding bikes, caravanning in the R V or doing whatever comes our way. Now that the upgrade is completed, I hope to spend more time is in my studio with my crafty friends.

We have reached the stage in our lives where we have more time than money, some of our financial contributions will need to be replaced with our sweat and talents. We are in discussion about how we can give back while feeding our souls. Not yet a plan, we do have a couple of exciting ideas.

I have hung this sign with my previous word of the year signs in the entrance to the studio as a reminder to do those things that feed my soul.

If you have a word for 2016, please share in the comments.

To see how I make my signs, click here.