This week it dawned on me that January was coming to an end and I had not finalized my Word of the Year (WOTY).

​I am sure I am not the only one. Finding one little word that embodies how you want to move forward (or perhaps slow down) in the new year can be overwhelming. 

So, I took my time with it.  I leaned into the start of the year without a clear WOTY selected. I wanted to see what this year was feeling like and get a feel of my headspace. Over the first few weeks of 2023, I realized that I did have a word that needed to be embraced this year: 

EXPLORE (verb)

1. to travel to a new place to learn about it or become familiar with it
2. to search and discover; learn about
3. to think and talk about something to find out more about it

Why "explore"?  Well, because as I began 2023 I realized that life is running smoothly. All is going as planned.  I know the rhythm of the highs and lows of my daily life. And, there are no surprises. Surprises come from leaving our comfort zones. So it's time to get out there and explore.    

“Explore” is a scary word for me. First of all, it’s a verb, an action word, and most days I’m perfectly content curling up on the couch with a glass of wine and a good book. Second, it’s one of those words that will challenge me to try things that I may not be good at (not an easy task for this recovering perfectionist). But at my core, I know that I am not meant to be living in this comfort zone.  I am way too curious to be this content.  And, honestly, too young to be feeling this old. 

So 2023 will be the year of exploration. A year of exploring hobbies. A year of exploring my community. A year of exploring activities that bring enrichment to my life. A year of exploring who I can become.

Do you embrace a word of the year or a word? Tell me about it in the comments! If you haven’t embraced a word, join me in the exploration journey!

You can also check back next week for additional inspiration because Carolyn will share her selected WOTY. 
 
Happy Exploring!  
Cher  

As we kick off 2023, we offered a fresh opportunity to usher in positive change with intention.

As you know, we do not subscribe to New Year’s Resolutions.  There is just something about starting the year off with trying to fix or improve something that doesn’t seem much like a strong beginning.
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We are fans of choosing a word of the year because it creates a theme for our journey. 

No deadlines.  No sacrifices or harsh commitments.  Just a reminder of how you want your year to be. Think of it as a Discovery Process.

If your word is not coming to you, don’t force it or panic.  The year is still young!  

Here is a simple 3-step process that will bring you some clarity in choosing your word of the year.

1. Get quiet
Guidance, solutions, and answers can always be found in stillness.  All you need is about 15 min.  If you can't spare that, even 5-10 will help you detach from the noise in your life and gain some clarity.

2. Purge
You know I love a good purge! While a physical purge is always therapeutic, I am referring to a mental purge. 

What behaviors or patterns would you like to shed?  Write them all down!  For me, avoidance is #1.  I am a queen procrastinator and will avoid facing things to my detriment.

Then list all the negative stories and beliefs that have taken root in your mind.  Again, my list includes being powerless or limited in certain situations.  
Read over your list and cross each one out with an X.  I like using a thick, black sharpie.  BUH-BYE!  These things are nothing more than lies that you’ve come to believe over time.  They are not true and hold you back.  #konmarie them.  

3. Invite 
Now that all the losers have left your party, you've created the space to invite in all the events, relationships, trips, and changes you want to usher in.  Read your list over (again and again) and imagine what it feels like.  Picture yourself already experiencing these things.  Dwell in the feeling fo whatever you want to create.

If your word hasn't come to you yet, I bet you have some contenders.  Feel them out.  Which one resonates most with what you are longing for?

Next week, we'll share a bonus step that you can add to this process that will seal the deal in kickstarting the manifestation process.

Speaking of manifestation, have you signed up yet for our Vision Board Workshop on January 22 from 11 am - 2 pm?   Click here to sign up.

I just gleaned a nifty little trick on making my days better from a recent book choice, "Winging It by Emma Isaacs"  that I want to share with you.

Instead of a To-Do list, make a "What-Would-Make-Today Great list".

Holy brilliance! I love mind hacks. To follow is my list accompanied by the "take action" thought that came up for each line item:

1. Working at my ideal job.  "Hmm. I did see an interesting listing on LinkedIn. So it couldn't hurt to send my CV out today. That shouldn't take long and will give me a sense of empowerment in changing my current reality."
2. Enjoying the gorgeous, sunny day.  "I can go for a quick run before work and plan to take a lunchtime walk at work. I can also take the dogs for an extra walk this evening. Twenty minutes here and there is better than nothing!"
3. Having someone else make dinner.  "I know! With the great weather, we can grill. I'll pick up burgers and some sides, and Jack can grill. Voila!"
4. Becoming a billionaire. Okay, so I did not win the Powerball jackpot but leading up to it, I thought about what I would do with the winnings. I allowed myself to feel the freedom and comfort the winning ticket would provide my loved ones and me and the good I could do in the world. Please note I did win $4!!!  "Oooh - -maybe that ideal job stems from the foundation I will start! While I don't usually buy lottery tickets, I did while picking up fixings for dinner."
5. Visualizing my kitchen renovation come together easily and beautifully.  "While lining all the elements up has been stressing me out, I can carve out time to call a few contractors and stop by the tile shop on my way home from work since dinner will be quick and easy."

​Do you see what happened there? I focused on what was important to me, not what was urgent.  First, I imagined what that day would look like and what I wanted to see come to fruition. And that opened my mind up to actionable possibilities. 

Not only did this put me in a better mood, it dramatically and positively impacted my list. It also helped me to prioritize my list because I still got the urgent, work-related things done.  

Like you, I still have to go to work and do my job, but there are ways to squeeze in what matters. Creating a list based on what would make your day great opens your mind to what can be. Some of those possibilities are easy to knock off today, yet they don't feel like tasks. 

So now we turn to you. What would make today great?

Here are seven tips to help you get started:

1. Begin with the end goal in mind. Imagine it, feel it, visualize it. Tasks quickly become chores if you don't remember that it's a step bringing you closer to your dream, whatever that may be.  
2. Remember your WHY. I bet half the tasks would fall off your to-do list if you ask yourself, "Now, why am I doing this again? Is it important?".
3. Take action. I mentioned that my kitchen project stresses me, and that's because I lost sight of the big, exciting picture and started overthinking the details. If something is worrying you, take action … one little step can do a lot to minimize anxiety and stress.
4. Do less. Do you have a packed schedule today? Cut it down. Ask yourself what can wait till tomorrow or even next week. Better yet, ask yourself what you can delegate. You're welcome.
5. Get one important thing done. I mean something meaningful that will significantly impact your life over the long run. Here's why: If you do one thing that will help you in the long run (even if it's only a baby step), you will feel a huge sense of accomplishment that will carry you through the rest of your day. Far better than ticking off a lengthy list of chores! 
6. Go for a walk. Movement, fresh air, and being in nature are the key elements in creating the magical elixir that calms your mood and helps clear your head.  
7. Listen to great music. Whatever your jam is, playing tunes in the background can brighten your mood and make any task seem less daunting.

I am going to leave you with a final thought. As a master procrastinator, I recognize that I use my to-do list to fill my day with busyness, so I don't have the opportunity to do what scares me most: to live my dream life.  
 
I want you to avoid falling into a similar trap day in and day out. The process I've outlined above is helping me reframe my day and getting me one step closer to my dreams - every day. I want that for you too.
 
Send that resume. Make that call. Buy that ticket. Show up for yourself.
 
If you don't, NOTHING will happen. If you do, POSSIBILITIES arise.
 
Please give it a try and share your feedback here. Cher and I would love to hear what makes your day great.  
 
Now that would make our day GREAT!
 
Lots of love,
Carolyn