Guiding Words for 2013

 

Over the past few weeks, I've been trying to come up with my resolutions for 2013. I've been busy humming and hawing over some of the goals that really fire me up and put my butt in gear.

Off I went, jotting everything down - you know, the usuals - read more, practice photography, learn photoshop, get in shape, eat mindfully, pick up my guitar - it seemed like my regular to-do list. That never-ending to-do list that gets buried at the bottom of that overflowing stack of papers that you'll get to, eventually.

I've never been a big believer in resolutions. They always seemed like chores. The things I "should" do, but quickly stuff into the back of my mind. (A wonderful thing I do whenever I feel buried and overwhelmed.)

Resolutions are all about the things we should DO (lose weight) so that we can HAVE this other thing (self-esteem) so that ultimately we can achieve what we actually want to BE (confident). Does that seem backwards to you? Me too! First, we have to tackle the BE state before we can get to whatever else. Get happy, get balanced, love yourself, and everything else will follow.

To kick off 2013, I'm declaring this year as the year for feeling. A year to dig deep into your core and feel more empowered, fulfilled, and brilliant than you've ever felt before. A year exploding with possibility, abundance and creativity.

Instead of resolutions, I've chosen words to guide me throughout 2013. These words pack a powerful punch. Whenever I start feeling out of control or like I'm slipping off track, these words will bring me back, slow me down, and steer me on the right course.

When it comes to choosing guide words, you have to pick the ones (or one) that's right for you. You'll quickly find that some words will just feel right, they'll inspire that ah-ha! feeling that energizes you. Others won't. (Keep searching!) Words can invoke a feeling, an image, and a meaning that you can carry with you each day as you take on a brand new year. A perfect time for a clean slate, and new beginnings!

THE WORDS

FOCUS
It's easy for me to get off track. I'll start with one thought, which sparks another and another, and before I know it, I'm on a completely different road, going North when I should be going South.

This word reminds me to bring it all back in, really hone in on what I want, and get down to it. To ask myself the right questions. To live each day with intent. To free myself of the things that don't matter and to bask in the things that do.

To focus means ingraining my own vision in my mind, so that I can create my own path and live it out with purpose.

TUNE
In contrast to focus, this is all about balance. Creating a harmony within myself that ignites peace of mind. We are our own worst critics. All too easily, if I fall off the proverbial wagon, I beat myself up over it. (We have got to quit doing that!)

Speed bumps happen, life gets busy, know this and simply adjust. Get back to the simple things. Taste each mouthful, feel each breath, listen to each note, stop and smell the flowers. Be awake and aware of each moment. Tune in, be still, shine bright.

MAGNIFY
Ahhh, yes! The match that lights the fire! Everything's in place - I'm focused, I'm tuned-in, and now I'm ready to turn those big thoughts and ideas into reality. To blow them up and make them happen! It's all about expansion - expanding my mind, stretching my soul, magnifying everything!

It's about making things happen in a HUGE way, regardless of fear, self-doubt, and back-talking thoughts. This year is the year for big change. To live on a grander scale, with intent and purpose, and to be in control of your own path as you cruise along through this wonderful thing we call life.

FOCUS. TUNE. MAGNIFY.

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS
Have you ever picked out guide words before? This year is a first for me and I'm so amped up about it! Here's some tips that may help you.

1. Envision the year ahead. What do you see? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you want to be? What do you want to achieve?  How do you you want to live it out and what do you want to do to get there? Dive deep and get in the zone!

2. Brainstorm. Write it out. Get each words that pops into your head out on paper. Don't restrict yourself! Even if it seems silly, that one word may spark a glimmer of something pretty amazing worthy of that ah-ha! moment.

3. Consult a Thesaurus. Get Organized, may become Release. Peace of mind may become Acceptance, or Self-Love. Some ideas to get you going: gratitude, expand, explore, abundance, courage, growth, generosity, forgive, grace, heal, clarity...

4. Commit! Write them out. Post them somewhere visible - a mirror, your desk, beside your bed. Make 2013 your best year yet!

How do you see 2013 playing out? What words will you choose? I'd love for you to share in the comments!

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR! xo

Images: 1 // 2

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