One Little Word Journey for 2015 | focus

I know it’s January 10th but I hadn’t had a chance to do a proper “Happy New Year” post 🙂 I did do a round up of my favorite projects from 2014. But today I wanted to share about the new year!

For the past few years I have been inspired by Ali Edwards to choose a one little word to reflect on throughout the year. Its a great way to reflect and put a focus on your next 12 months. You can see my posts about my previous words here:

• 2007: balance
• (I had a little hiatus)
• 2010: appreciate
• 2011: possibilities
• 2012: brave
• 2013: embrace
• 2014: forward

2014 is over and as I was reflecting on the year- I realized I really did take my word to heart on so many levels. I truly went forward. I tend to share more of my creative journey here with a little bit of personal “stuff” but over all I am happy with how I went forward and where that has brought me. I think the one thing that I keep coming back to is just how crazy life is, how busy and hectic and what a whirlwind it is. I realize I bring a lot of that onto myself, but I also know my personality and that is what really drives me. Deadlines, projects, goals, plans. A full calendar 😉

It was funny, as my most hectic fall ever was winding down and I started to think of a word for 2015, without even finishing the thought process- focus jumped into my mind.

I will focus even more on my creative journey. I am redesigning shurkus.com which will have new features offerings! (shameless plug: if you want to be the first to know, in the loop and maybe even get coupon codes… be sure to subscribe to my email list)

I will focus on teaching more. There will be more Loft Art Retreats (save the dates coming wicked soon), there will be more video tutorials, photo tutorials and over all teaching. Let me know what you would like to learn more about- you guys inspire me so let me hear it!

I will focus on creating more. That sounds a bit like a contradiction. I am not just a cardmaker. I am not just a mixed media artist or art journaler. I don’t just scrapbook. I have always LOVED to do it all. I love to teach it all and share it all. What I will try to do in 2015 is spread the love a little bit. I shared A LOT of cards in 2014. I mixed it up here and there but I hope to do that a bit more and focus on my what heart wants to create, not necessarily what is easiest, or maybe what I think is my prettiest or best, but what I want to create. Does that make sense? Ha!

I will focus on my relationships. I think I sucked as a friend last year. Partly because I was so busy. Partly because they were so busy. I’m not going to beat myself up over it but I just want to be a better friend, a better chosen family member, a better girlfriend, a better daughter. I need to focus on being more organized so I can fit it all in. I want to send more handmade cards to those I care about. I mean c’mon. I make the cards… why is it so hard for me to actually send them!?! Birthday cards. My closest peeps – I PROMISE you will all get handmade Birthday cards! October and November are the hardest months, the most birthdays, I am busiest… SO if I just plan ahead those cards will get created and happy mail will be sent!

I will focus on being healthier. Again, being organized planning time to exercise. Planning meals. Planning doctor visits. I want to find a place to goto Zumba again etc.

focus.

I am participating in Ali Edwards “One Little Word” 12 month workshop. Some years I participate a lot, and some years not as much. But each year since 2007 I have participated in one way or another. I really enjoy having my word pick me. I enjoy reflecting on it through out the year. Looking back at all my blog posts about my One Little Word I realized I don’t share enough throughout the year about my word. I hope to do a better job of that in 2015.

Are you participating in Ali’s workshop? Do you have any resolutions or goals planned for 2014? I would love to hear about them. You can also check out my One Little Word Pinterest Board (where I have shared pins from embrace, brave, forward and focus)

I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store for me 🙂

I have already been playing creatively with my word and can I just vent for a minute. I love typography. LOVE it. And I am sad to say I feel that the word “focus” is kinda ugly. ha! I am struggling with that and I am pretty sure part of my process from now on for picking a word is going to be what letter forms are involved and how well I can design with it. I know, I’m NUTS!

If you are participating, and your word happens to be “focus” or if you would just like some motivation- feel free to download the wallpapers below for your computer, iPhone,  or Facebook Cover photo. I created them with my handwriting and the beach picture is from this past summer at Narragansett Beach in Rhode Island.

2560 x 1440 || 1280 x 1024 || 1024 x 768 || iPhone 6 || iPhone 6 Plus || Facebook Cover

I also have 2 other fun projects to share with you with my word in mind. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you have already seen some sneak peeks! You can follow my blog on bloglovin’ or put your email address in the sidebar to subscribe and you will get notified when I have a new post. I hope in the next couple days I will have both of these projects posted to share with you!

Here we go 2015! Bring it on!