I picked “embrace.” It came to me, in a conversation with my journal. I’d had a dream about grains, and, when I looked up the symbolism, it was all about prosperity and happiness. So, my journal suggested I “embrace” this idea. Then I looked at the cover of my journal, where it said, “Embrace The Day.”
Hmmm. Is that clear direction from the Universe, or what?
Emerging “embrace” collage for 2014.
I like the idea of “embrace.” It’s not…grab. Seize. Snatch. Just…gently hug. To hug the day. Am I willing to do that? Can I embrace my life, and everything around me, without clutching it? (This was a necessary skill I used last night when I agreed to my teen-agers not being home with me for New Year’s, but “out” with their friends. Breathe, Jennifer, breathe.)
Somebody asked me today if I make “resolutions.” The answer is, not anymore. It seems too direct. Too demanding. Too much of a setup for failure! Instead, I’d rather do a diagram, or write in my journal, or make a collage about what I hope will manifest in the new year.
Which, in fact, I did today. All three of those things! And I like what’s emerging.
When I asked some of my friends what their word for the year was going to be, they came back with “Risk.” “Faith.” “Trust.” Then one of them sent me a text about what she had done to usher in the new year (and I quote):
“You girls will laugh but I’m insisting on a successful and blissful…. That being said, my friend Christy and I looked up all these crazy New Year’s rituals from around the world….The cliff note version of our night included eating beans for dinner (mex food). Taking our dogs to the park while wearing lots of different colored underwear where we then burned all the things we want to let go of and sent them away with love in red paper lanterns, came home and threw orange peels and money in our entry ways, opened up all our windows to let out old and in new, walked in our doorways with our right foot first, then watched some tv while eating 12 grapes -making a wish for each one!! Today we will eat all round food and black eyed peas, avoid cleaning, poultry, using sharp objects. We will take a walk, bury our wishes for 2014 and open up our brand new clean calendars for the year! If this doesn’t cover All the bases then I don’t know what will!!”
New Year’s Eve dinner soufflé
I did laugh. And, I opened my windows, stepped with my right foot into the door, and plan to eat all round things for dinner tonight!
Journal prompts:
- What is your word or phrase for the coming year?
- What is the biggest risk you took back in 2013, and, what did you learn from taking that risk?
- Who are you most committed to being in 2014?
Feel free to post your responses in the comments below. I have more prompts for the new year and to wrap up the old, if you are interested. Contact me.
Ready to invest in yourself this year? Register for the first ever Women Writing for (a) Change, Jacksonville, Core Class, beginning January 15. I have four spots left as of today.
Each day of this year is a blank page. Consider writing your story in a circle of supporting women. I’d love to welcome you into the circle with a warm embrace.