Last year around this time I bought a diary. The cover promised 2015 would be my year. I feel hard for that idea. Determined that 2015 would see success, motivation and inspiration. That I would be filled with ambition and the year would deliver amazing things. Such a lot of pressure on the infant shoulders of a brand new year. I wasn’t the only one. Many of my Facebook friends declared similar expectations. That 2015 would be the year of abundant success.
2015 ended up being a year of learning. Huge success did not coming knocking at my door, but there were numerous little highs. Plenty of things to be grateful for. Beautiful and important things happened to so many family and friends in 2015. In my own life, things were quieter. I launched my own business and learned a great deal in doing so. About my self-belief, about my limits and about my ultimate goals in life. I tried to do too much. I sacrificed time with my family in doing so. I won’t be doing that this year.
I have gentler expectations of 2016.
For the first time I am adopting a word for the year. I know that I am quite late to this particular party, but it’s the first time I have felt inspired to do so.
My word is space.
2015 felt claustrophobic. So many things crowded my time. Unrealistic to do lists written daily. Saying yes to things that I had no right to say yes to. This year I am determined to create more space. To allow myself to breathe.
To give things their appropriate space. I am going to more aware of my boundaries and more respectful of family. More mindful of the creative power of “nothing” time. There were times last year when I felt like my feet were paddling madly, but I was going nowhere. This year, I want to master the art of the easy glide. Assured and thoughtful movement propelling me forward. I want to slow down, be more mindful, spend time on the things that will ultimately bring me closer to my career and life goals. I want to be crystal clear on what those goals are.
The waters were cloudy in 2015 and my direction wasn’t clear. But I think that was important. I think I had to go through that. Sometimes things need to be blurred before you can bring them into focus.
I have created a to do list that I think will help me with this. It’s not just an ordinary to do list, but an assessment of how each task will bring me closer to my goals. It’s a tool to help me value my time. You are welcome to use it too.
I also want to create beautiful spaces and spend time in beautiful spaces. The house has been neglected due to last year’s busyness. I want to address that. In a way that doesn’t leave me over-whelmed. This list will help I think.
Last year we spent a good amount of time at the beach. We will do that again this year. The space that grounds me and reinvigorates me. I will try to take the boys to more rain-forest places as well. I live in a town surrounded by natural beauty. I will make the space to be in that beauty. To appreciate those spaces.
What does all this mean for this little blog in the coming year?
I intend to post on Tuesdays and Thursdays and occasionally on Saturdays, where I will have a style (often DIY) focus. Maybe some weeks I won’t achieve that. And I am going to be okay with that.
I have been having a lot of fun with #Everydaystyle and I’ll continue that on instagram.
You can also read me over at Mumtastic and hopefully a few other places during the year.
“More mindful of the creative power of “nothing” time.” YES! I think that lots of people underestimate the importance of mental space to the creative process. I know personally that I need lots of time to daydream and think about ideas – I don’t necessarily sit down specifically to do this but ensuring that I am not overwhelmed by daily life is how I achieve it. Space. Saying no works wonders there.
Hugzilla recently posted…When No One Gives A Shit About Your Birthday… Including You
I really need to get better at doing nothing. I feel so guilty doing nothing, but in reality I need the recharge, more so when I am busy. And the No. Really need to work on the No.
I just love this post Robyna. Here’s to space and “nothing time”, and blog posts like these which arrive just when you need them to. Thank you x
Emily recently posted…The Magic of Christmas: Get Messy Art Journal
Thanks Emily. Nothing time. Let’s have more of it.
This post is beautiful and I adore the word space. I can relate. I have chosen not to choose a word this year. My word (health) was a catastrophic failure last year and it left me feeling like a failure as a person. If I did have a word though, it would be flow. Simply to go with the flow of wherever life chooses to take me. It sounds so anti everything we hear I know – we need direction, we need focus, we need to be in control – but honestly, that has not worked for me to date, and so I’m doing things differently. I am going to work at going with the flow. It may not work, hence my reason not to focus on the word, but I am happy to give it a try. Good luck with your year lovely lady, you absolutely deserve everything you hope for. Much love xx
Sarah @ Sarah’s Heart Writes recently posted…On reflection
Flow sounds good to me. The gentle flow.
I love this idea, Robyna, and I also love those spreadsheets – what great ideas! Sharing this post for sure!
And I really identify with this quote ‘The waters were cloudy in 2015 and my direction wasn’t clear. But I think that was important. I think I had to go through that. Sometimes things need to be blurred before you can bring them into focus’. That was me last year (I can say that now) – aiming for more focus, and progress, this year. x
Helen K recently posted…One word for 2016
I think we all go through those season of discovery that feel very “floundery” at the time but in reality are quite important.
Thought-provoking post – Robyna. I can relate to much of what you say, especially the need for downtime to allow creativity to flow. It’s always good to reassess what’s important to you and refocus and reframe your time accordingly. But for me it’s business ‘as usual’ for all my goals because I truly believe that ‘good things take time’ – http://www.thehipsterette.com.au/wordpress/?p=13411
Giving ourselves that down-time – why is it so hard? You are going to be rocking those shorts in no time lovely lady.
Robyna, I love your thoughts on a gentler and slower year. I don’t choose a word for the year, but I do have in my mind that I want to be kinder and gentler to myself this year, to focus on me and my family more and just really appreciate the simple things in life. Good luck with Space this year 🙂
I think that’s the perfect New Years Resolution.
What a beautiful to do list! I hope 2016 works out to be everything you need. Space is such a fantastic word. I chose two words this year, enjoy & build. Best of luck with the year ahead, I look forward to reading your blog.
Thanks Danielle – It’s been lovely discovering other blogs through iBOT and I was keen to be involved this year.
Slowing down after a big year is where I sit too. However, mine will be working on my business so I can have the freedom I need and the freedom I deserve.
I want that too – I am yet to find the balance where the business is delivering me freedom though – I think it may take some work for me to get there.
I like the idea of space as a word. Clutter doesn’t work for me at all, and space feels like the opposite of that 🙂
I don’t have a word for the year. I stopped doing that a few years ago, because I always felt boxed in by them. I needed space from words 😉
EssentiallyJess recently posted…The Grinch Who Stole New Year’s #IBOT
Clutter does’t work for me either – yet I have a house full of it. Sigh. And if I took a break from words, it might not look like that 😉
I can say ditto to your entire post right down to the beach!! My word is focus. I think it includes a lot of what you describe seeking with space.
If you are looking to hang with others who chose a word I am hosting a friendly fb group. There are over 70 awesome chicks already and we would love to have you join us. bit.ly/wordfbgroup
deb dane recently posted…How do YOU define things for yourself?
Oh I’d love to join up! I did see it on instagram and promptly forgot (I tend to do that on instagram). Space and focus do work together.
I love this words space. I can feel how already, your focus is lighter. Good luck for 2016.
I hope so. Thank you – good luck on your 2016 journey as well.
Love the post and your word Robyna. My word is consistency (in all areas of my life). xxx
That’s such a great word. Something I could aim for as well.
Oh SPACE is a fabulous word! “To allow myself to breathe” – how I love those words. I have chosen surrender and “creating space” is certainly part of that for me – it’s my reminder that it’s okay to go slowly, to stay present and be kinder to myself x
Surrender is SUCH a great word – I love the intention of that. To just let things be.
So I’m a bit late reading this one, mainly cause I’ve been trapped in the busyness of everyday life – your 2015 is how I’m still living my life! I love your idea for 2016 though, and I hope to read more about how it works out for you x
It’s hectic yes? I am trying for space. Really trying but I realise I actually need to fundamentally change my attitude towards things. And get ride of the “must do it NOW” approach.