09 September 2014

My guiding words progress

At the beginning of the year I gave myself three guiding words; Positive, Savour, and Reclaim, to work to rather than a list of resolutions I may not keep. At the time I was feeling quite determined to get on top of these words and what they mean to me, not realising how tricky it might be. I don't know why I couldn't have settled on just one, it would have made life a whole lot easier for me!

My 3 guiding words

At the time I knew there were things in my life that needed changing, and these 3 words represented what I needed to change the most. 

Positive - Keeping positive is a work in progress for me. When I am feeling negative, I have found keeping a smile on my face and being positive can sometimes be difficult. One way I try to remain positive is to be grateful. Thinking about what I am grateful for in my life always seems to make me feel better when my mind is in the dumps.

Savour - This is one word I am certainly making the most of. Not only I am savouring our time together as a family, but I'm also fortunate to be there for Popette's first year at school. I have attended all of the special events they have held at school, like Book Week parade a couple weeks ago, which are so precious and something I'll remember for years to come.   

Reclaim - We have had a dreadful year of sickness in our family, just when I feel well after being sick I seem to come down with something else. I was really hoping to get my health and fitness in check this year, but its been weeks since I've been to the gym and comfort food has taken over healthy eating in the colder months. 

One area that is making nice progress is reclaiming my hobbies. A while ago I promised to make the girls a princess costume each. I have made a start on Popette's "Queen Elsa" dress, and sewn a skirt, now just need to make the top and cape. I still need to start Cherub's "Cinderella" dress, which she keeps reminding me about. I am hoping to have them both finished by the end of the month, when we have Cherub's 3rd birthday party.


I am also spending more time on my art. Lately it's been doodling in my art journal, after buying myself some watercolour paper yesterday I am hoping to get back to my painting. 

Saying goodbye to the clutter and keeping the house tidy has been a slow process! I have been culling through the girls artwork, toys, books and only keeping a few special ones rather than everything. There are days when I've had the house looking great. So keeping on top of that has been a challenge.

Did you have a guiding word this year? Were you able to keep to it?

5 comments:

  1. Love that you are reclaiming hour art and sewing. Awesome. My word is nourish and I think this is the best year I have had with working with a guiding word. I had 3 words last year and I agree it was more of an effort, but I did make progress on all three thankfully. I think the trick was keeping those 3 words visible in front of me and doing quarterly check ns so I could look back and look forward. Xxx

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    1. Aww thanks Deb, yeah it's been good getting back into the sewing and art. There are days when I don't get a chance to do anything, so I am trying to work out a balance so I have time to myself, the kids and housework etc. I couldn't agree with you more about your guiding word, you seem to be going great with your metalsmithing, and new venture, I can't wait to see it once its completed :)

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  2. It's nice to hear that you're on track, Julie. I often make the mistake of not checking in enough when I'm aiming to do things differently. My word this year was 'pause' and so far, so good. I am remembering to take time out much more regularly than I used to. x

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    1. Thanks Bron, its a work in progress but I think the guiding word is a little more achievable than writing a list of resolutions I might not get through :) I'm so glad you are taking time out Bron, you sound very busy with all your writing gigs, I hope you are taking some time offline and soaking up the sun! x

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  3. That's a pretty amazing effort at your guiding words Julie. I chose honour - and it really is the perfect word for me this year! I love that you can be there for all the special school things - your little one will remember that with so much love! Next year I hope to be there in the same way for my big girl too. Also I love how well gratitude and positive go together xx

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