Friday, December 31, 2010

Changing My Perception...


It's January 1, 2011. That means a fresh start. A new outlook on life. At least that's what it means to me.

A new outlook on life.

I'm embarrassed to admit that even with all of the blessings in my life, I have a difficult time accepting them, appreciating them, and keeping a positive outlook. I want that to change this year. That's why I've chosen "perceive" as my word of the year.

Simply put, "perceive" is to attain awareness or understanding... to notice or become aware of something. It can be a mental process, or it can mean becoming aware of something through your senses. Both definitions work for me, as I embark on this new word journey in 2011. As I focus on how I perceive things, I hope to see through the worry and negativity and become more aware of the good things in my life. To count my blessings. I also hope to slow down and truly experience life through all of my senses. Listening to and appreciating the sounds that surround me... the laughter of children, the rustling of leaves in the wind. Seeing and appreciating the beauty all around me... the way the sun's rays break through clouds, the mist rising from the river. Acknowledging the soft comfort of an old t-shirt or warm blanket.

This will be my third year focusing on a word rather than trying to keep resolutions. During 2009, Annemarie, Peggy, Wendy, Julie, and I posted jointly each month about our words and how they were impacting our lives. Last year, left to my own devices, my word "fulfillment" fell to the side. I tried to think about it off and on through the year, but I often let the busy demands of life push feelings of fulfillment to the side. At least far enough to the side that I wasn't truly acknowledging how fulfilling my life was.

This year will be different. To make my word more a part of my life, I plan to share my journey here, and you're invited to join me.

Interested in choosing your own word for the year? I have two blogs for you to visit. The first one is Christine Kane's. She has a free discovery tool you can download as you think about the word you want to focus on for 2011. I also want you to visit Caroline at Constantly Evolving and Nowordz Photography. Not only will you get to see beautiful photography, but you will also read inspiring posts. It was Caroline who inspired me to choose a word in 2009.

Finally, I want to wish you an amazing new year... A year full of blessings and good times.

And the artwork at the top... that's mine! My first mixed-media piece of art. I was so excited to finally, finally, use canvas and paint and paper and embellishments and gel medium and gesso to create art. I'll be posting another one soon.



7 comments:

Silver said...

Yes, i remember reading the 'joint projects' between you ladies at one time..was it 2009? It didn't feel that long ago!

Yes, i also like the novel by Mitch Albom, 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven' in which it recounted the life and death of an old maintenance man named Eddie. We are all connected in a sense- don't we sometimes wish we had made better choices when we had the chance?

ok, will check out the links you mention !

Hugs,

beth said...

i love it...and in some way, it's very similar to mine !!

McMGrad89 said...

Impressive!! Perceive. That's a great word.
I have some lesson planning and then some art to do today. Can't wait to see the other mystery project that you are doing next.

Happy New Year!!
Annemarie

Caroline said...

Oh my...what a gorgeous work of art you created!!! I love your word, perceive...such power in that! I love choosing a word to guide me...and what a year it was last year. I am looking forward to 2011...I really *believe* it will be an amazing year for us both! Happy New Year my friend!!!

xo

McMGrad89 said...

Thanks for taking the time to watch that entire video. The black and white drawings are impromptu.

miruspeg said...

LOVE your artwork Roban!!!
Especially love your words..."Take flight and soar", "Spread your wings and fly" and "Flying on the wings of dreams".
With thoughts like that I "PERCEIVE" 2011 will be a wonderful year.

I chose the word "Sharing" for 2011 and when I spoke to Wendy on the phone a couple of days ago her word is "Freedom".

Here's to a wonderful, fulfilling year.
Big hugs
Peggy xxxxx

Relyn Lawson said...

This is wonderful, wonderful art. I am SO impressed!