enJOY it

I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed (ashamed for sure) that my guiding word for 2015 is inspired by a Taylor Swift song. But I'd be lying if I said I pulled this one out of thin air. The first time I heard that song I was like, "oh, for sure." (Please note it was mid-August.)

I am a literal person so the One Little Word™ exercise is a very literal one for me. I don't like these words to just "float" in my life. I like to pluck them out of the air and washi-tape them to my wall. I like to tear them apart and break them down into something bite-sized and check-markable. (This is just one approach and probably not recommended.)

This year's word, SHAKE, which joins MAGIC, CHOOSE, BRAVE & WHOLE is totally hold-able. It's probably my most concrete and actionable word yet. I've broken it down into three really specific goals for this upcoming year.

In 2015 I want to SHAKE THINGS UP. And I will. I'm starting the year with new blog design which always feels great. I've got a brand new business venture launching in late spring. I have a new birthday project that's a bit different from what I've done before launching in February. As for side business projects, I would love to make and sell more small batches of clutches, design a 2016 calendar featuring sketches and care suggestions for indoor plants and I really want to have DIY is my drug tee shirts made. (How's that for random?)

In 2015 I want to SHAKE IT OFF. And I hope I can. I'm talking about the little and medium sized things. A parking ticket. A mistake. A very late work night for Paul. A typo on 290 letterpress prints (which, all things considered turned into a win). A randomly rude comment. A computer crash without a save. LET IT GO, BLAHA. Dig back to 2012 and CHOOSE to let it go. Choose to move forward and not mull this crap over longer than you need to. No grudges will be held in 2015. (what if I could really make that happen?)

In 2015 I want to SHAKE THINGS OUT. And I mean this literally. I want to dance more. I want to dance with Ellerie in the kitchen. I want to dance with my iTunes playlist. I want to see more live music (or go to more weddings if anyone we know wants to get married) and dance with Paul. Really, in 2015, more than anything else want to have more fun.

What I am learning : THIS IS IT. THESE ARE THE DAYS. There is no "wait for it." My girl is almost over the hump of crazy dependant and we're getting to the years of little kiddo independence. This is the year she'll climb into her carset by herself. This is the year she'll pick tomatoes for me. This is the year she'll tell me what pair of shoes she'd rather wear. This is the year she'll tell her first joke. My heart bursts just thinking about it. She's smart, kind and amazing. And I would so love to be a more creative, easy-going and fun mama for her (and for me!) this year.

HOT DAMN, do I love a new year. I love a new start. I love a fresh sheet of paper. I love a clean slate. I love a sharpied list of goals.

I'm ready to SHAKE, 2015.

Want to hear more about the One Little Word™ concept? Today Ali Edwards joins me on the podcast and we're chatting about setting intentions for the new year why they can be awesome. We also discuss how differently she and I approach this process and what we're looking forward to in 2015. Please consider subscribing to ELISE GETS CRAFTY in iTunes or stream here.