enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

SHAKE

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.

Dottedline

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.

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59 responses to “one little word 2015 : SHAKE.”

  1. kristina Avatar

    I found myself whispering (would have been shouting but… cubicle life): “YES!” throughout this entire post.
    I am so excited for you about “SHAKE”… I am so excited that you’re so excited! Don’t get me wrong, I loved “WHOLE” because it felt challenging for you. It encompassed SO much. But I love that shake is more focused, more tangible (if a word can be tangible…).
    (It’s also kind of amazing to read about your plan to focus on having fun in 2015. I often revisit your archives just for fun because… you have always been an incrediby fun(ny too) person! I’m glad you’re focused on never losing that fun. How many times can I say fun in one comment…)
    Ps. I am first in line to buy a DIY is my drug t-shirt.

    Like

  2. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    Wow, what an amazing post!! Totally inspires me to set goals and get excited for 2015. Your one little word approach is always so thoughtful and motivating. Thanks for all the inspiration you provide on your blog and through your products.

    Like

  3. Kelsey, Especially Avatar

    I really love this, Elise!!! A LOT!
    I’ve tried the OLW thing for the past two years and it just isn’t me. It’s too…”feelings-y” for me…if that makes sense? And as weird as it sounds without my HUGE explanation behind it, I think it’s too restrictive of a concept…at least for me. And it’s a total bummer because I’ve always thought this is such a neat idea. For now, though, I’m looking forward to following along to everyone else’s OLW posts, most definitely yours.
    You never fail to inspire, girl.

    Like

  4. andrea Avatar

    What a fun word! Can’t wait to see how you work with it and how it will be part of your life.

    Like

  5. Ana Avatar
    Ana

    I like it. Will you be posting about WHOLE and how it worked out for you? 2015 is my first year doing this and I’m really looking forward to it!

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  6. Stephanie Avatar

    This word sounds so exciting and fun 🙂

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  7. Ashley Hufford Avatar

    I love this word so much.
    it’s perfect for you, for taylor and for 2015

    Like

  8. Traci Avatar

    I’m so excited about your line of clutches!
    I think SHAKE is such a unique choice for a word. Can’t wait to see how you use it in ways big and small. My 2014 word was DO, and this year I chose SURRENDER. My best friend’s word is GROWTH, and my sister chose AUTHENTICITY. I always like to hear people’s words, so I thought I’d write all of these in the comments for others to get inspiration from, too.

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  9. Jamie Avatar
    Jamie

    I sharpied my goals yesterday :). Good, for you, shaking it out. We should all aspire to have more fun! Cheers to 2015!

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  10. Ali Avatar

    Hey Kelsey – make it what you want it to be :). For me, I need it to tend more towards the “feelings-y” because I’m that person that pushes the feelings aside rather than actually feel them. Take the base concept and make it work for you.

    Like

  11. Ali Avatar

    I love that you say HOT DAMN.

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  12. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Love it! Love it! Love it!

    Like

  13. Megan Avatar

    Great word! It is meaningful and fun all at the same time! I thought the wedding comment was funny. I’m getting married next year. You’re welcome to come just so you can mark it off your list. Lol!

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  14. Elise Avatar

    Can I have a phrase in 2016? Because that will be it.

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  15. Elise Avatar

    OMG don’t tempt me! We love weddings.

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  16. Elise Avatar

    I don’t have much planned but I should think on this…

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  17. Elise Avatar

    Yes! Fun! I meant I would work on bringing fun into my life but maybe the blog could use it too…. 🙂

    Like

  18. casie Avatar
    casie

    Elise,
    I can’t wait to listen to the podcast. You and Ali are my most inspiring online gals for 2014 and the ones that I follow on a daily basis!
    Shake – what an awesome word! I love your different approach to OLW and how Ali has constructed the project to allow everyone to make it their own!
    Looking forward to the new birthday project!
    Any upcoming posts on how you will do Project life in 2015? (I do hope you will continue – I love your simple yet story filled style!)
    And I too LOVE a new year!!!!!
    Cheers,
    Casie

    Like

  19. Elizabeth Avatar

    LOVE IT!!! I am doing this for the first time this year. Can’t wait!!! I have always loved following your one little word journey.

    Like

  20. Lynn Herrick Avatar
    Lynn Herrick

    Elise – take a zumba class. No better way to Shake. I started back in 2014 and it has been life changing.

    Like

  21. Elise Avatar

    Thank you!!!
    Different documentation plan for 2015. I’m scaling way back which feels right for me right now. More on the blog tomorrow. 🙂

    Like

  22. Lil Avatar
    Lil

    I totally want a DIY is my drug tee! I enjoy your blog. I’m looking forward to more in 2015. Happy New Year to you and your family!

    Like

  23. Ali | Gimme Some Oven Avatar

    Love it!! I request lots of playlists shared on your blog this year. 😉
    And I can’t wait to see how you design the Get To Work Book!

    Like

  24. Nita K. Avatar
    Nita K.

    I’m still struggling over choosing my word. But I do love yours! I never would have thought to go in that direction. Sounds fun, and I cannot wait to see how it plays out for you.

    Like

  25. Kerrie Avatar

    Gah! I love it! And, I love your excitement! It seems that you’ve are way more excited about this word than your past words. Maybe it’s because I read the whole post with the TS song on repeat in my head. That definitely made me dance in my chair while reading. Ha! I love your Shake It Up goals and I look forward to their fruition. Shake It Off is very inspiring and big. Shake It Out is just great. Kitchen dancing is so much fun. Live music is so so much fun. Shake it girl! xoxo Kerrie

    Like

  26. Natalie Avatar

    I freaking love you. That is all.

    Like

  27. Chrissy Avatar

    Great word – great post! I always admire your enthusiasm! Go, Blaha!! xxx

    Like

  28. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Wow! I love that word for you! My friend and her 4 yr old daughter ‘dance it out’ all the time – most recently in an aisle in Target. They have little impromptu dance parties together. It’s freaking adorable and highly recommended.
    Regarding the “DIY is my drug” T’s – PLEASE can I have one? By that I mean, would you consider designing one in plus sizes? We’re often left out of clothing round ups, etc, and it would be so great to be included in this. Just something to consider!

    Like

  29. Melissa Avatar

    Yay! So inspiring. Great word inspired by a great song 🙂
    You’ve actually inspired me to participate in the one little word exercise myself!

    Like

  30. JayEssJay Avatar

    I love it! The next couple of days are my favorite of the whole year… time to reflect on the previous year and start making plans for the next. Can’t wait to hear you and Ali discuss this together… after years of reading your blogs, I still get a kick out of actually hearing your voice. It makes this “in my head friendship” of ours almost feel real.

    Like

  31. Carrie Avatar

    I LOVE this! What an energetic word. Perfectly suited for you.

    Like

  32. Kelsey, Especially Avatar

    Ali, you’re work is also so, SO inspirational, even if it does differ (often drastically) from my own design/taste/style/experience.
    OLW won’t be happening for me in 2015, but I certainly look forward to following everyone else’s experience with the project!

    Like

  33. Laura Hager Avatar

    What a great word! It should make for a fun new year!

    Like

  34. Teri Avatar

    I think that’s a fantastic word. I also like how you “segmented” it into certain phrases to give it action. I tried OLW a couple years ago, and it fizzled. I think I’m like you and I need to make it visible, and carve in some intentional time for reflection and action.
    I am SO ready for a new year.

    Like

  35. Abby Avatar
    Abby

    The indoor plant guide! yes please. I have dying indoor plants soaking in the bathtub at this very moment.

    Like

  36. Sarah M Avatar

    “HOT DAMN do I love a new year” LOL MEE TOOOO!
    Sarah M

    Like

  37. Alyssa Avatar

    So speaking of Taylor Swift…I may or may not have believed at different points in my hearing of that song that all three of these phrases were the actual lyrics. “She’s definitely saying shake it UP, right?? Or is it shake it OUT? OOooooooohhhhhh, it’s shake it OFF!” And I saw that top graphic and was all, omg Elise thought it was all of those too!! Lolz.
    But really, what a great word. And it may not be the intended method for OLW, but I really love the way you rock it. Have fun!

    Like

  38. Christine K Avatar
    Christine K

    When I saw your word my mind instantly went to a burger place near my home called “shake shake shake”
    They serve the most amazing boosey shakes.
    I enjoyed reading your blog in 2014 and I look forward to what you have planned for 2015.

    Like

  39. Kiki Avatar

    So I’ve been reading your blog off and on for a few years now but only recently started to really read (and as always thoroughly enjoy!) your work–especially your podcast! I just started listening to your newest one with Ali last night but never got to finish it.
    All that aside, I LOVE your word! I love that it holds multiple meanings and that it’s a fun and original one, too. I cannot wait to see what 2015 brings for you! 🙂

    Like

  40. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    Are you going to do a summary post on 2014’s OLW? I’d love a breakdown on whole. Also, you’ve got me on the bandwagon. I’m choosing “brave” for 2015. I just retread your brave post for inspiration. Thanks for the motivation!

    Like

  41. Rob Avatar
  42. Kristin Avatar
    Kristin

    I enjoyed the podcast with Ali Edwards and appreciated how you took us through your word choice. This post is a great compliment to the episode. I also liked when Ali went through her favorite OLWs and why and how she connects through her words. I’ve heard of OLW through you, Elsie, and then learned about how it originated from Ali through your podcast and Jess Lively’s podcast – will definitely check out her website to find out more about her 🙂

    Like

  43. Hannah B. Avatar
    Hannah B.

    OH MAN. ELISE.
    I have never done OLW, and I didn’t necessarily see a need for it in my life.. but listening to the podcast yesterday, suddenly MOVE smacked me in the brain. And I knew I wanted to MOVE in 2015. Move my body. Move forward in my career through licensing exams. Move closer in relationships with family and friends. Move on from old grudges and worries. LITERALLY MOVE when our lease ends 😉
    Even better – I’m going to track those first two goals with the MAKE29 calendar 😉
    And now, after today’s post, I’m going to order a ‘2015 I Want To Remember’ book.
    You got me SO JAZZED for 2015 – thank you very much! 🙂

    Like

  44. Jeanne W Avatar
    Jeanne W

    Wonderful word and way of describing your goals for SHAKE! Btw, my girls are I are huge Taylor Swift fans and I so admire her feminine feminism. We are going to see her in June!

    Like

  45. The Stamp Spot Avatar

    Love your word Elise….I have a silhouette and am learning other applications…I am a passionate DIY’er and that slogan totally made my “Something to Try” list! Can’t wait to see how you SHAKE things up in 2015, new business venture – well woohoo! & I always love whatever you come up with for your birthday idea…here’s to hot damn, heres to 2015!

    Like

  46. Kirstie MacGowan Avatar

    I love Shake! It’s had me thinking since I first saw your post. 🙂 Very inspiring, thanks!

    Like

  47. Kirsten J Avatar

    Hey, life’s too short to pretend you don’t like catchy Taylor Swift songs. And I love shake. My word? Listen. And I guess that kinda goes with the Taylor Swift theme 😉

    Like

  48. MichelleGB Avatar
    MichelleGB

    Seriously – you pick the best words and have the best intentions every year! Love this one! Can’t wait to see how you do with it. And since you’re being so awesome at picking words – care to pick out mine? I’m stuck and need help! LOL! Wishing you a great year with your word!

    Like

  49. The Daybook. Avatar

    Hey Elise, would you mind sharing a tutorial on how you made that graphic? I LOVE itxxx

    Like

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