I’m not sure where I originally got the idea, but the work of Danielle Laporte has always inspired me. I was picking a theme before I discovered her work, but I love the concept she shares about identifying your Core Desired Feelings (she recommends choosing three).
This practice encourages us to dive more deeply into the FEELING we wish to experience from accomplishing a goal. Makes sense. It’s not the new car, promotion or weight loss you’re really after, it’s HOW those things will make you FEEL.
This year my word is a verb, which is a different approach than Laporte’s, but it works for me.
CULTIVATE.
I was inspired by this word after reading a book by the same name this fall, Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life by Lara Casey. I loved this book. (Note: it’s heavy on the religious references, in case that’s not your cup of tea)
Last year my word was Intention/Be Intentional, so maybe that’s why I was drawn to it.
Casey uses the metaphor of gardening, and even though I am far from having a green thumb, it really resonated with me.
To grow a garden you need to create the right environment – soil, sun, etc. You also have to take the time to do the tasks needed – water, prune, weed. Without the environment and action, you won’t see any flowers or veggies.
You MUST do the work. I’m pretty good about that part when it comes to my business. I do the work, the EXTERNAL part.
But then you must let go and BELIEVE and TRUST that it will flourish. Back off and let Mother Nature do her thing. ALLOW. Know that it is ALREADY perfect. I’m definitely not very good at that. I can be more of a an overfunctioning micro-manager. That mindset is what I want to cultivate the most, the INTERNAL part.
Rather than a long list of resolutions or goals, each month I’m focusing on cultivating something in my life each month.
This month my key focus is Cultivating Radiant Health. There are a few ways I’m doing this.
One action I’m taking is participating in our team’s Clean Slate Cleanse. This is a gentle cleanse that can be done solely through supplementation, but making food adjustments is also an option. (message me if you want to get in on this, we start 1/15).
The mindset part for me is ensuring that I speak to myself in the most loving ways. This involves positive self talk (would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself in your mind?), and knowing that all is already perfect. My current biggest inspiration for cultivating this is Vanessa Jean and her gift of aromatic dressing. I’ve seen her do this twice in person and finally decided to adopt this practice and it certainly supports the INTERNAL chatter going on!
I’m exciting to see how the word CULTIVATE will provide me for a framework for the year. What actions I want to take, and when I just need to let go and trust.
What’s your theme for 2018?
What do you want to cultivate?