I’m sure my last few entries here on the blog have started to feel like there’s a bit of a theme to them. As we get closer to the beginning of a new year, I’m feeling very introspective as I look back over 2018 and even back into 2017 a little ways. Almost every year for awhile now, I’ve found a word for the year that I have worked to meditate on and use to make myself and my life better in various ways.

At the end of last year, though, I was going through some very traumatic things and did not have the emotional ability to step outside of what was happening long enough to even look ahead into 2018, much less plan anything. I’m not going to go too far into it, but I will just say that my family did not approve of some choices I made to step out on my own and pursue my own happiness, my own life, which resulted in them putting up a great wall and shutting me out. My relationships with them were basically non-existent for a while, but with time things have gotten a little bit better, which is encouraging. Still, I do have quite a lot of heartache going through this holiday season without them.. I miss them more than I can say. But that’s enough. I’ll leave it there.

This year, I am feeling much more myself than I’ve ever felt. I’ve grown a lot, changed a lot, and learned a lot about myself and the world around me. My boyfriend, Michael, has had a lot to do with that, and so have the friends I have come to see as family as I’ve been dealing with everything. It’s funny how when you’re on your own, how many people in your life come around you and cheer you on, becoming as close as family, when your blood family has stepped out of the picture.. I am very blessed on that count, and I so appreciate everyone who’s been there for me. :)

Anyway, back on topic. Although, that was a bit important in order for you to know why I was scarce on the blog for so long and why I’m so completely excited to be getting back into yarny things again after such a long hiatus! It was a much-needed rest, as I’m sure I’ve mentioned before now. But I’m jumping back in with both feet, and I’m thrilled to be rediscovering my love for knitting again.

Now, where was my train of thought going before I took that little side track? Ummmmmm, yes, my word for this year. As you saw from the graphic at the top of the blog entry, it is INTENTIONAL. As I thought through this, I asked myself some questions and wrote down the answers in my notebook. I’ll share them here for those of you who might be searching for a word and a purpose for it as we go into the new year..

What does it mean?

I want to focus my time, energy, and money on doing things that will be a wise use of them.

 

How will I do it?

By planning ahead — not so much that I set myself up for failure and disappointment, but enough that I stay on track.

 

Why is this important?

Because I want to follow my dreams and create a fulfilling life doing things I love!

 

What does this look like from a practical standpoint?

Focusing on a few key points, things I can do now, that will build aspects of my business that can grow into the vision I have. In essence, doing what I can now in order to keep myself from getting discouraged about the things I can’t do now. I need to set attainable yet challenging goals for myself to push myself toward the end goals, and then pour as much time and energy into doing them as I can while still maintaining a good balance in my life.

How does this tie in with yarn and knitting?? Well, as I wrote about, I’m doing two challenges next year. I’m using the Make Nine Challenge and the Cake Nine Wishlist together to create a bit of structure in my knitting/design life. I’m going to be putting these two lists together in every way I can to keep me on track as far as purchases, time spent knitting, and designs I want to take from being ideas in my head to being finished patterns you can enjoy. It’s going to be a challenge for sure!

I would challenge you to sit down and find your own word for 2019 if you haven’t already. Then ask yourself some of these questions, or perhaps questions that may be more relevant to what you’re wanting to do. Use the last days of 2018 to really delve into your dreams and set yourself up for a great 2019.

If you have any questions or would like to chat about all this, feel free to leave a comment here or on Instagram! Happy dreaming!

oxo Annie