One Little Word 2015: Selfhood

{Mandala made with Deb's tutorial}

Selfhood:  the state of being an individual person; individuality.
Each year, for the last several years, I have been following Ali Edwards' practice of choosing a word upon which to focus; a word which could guide me in my journey through the year. My previous words include open (2007); flow (2008); accomplish (2009); horizon (2010); health (2011); home (2012); paramount (2013); and illuminate (2014). 
In thinking about my "one little word" for 2015, I was mindful of the fact that I currently feel like I spend too much time taking care of others and not enough time taking care of myself or feeding my soul. 
More importantly, I realized that I am beginning to resent it. And I hate that. I don't like the feeling of resenting caring for the ones I love most. And I doubt the building resentment escapes their notice, which can't feel good.
I also realized that this much hovering is not good for the ones that I love. It prevents them from developing their own ability to take care of themselves. It might even prevent them from developing and pursuing their own dreams because they feel like they have to pursue the dreams that I have for them instead.
It didn't take much thought for me to realize that this is not their fault or responsibility; it is mine. And so I need to take responsibility to change my behavior. It will make me happier and healthier, and it will be better for them, too.
So, I have chosen the word selfhood, which means the state of being an individual person. Its history includes claiming the right to be considered an individual and the development of your individuality and identity as a person.
At first glance, the word might seem a little selfish, but I know I will still care for my family. I'm not abandoning them. I also know that, out of necessity, I have spent the last few years taking on more care-giving than is healthy for me. And it's time to step back (a little)  and let go (a bit). Finally, I mean my OLW to include my wish that my children develop their own selfhood this year, and I will definitely be there to support and encourage that journey.
So, that's my word for 2015! What do you think? Have you chosen a word? If so, tell me about it or, if you've blogged about it, put a link in comments, and I'll come check it out.

Crackle Paint Tags

This week's Compendium of Curiosities Challenge at Studio L3 features crackle paint distress.  I made two tags using this technique.  "Art Horizon 2010" started with white (picket fence) crackle paint, and I also used rock candy on the blue stamped bit.  "Nature's Beauty" started with orange crackle paint, and I also used a Tim Holtz mini-mask on the background.  I'm definitely partial to one of them, but before I tell you which one, I'm curious about whether you have a favorite.
Both of the tags also reflect on my 2010 word of the year - Horizon.  The Art Horizon tag has two quotes: "A person can grow only as much as his horizon allows." (John Powell) and "You must learn, day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon." (Ethel Barrymore). I think Ethel has the right attitude!
On the back of Nature's Beauty tag, I have this Horizon quote: "October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen.  It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once more in sight." Hal Bowland. I'm hoping this thought will help guide me into fall and out of summer more easily.
Once August is over, the year is three-fourths of the way passed.  Have you thought about your "word of the year" lately?

Checking in on Intentions & Word of the Year

Horizon in Hand (art journal page)

I hate to be the one to tell you,  but 2010 is almost 1/4 of the way done! I thought it was time to think a little about my word of the year (horizon) and the intentions I created about it.  You can see an art journal page about my word, here, and my intentions, here.  After reviewing them, I decided that I needed to get a handle on a few things!  I've been doing lots of art, but need to do better about getting into a healthy regiment.  Doing okay on my work-work, parenting and spiritual stuff.  Could put a bit more time into being a good sibling, more attentive spouse and planning a few trips. 

Today's art journal page captures the idea of getting a handle on things, I think.  I used soft pastels for the background and a new stamp I got from Invoke Arts.

Have you thought about your word of the year lately? How are you doing on your intentions?

Inspiring Words (pt. 2)

     Yesterday, I blogged about Ali Edwards' exercise of choosing an inspiring word for each year.  I featured art I created for my 2008 word "flow" and my 2009 word "accomplish."  I mentioned that I had made a series of ATC's for my 2007 word, "open."  I'm featuring a variety of them today.

     Choosing the word "open" really helped me in 2007 to be open to and try a variety of things without fear of failure.  I turned to my 2009 word "accomplish" many times when I felt like procrastinating instead of finishing something.  I don't think "flow" really worked for me, but two out of three isn't bad!

An Inspiring Word for 2010?

Ali Edwards, an inspiring and self-titled "life artist" hosts an exercise every year where her blog readers choose an inspiring word for the upcoming year.  She describes the exercise like this, "Essentially the idea is to choose a word (or let it choose you) that has the potential to make an impact on your life. Maybe you want to invite something or maybe you are hoping to subtract something. Maybe your word will be practical or hopeful or creative or fanciful. Maybe you need a big word, something in-your-face that will challenge you everyday. Maybe you need something smaller and quieter that will whisper gentle tidings as you make your way throughout the year."


I have chosen a word for the last few years and found it helpful in both my art and my life.  In 2007, I chose "open" and illustrated the word with a series of ATC's.  In 2008, I chose the word "flow" and took the picture above to illustrate it.  In 2009, I created a plaster piece with my word, "accomplish."  I have started to think about a word for 2010, but haven't settled on one yet.  Have you done this?  What word have you chosen?  Is it something you will do in 2010?  What will be your inspiring word?