Happy New Year Friends!
Hope you have enjoyed some holiday downtime with friends and loved ones. Doing some things fun, some things restful and all things filled with love and happiness.
As we start a new year, a new decade, I can't help but reflect on how much I love beginnings. The first page of a new book. A blank sketchbook. The opening scene of a movie. Mondays. Yes, Mondays. I'm weird like that.
I think I love the wonder and magic of beginnings. The what-ifs, the anticipation, the excitement. The dreamer, artist, planner, Type A creative in me gets excited to start something new.
This year tho, I'm approaching the New Year a little differently than my usual routine. I'm choosing to focus on emotions I want to feel in 2020, instead of my typical list of resolutions. Resolutions that honestly in years past have felt more like a to-do list than anything that sparks change, excitement or growth.
As I think on the year ahead, JOY and CONNECTION are how I'm planning to measure success. For me, these 2 simple words will guide how I spend my days. Helping me decide where to give my energy, where to spend my time and who to share life with.
Can you remember the last time you put JOY on your to-do list? The last time you let being present, and connecting with those around you take the lead in deciding how to spend your day?
In our always on, always connected, never done world of busy-ness, it seems the art of joy and connection could use a little resurgence. A little watering. A little invitation to come back and stay awhile.
As you know, I believe creativity - and especially a daily art practice has the power to build both joy and connection in life. Taking a few minutes, for you, most days can reduce stress and increase happiness. It can build connection, most importantly to yourself, that allows you to then connect more authentically to those around you. Friends, family, strangers.
If you're looking to start your own daily practice, I'm kicking off 12 days of creativity challenge on January 13th. I'll be posting all the details on Instagram, and would love to have you join me! I'll be sharing quick tips, ideas and inspiration to get you making and can't wait to see the greatness you guys come up with!
I'd love to hear what you're focused on for 2020. What you're hoping to create more of in your days? What you're looking forward to, excited about, leaning into. Send me a note, or leave a comment below and let me know, so we can celebrate this joyful beginning together!
Happy 2020 friends! Let's make this the most JOY-filled and CONNECTED year EVER.
xx,
Jill
