2014 is the Year of....

by Lisa Hughey

Everyone has their own method for ringing in the new year. Some people make goals (that used to be me, but I evolved). Some make resolutions (and then break them almost instantly). Some people eschew the very idea of goaling or resolving. My latest trend is to find a word or motto that will define the year.

One of my First Attempts at Collaging

My writer friends and I usually spend a day collaging and cut out pictures and words that represent what we want to accomplish for the year. It's a pretty fascinating process. Sometimes the motto or idea is front and center when looking for pictures that represent what I want to achieve, or what I want to strive for during the year.

Other times, I just cut out any picture or object that appeals to me, whether it be colors, symbols, or particular activities. And then once I start pasting on my paper, a large 14" x 14" square of colored paper, sometimes two squares, the theme for the year emerges. Unbeknownst to my conscious mind, the message of what I want out of the year becomes clear by the time I am finished.

Collage 2010

It isn't always made up of just pictures. Usually there are other objects that end up on the collage as well, ribbon, keys, buttons, plants, yarn. Along with the pictures, the objects, spell out exactly what I want for the year.

The specifics of my wishes for the year can range from large to small. They can be milestones like finish a book, finish a series, travel to an exotic place that I've always wanted to visit, make conscious decisions about money. Have more patience, more sex, more joy. It can be about less: eat less, stress less, worry less. Or more: exercise more, meditate more, hike, smile, laugh, love, create more. Appreciate: my husband, my kids, my health, nature.

Last Year's Collage

At the end of the session, I have a physical, artistic visual of what I want for the year. Then I hang it up in my office, usually over the printer, so that it is in my field of vision on a regular basis to remind me what I want.

We haven't had our collage morning yet, and I've been struggling with my word or motto for 2014. But I'm sure that even if I don't have it nailed down before I start, that I will by the end.

If you aren't a resolution/intention/goal person, try collaging. It works. :) 

2014 is the year of.... whatever you want.