Kiala Givehand -- Life Alchemist • Creativity • Spiritual Empowerment
  • Home
  • Work With Me
    • SoulCollage®
    • Soulfully Raw & Quirky
    • FREE Artsy Meetups
    • Artsy Meetup Marathon
  • Pull Pen Paint
  • Online Classes
  • Shop
    • Mixed Media Inspiration Deck
  • About
    • 19 Things About Me
    • Contact >
      • Newsletter Signup
  • Home
  • Work With Me
    • SoulCollage®
    • Soulfully Raw & Quirky
    • FREE Artsy Meetups
    • Artsy Meetup Marathon
  • Pull Pen Paint
  • Online Classes
  • Shop
    • Mixed Media Inspiration Deck
  • About
    • 19 Things About Me
    • Contact >
      • Newsletter Signup

New Year Rituals - Words, Colors, Symbols

1/7/2016

6 Comments

 
Picture
For the last 5 or 6 years I've been selecting a word of the year based on Ali Edwards and her One Little Word. Then, in 2013 I decided to select a color of the year. And in 2014 I added a symbol to that list. So now, every year, I select a word, a color, and a symbol to guide my year. 

This year I decided to think less about what the word is and more about how I want to feel at the end of the year. And I wanted a word that would stretch me and push me out of my comfort zone. At the end of 2016 I want to feel as though I have savored every single moment of the year. I don't care how much stuff I acquired or even how much money I made -- NOPE -- I just want to remember how much I laughed, how many hugs I gave and received, how many people I made smile and the special moments I spent with the people I love.

2015 was a tough year for me in the "feeling" department. I wasn't always clear about how I wanted to feel when I made a decision or entered into a situation and so in a few instances, I walked away feeling rather bruised, misunderstood, and downright shunned. But I don't fault anyone but myself because I wasn't intentional about how I wanted the experience/situation to feel. So this year, I don't want a repeat. That's why I'm starting with the end in mind and being really clear on how I show up, who I pull close, and what moments I create that will be worth savoring. 

At the end of the year, I want to look back and say -- YES!!!! I savored life beautifully, fully, and intentionally. Hence the word SAVOR. Think about it -- when we savor something, it means we took time to experience it fully. You can't rush through a meal and savor it at the same time -- it just can't happen. So when I think about what is required of me to savor life, I know it means I have to slow down a bit, be more mindful, experience with intention, and be in the moment. 

The color EMERALD hold lots of special meaning for me this year. First, it's connected to the energy of empowerment and I always want to feel empowered -- see there's that phrase showing up again -- I WANT TO FEEL. The second reason is that it is the name of the intimate group mastermind program I run called The Emerald Experience -- 7 fabulous, creative, soul-centered entrepreneurs who I get to walk beside and support as they build businesses they love. The group is already off to an amazing start with so many powerful affirmations and ideas for 2016.   

The MANDALA is my symbol this year because in my quest to be more intentional and more mindful, I know that means I need to re-establish my mediation, yoga, and chanting practices. I've gotten away from them since moving from California. One of the reasons I paint, doodle, and make books is because I go into a zone when I'm doing those things and at the end, feel like I've just come out of meditation. So the mandala is my visual reminder to meditate and savor life in order to feel more empowered. And, I just love drawing them. 

Here are 9 Mandalitas (a term I borrowed from my creative pal Amy Egenberger) that I created for the 2013 Art Everyday Month Challenge. 
Here are a few ladies I follow and their take on the One Little Word.
  • Bindi Shah
  • iHanna
  • Christine Kane
As I step into this new year and give myself the best chance for more experiences that are worthy of savoring, I invite you to share your word, color, or symbol (or all three if you want) below in the comments. Of course I want to hear from you and see how the new year is treating you so far. 
Picture
6 Comments
Yolanda
1/7/2016 09:03:56 pm

Kiala, I am super excited about your New Year affirmations. Beginning with the end in mind is so powerful! I am working on my first draft. Thanks for the challenge .

Reply
Nicole link
1/7/2016 09:25:06 pm

Kiala,
I love that you are thinking about how you want to feel at the end of the year. My words are action and happiness. Now I will also think about how I'd like to feel at the end of 2016, and think of colors or symbols that will inspire me along the way.

Reply
Mama J. Love link
1/8/2016 12:38:58 am

So much to love here! I beam with Golden Abundance (my word though more of a phrase 😉) that you're grounding yourself in how you want to feel for 2016. I hadn't consider having a color and symbol as well, so gold is my color and I will continue to marinate on my symbol. Maybe simple a 💜 I look forward to savoring the year with you 😘

Reply
Kim link
1/8/2016 05:57:31 pm

Plenty. I made a page design that's up on walls in my house, but I don't see a way to attach it or upload it here, so I'll just leave it at the word.

Reply
iHanna link
1/11/2016 05:42:10 am

What a great word Kiala, I like it, and how cool to pick a color and a symbol too. I can't think of a symbol right now, but I'm gonna consider it and have choosen a color to explore.

Also, Thanks for the mention! :)

Reply
Lisa Walker link
1/29/2016 07:51:27 am

Hi, Kiala,

Almost at the end of January and I think I FINALLY have my word and it's FORWARD. For a couple of years I couldn't move in any direction except a holding pattern, trying to keep my head above water so to speak. Even if I take baby steps to move forward, if I take enough I'll reach where I want to be.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Follow on Bloglovin
    Picture
    Picture

    hello friend...

    I'm Kiala, a student of life first and foremost. And I'm also a published poet, book binder, fountain pen collector, Life Alchemist & Intuitive Soul Guide. I make things, paint things, and write things. I love teaching & empowering women to  live with intention. Please, grab a cup of your favorite warm drink, a fountain pen, and your favorite journal. Let's connect!


    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    My Articles for the StencilGirl® Blog
    StencilGirl

    i'm teaching here...
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Picture

    journal with me
    Journaling Prompts
    30 Days of Reflection E-Book

    my favorite supplies

    Picture
    Addicted to Gelli

    my favorite classes

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Order Your Copy TODAY!!

    LINKwithlove

    I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Archives

    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

QUICK LINKS
About Kiala
Classes & Workshops
Contact
ADDITIONAL INFO
Privacy Statement
Disclaimers
Shipping Policy
FAQs
Picture

© Kiala Givehand, 2012-2023. All rights reserved.
Everything on this website, including the written words, photos, and artwork are the creative and intellectual property of Kiala Givehand, unless otherwise noted. I'm a small business owner and I share as much as I can to help others live creatively. This is NOT a hobby for me, this is my art, my work, my life. Please don't copy, reproduce, or download any of my artistic works or writings without contacting me for permission. Please feel free to link to this site and notify me when you do. Thanks, ya'll!!
**Some links on this blog & website are affiliate links and I receive a very small percentage of any sales generated by the link.