word of the year

Expand:

1. to increase or grow in extent, size, volume, scope
2. to spread out; unfold; develop
3. to express something more fully or in greater detail

Yes, this is my word for 2017!  

Expand

I have had the ritual of choosing a word of the year since 2009.  My previous words have been:

2016 - Daring Greatly & Gather
2015 - Connection
2014 – Build
2013 – All the Cards on the Table
2012 – Soar
2011 – Love
2010 – Connect
2009 - Wings

It has been incredible to see the way these words manifest themselves.  Usually not the way I thought they would but it turns to be exactly what my heart needed.  

I found my word for 2017 as I stood on the oceans edge.  The warmth of the sun greeting my face, the sound of the waves creating a sacred rhythm inside my heart as I took a deep breath in filling my lungs with the crisp salty airy.  The ocean is wide, deep, expansive.  It takes up the space it needs as it ebbs and flows.  In and out the waves roll with a fierce strong conviction.  The ocean understands it's place in this world and it shows up unapologetically each and every day.  Never is it frozen over or lazy.  The waves continuously roll in and out expanding their reach.  

Expansive, expanding, expand.  To spread out.  To develop.  To reach far and wide.  To allow myself to be seen.  To be heard.  To show up.  Arms wide open.  Heart ready to give and to receive.  Taking risk's.  Going the extra mile.  Reaching out a hand.  Asking for what I really want.  Asking for help when I need it.  Expanding my horizon's.  Being free.  Being strong.  Being fierce.  

Yes!  This is what I am looking to create in 2017.  I want to expand into the fuller, deeper version of myself. I want to show up in the world unapologetically.  Sharing my passions.  Inviting others in.  Doing what I love.  I want to expand!  

And so I am tucking this word deep into my pocket to carry with me for the entire year.  I am holding it close and also giving it space to breath.  I am not sure what doors will open.  What choices I will have to make.  What unknown moments will occur.  But I do know one thing.  I am ready to expand.  Ready to express myself for fully and in greater detail.  The time is now to begin accomplishing my dreams.  No reason to wait any longer and so I am off.  Taking the reins of 2017 and carving my own path.  

Do you choose a word for the year?  I would love to hear what it is.  Let me know in the comments and together let's celebrate the all the potential that this year holds.  

securing the foundation

And so it goes.  I keep coming here.  To this space where everything feels familiar, yet everything has changed.  I have been navigating my own way.  I have thought I have made progress.  But here I stand, right back in this same spot.  My eyes tired, my skin pale.  Have I learned anything from my journey?  Have I grown at all?  It feels as if I am swirling without making any steps forward.  

There is much in my heart that wants to come alive.  Stories to be told. Places to travel to.  Dreams to be reached.  Yet here I am, standing on rocky ground.  I know that I must fix my own foundation.  I must sure myself up before taking any steps forward.  I need to know that I am grounded and then I can take steps to fly. 

And so I am going inward.  Choosing to be present, fully present with all the feelings.  I am examining the damage and figuring out which steps to take next.  I am not rushing through the process as I normally do but rather excavating my way around.  I will crawl my way out.  I will rise again.  And when I do I will be stronger, wiser, and ready for life's unsuspecting glory.  

love is all around

Love is there, always
You just have to look for it
It shows up in the most unexpected places
Inviting you in
Encouraging you to take that next step
Reminding you that you aren't alone

Be open to love
Seek it out
Share it with others
Treat it with respect and kindness
Do not take it for granted
Savor every moment of it

Nurture the love you receive
And show compassion with the love you give
Remember
Universally we all just want to be loved
Reach out, arms wide open
Sharing your kind of love
 

you shine!

There is so much I want to tell you
But where do I begin?
Do you know how AMAZING you are?
YOU, yes YOU
You are amazing
And I am so grateful to know YOU
You taught me so much
And you being just as you are
Brings so much to this world
I want you to know this
I want you to feel it
I need you to know that what you say
What you do, matters
Yes it all matters
There is no one else in this world like you
You see things the way no one else does
You make others laugh
You make others smile
You, just being who your brings so much to this world
I am grateful for you
And I know so many others are
I know, for you it is hard to see and feel
But I know for certain it is there
So be who you are
Say what you mean
And know that it matters
It all matters
So do not hold back
Share your heart with the world
And shine
Shine, shine, shine

need to hear

I reached out to the Love Notes Facebook Community and my friends on facebook asking them what they most need to hear in this moment.  The responses were incredible, inspiring, and many of them were exactly what I needed to hear as well.  It goes to show you that we are all connected and even when we think we are alone there is someone else out there who is feeling the same way we are.  

The images above are the responses.  I invite you to pour a cup of tea and take a moment to scroll through.  We are each human filled with ebbs and flows of emotions and sometimes we just need to hear that we will be ok.  

What is it that you most need to hear in this moment?  

you, yes you

Be gentle with yourself as you step through this week.  The to do list may be growing.  The dishes may need to be washed.  The laundry may be piling up.  But remember to set aside time for you, yes YOU.  I know you are so busy thinking of others this time of year that you forget to think about yourself.  

You deserve a moment.  A slice of time dedicated to whatever you desire.  A warm cup of tea.  A brief moment outside looking up at the stars while you make a wish.  A walk around the block.  Time dedicated to working out or making something.  Take the time to do whatever makes you smile.  Remember when your heart is happy and you are filling your soul you bring so much more to the table when you are around others. Do not forget to fill up your soul.  

You bring so much goodness to this world
Never forget that
Your big glowing heart bestows joy and love onto others
Your kindness is appreciated
Your love is undeniable
You are a gift to this world

Know and believe this
Tend to this soul that is so brilliant and bright
Nourish it with love and kindness
Care for it
Be gentle with it
And know that when you love yourself
You are opening up for more love from the world