I love this pond, it’s still, mirror-like surface creates a dappled, symmetrical reflection. Just to the right you can catch a glimpse of a little farmhouse. I chose this photograph from a series I took on a farm high above Mabel Lake a few summers ago. I’d like to think it symbolizes how I’d like my life to feel on an “ideal day”. I can imagine how incredible it must be to wake up to that hush, that quiet every morning!
I still haven’t chosen my “Word” for 2015 { and it’s already March!}. I’ve had a few short-listed.. joy.. luminous.. focus.. but I can’t seem to find a word that rolls everything into one. But then I stumbled on this quote by the actress Joy Page { what a name! }
“Don’t let anything stand in the way of you claiming and manifesting the life that you choose rather than the life you have by default.”
and I’m wondering if
Manifest
could be my word?
♥
The lovely thing about the word “Manifest” is that is can be a noun, adjective, verb..
noun
a document giving comprehensive details of a ship and its cargo and other contents, passengers, and crew for the use of customs officers
{ couldn’t there also be a personal “manifest” }
adjective
clear or obvious to the eye or mind
{ apparent, palpable, overt }
verb:
display or show (a quality or feeling) by one’s acts or appearance; demonstrate.
be evidence of; prove
{ display, reveal, evince }
♥
So I think I’m getting a little closer having stumbled upon this quote.. I think living a full life is not just about having dreams, but it’s important to have clarity in them.. having a mental “list” of very definite goals that a person wants to accomplish. I’ve always been a dreamer, but have previously neglected to make the connection between dreaming { and wishing for things to happen } and detailing the clear steps towards making that dream become a reality. This is why I thoroughly enjoyed Susannah Conway’s exercise.. she asks you to describe your ideal day and it gives such simple clarity to what an “ordinary every day” could look like.
Going through the exercise allowed me to see, in a very concrete way, what those simple moments are that would create my “ideal life” and also helped me realize how could I move forward to having this become a reality. Distilling all the chaotic ideas down to one simple, perfect day helped me discover the essential, crucial elements and then these have became the undertaking for all of my meditating and visualizing.. and, now, for my actions.
To manifest is to demonstrate and make real.. and so each day I can aim to bear witness to my dreams through the actions I take, to the person I’m becoming. In my post on reinventing yourself I talked about the circle of influence of people who support you and motivate you in reaching your goals. And today I feel like I’ve finally made the connection between having that larger purpose and distilling it down to those “ordinary, every day” smaller steps that can take you in the right direction.
Of course, I don’t believe those smaller steps are just about the destination, but in the journey itself, because the simple act of “being” and “moving” towards one’s goals gives you such a feeling of accomplishment and of already “being that new person” every single day.
♥
My friend once told me that it doesn’t have to take “years of hard work” to change, that you can decide to change today, that this very minute.. you can become the person you want to be.
♥
That was so freeing for me to hear.. life doesn’t have to be about a years of arduous, formidable tasks.. but about simply making the decision to be different and then living it through your actions..
every.day
Could it really be this simple? I’d like to think so..
So is “manifest” my word for 2015? I keep thinking that if I could somehow tie the word “joy” in with it.. but I might be overthinking things.. because isn’t manifesting your dreams inherently all about joy anyway?
Barb,
How I love this post! (And yes, Joy Page is an AMAZING name!!) It’s not too late for your word for 2015 and I love how many meanings the word manifest has and how it can apply to your life and dreams and hopes. Because yes, it’s all about the joy! As always, I’ll be pondering your thoughtful words today. . .ReplyCancel
I love your blog Valerie, I think because it’s filled with these sorts of ideas too. Your word.. might be grace or joy.. those would suit you:) xxReplyCancel
Thanks for this post, Barb … it’s made me reflect on a few things. I like the idea of choosing a word of the year for myself. 2015 is a watershed year for me, so I think it’s a good time to start the practice of having a banner word, one to inspire me and keep me focused. Good stuff to think about!ReplyCancel
I think you’d really love Susannah’s website.. it’s so insightful and filled with practical activities. I’ve downloaded her book and just longing for the chance to get the time to do more of it. Gosh life is busy isn’t it?ReplyCancel
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Good word…I like!
Me too:)
Definitely a good word. And such a nice post. Love the pond! Thanks for this.
Thanks for stopping by!
Barb,
How I love this post! (And yes, Joy Page is an AMAZING name!!) It’s not too late for your word for 2015 and I love how many meanings the word manifest has and how it can apply to your life and dreams and hopes. Because yes, it’s all about the joy! As always, I’ll be pondering your thoughtful words today. . .
I love your blog Valerie, I think because it’s filled with these sorts of ideas too. Your word.. might be grace or joy.. those would suit you:) xx
This was a very thought-provoking post. I love the quote. Thanks for sharing these thoughts and the beautiful picture!
Thanks so much Shari! xx
Thanks for this post, Barb … it’s made me reflect on a few things. I like the idea of choosing a word of the year for myself. 2015 is a watershed year for me, so I think it’s a good time to start the practice of having a banner word, one to inspire me and keep me focused. Good stuff to think about!
I think you’d really love Susannah’s website.. it’s so insightful and filled with practical activities. I’ve downloaded her book and just longing for the chance to get the time to do more of it. Gosh life is busy isn’t it?
I like it too, I think this shall be your word! Lovely thought provoking post!
I think your word must be blissful.. and so perfect for you because that’s how you make everyone feel!! Thanks, Britt!
inspiring. It’s definitely the time of year that I begin to want a fresh start.