My Word.

A year ago a beautiful blogging friend posted about not making resolutions – resolutions ‘fix’ problems with ourselves – but rather to focus on strengthening those things about ourselves that are already great. It really stuck with me. But at the time I did not really do much about it. Or, so I thought.

She spoke of the ‘One Little Word’ concept. In 2006, Ali Edwards began a tradition of choosing one word each January - a word that she could focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as she went about her daily life. The thought of choosing one word to live by for the year seemed overwhelming. I had so much I wanted to focus on but did not know where to start.

This past year was a whirlwind with much inward soul searching and thinking about what I wanted to focus on. It wasn’t a conscious effort, at least not in the beginning. At times there was much clarity, and at others it was pure chaos. It was a year of changes. Good changes. But it all boiled down to being happy. Sounds simple enough? I realized that living the life I wanted was up to me, and me alone. I needed to live in the moment. There is no do-over. And it would be a journey.

So this year, not only am I living by one word, but I have chosen one word to live by forever. Ambious? Yes. Achiveable? You betcha.

Colourfully. That’s my word.

Being in the marketing and advertising profession I often come across inspiration for my work. And sometimes that inspiration crosses into life. Such was the ad campaign launched by Kate Spade at the beginning of 2011.

Every month of 2011 featured a new colour. Every month featured a new commissioned print. Every month featured Live Colourfully product launches. Every month featured new videos. It was design inspiration for most. Fashion crack for many. It was life inspiration for me. So whose shoes could be better to walk in than a pair of Kate Spades?

So, 2012 is the start of a life of colour.

Colour plays an important part in our lives from an early age. 'What's your favourite colour?' is a question of great debate with my girls, asked from an early age by all of them. Our vernacular is sprinkled with references to colours: we see red, go green with envy, have black moods, get the blues, we feel off colour. There are colourful characters, we colour outside the lines, and this year I will live life colourfully! For me this means living my best life everyday (you'll see this as we go). One that is true to me (more on this later). Health. Happiness. Family. Friends. And pursuit of interests both personal and professional. That's my colourful. 

Our use of colour expresses how we feel and think. The colours we surround ourselves with can affect our mood and personality. If the only help that colour can offer is to raise spirits and self-esteem, enhance surroundings, reduce stress and help you view life more positively, then that's enough in my mind.

So, what’s your favorite colour? Mine's red.