Inspired Documentation

Each year, after I choose my word, I try to find physical ways to keep it close to me.  I figure that if I can see it, I'll think about it more.  It's an awareness thing.  If I'm looking for it, I'll find it!  If I'm open to it, my word will continue to bubble up in meaningful ways.

One thing I always do right away . . . is set up some sort of journal to document my experience.  It's a great way for me to capture my thoughts and reflections and, ultimately, my "learnings" about my word.  

For the last few years, I've used a little cardboard album with binder rings that can (conveniently!) expand to hold any number of pages.

I nearly always begin my journal with the dictionary definition of my word for the year, and a collection of quotes that I find particularly inspiring. 

After that, well . . . it's a crap shoot!  I'm a visual person, so I like to collect little bits and pieces that resonate with me about my word.  By the end of the year, this binder will be stuffed with all kinds of goofy stuff --  images from magazines, photos I've taken myself, postcards, jottings on index cards, post-it notes, poems, lists . . . whatever comes my way.

The entire thing usually ends up looking like an overstuffed vision board by the end of the year, but it's always fun to look back at what has inspired me.

Inspiration!  That's the whole point of having a word, isn't it?

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How about you?  How are you inspired this month?

 

 

 

Comments

[Carole]

Your journal is a fabulous idea! I mostly just incorporate my OLW stuff into my regular journal but I really love the way you set up one just for your word.

[Mary]

oooh, love! it's kind of like a vision board in a notebook! I still have a pile of words and images to make into a collage ... maybe in March?

[Bonny]

This is a great idea, and I bet it's fun to look through it during the year of your word, and afterwards. I'm glad to see you've included Annie Dillard and Einstein so far!

[Kat]

What a beautiful inspiration, Kym! I love the "open creativity" this offers. Thank you for sharing!

[jane]

I love your small cardboard notebook idea. Do you make the notebook or buy it? I love the visual and the idea that at the end of the year it is stuffed full of odds and ends that had meaning and beauty for you. What an inspiration! Bookmaking of any kind is intriguing to me. I have made a few to collect my writings.

[margene]

Going through your books a year or two on would be such a trip, a trip of memories that flood the senses and an acknowledgement of the work you have put in on your pathway, your journey. What a wonderful way to visualize your life.

[Vera]

Such a cool idea! And I bet it is fun to look back through prior books.

[Patty]

I love this too. And I'm sure going back through them is just the best. xo