A Transformative Journey: Staying in the Flow

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Hi Everyone,

Ten weeks from now we will begin a new year! I’ve started to think about what word to choose for 2019, and wanted to ask those of you who chose a word for 2018 to share (in the comment section) how you selected and used your word, and how it has influenced you this year. The journal below has words suggested for our 2016 Word of the Year by members of the Zenspirations® Create, Color, Pattern, Play Facebook Group.

I incorporated some of the words suggested for 2018 into the first design I created this year: Transformative, Holy, Humility, Respect, Persevere, Commitment, Love, Kindness, Pray, Cooperation, Goodwill, Awareness, Purpose, Emerge. 

The piece below, which was the last design I created in 2017, is an alphabet of uplifting words, many of which were on my list of possibilities for my 2018 Word of the Year:

Morning Journaling is part of my daily prayer practice, and I’ve lettered many of these words in countless times in my journals. My friend Elizabeth Motyka, who chose the word ‘FLOW’ this year, inspired several journal pages:

In addition to putting pen to paper, I’ve also been lettering on my iPad. I lettered this one using the Procreate App:

The ones below  were lettered using the iOrnament App:

Flow is a word that has resonated with me for years, because I try to let love, compassion and inspiration flow through me.  Here are a few pages which flowed from my pen in recent years:

I’m developing a Word of the Year seminar, and am wondering if anyone would be interested in reviewing the handouts and testing the guided exercises on reflection, selection, visualization and connection. Please leave a comment to let me know if you’d like to be a ‘Guinea Pig’ (and get a jump start on determining your word for 2019!).

Before closing tonight, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who bought the downloadable card crafting kit from my Etsy Shop. I can’t wait to see the cards you create! Here’s a visual in case you missed last week’s blog:

I’d be grateful if you’d share this with your friends and family who like to make cards.

Stay Zenspired,

Joanne

17 thoughts on “A Transformative Journey: Staying in the Flow”

  1. You know I am all about words for the year, Joanne. I’d love to be involved in helping with a Word of the Year seminar! What an exciting idea. My middle name is “Guinea Pig” when it comes to all things Zenspirations or if it has you connected with it. Happy to help in any way possible! Love love love everything that is coming out of your pen these days… you are a creative force in the world and it is lovely to behold.

    1. I will always be grateful that you introduced me to the Word of the Year concept, Tracey! Thank you for your kind words, and for being the first ‘Guinea Pig’ volunteer! 🙂

  2. As a grandmother, I will be moving back to the East Coast, from California, to be close to my son and his family. It is a major transition. It’s a new beginning for all of us. Having a word to hang my heart on would be a great touchstone. I would love to be a “Guinea Pig” for a wonderful concept.

  3. Joanne- I would love to be the 2nd Guinea Pig. I am struggling with balance right now and I think a work of the Year Seminar would be a great thing. You always inspire me!

  4. I would absolutely love to be part of your guinea pig test for word of the year! I am very good at exercises, reflection, visualization. I journal daily. I would so LOVE to be part of this! Thank you Joanne for all you do to inspire others – including me.

  5. I would love to be a Guinea pig for the Word of the year. I have had a lot of changes over the past year and think it would be beneficial for me.

  6. I have been a fan of yours for a long time! I’ve copied your style in some of my bible art journaling. I’d love to be a Guinea Pig for your new project.
    I have been doing My One Word for several years now. My first word was Listen, then Grace (receiving, accepting, giving) , this year it is WELCOME. It’s not a word I really wanted, but I have been WELCOMING new people and experiences into my home and life more conscientiously! I love trying new things.
    I love word play – like flow and follow and float. A letter or 2 makes a difference!
    I’ve read the book Flow by Csikszentmihalyi. There is nothing like getting in that creative zone when things line up and time floats by.
    Blessings to you and your project. I think it will touch many people.

  7. Count me in for your Word Seminar I love everything you do so what better way to be a part of your inspiration.

  8. My 2018 word was “hospitality”. I had been struggling with hosting a small group in my home. My husband was all about it, but me not so much. It got to where I couldn’t stand any of the people. I know hospitality is one of my gifts from God. So it’s been a struggle to continue using that gift. I have kept that word in the fore front of my brain, especially when I’m asked to host an event. Finding a word for 2019 would be great fun. I’d love to be your “guinea pig” for your seminar. I’m sure it will be great.

  9. Joanne, I would love to be a “guinea pig” for your word seminar. I have read through the book “The One Word That Will Change Your Life” and would appreciate another resource to assist in reflection and selection of a focus word. Both for myself and for others. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

  10. Wow I loved all the ways you looked at the word flow ! I especially love the dangling love. I think a word of the year seminar sounds great . I am happy to review materials if you still need someone for that . I could certainly see myself participating in the seminar

  11. Although last year my word was “Trust” right now my word is REMEMBER…
    This seems to be a word that comes up often in many things I write or in crafts I do.
    I just made a sign for myself in a Joanne Fink frame from Michael’s that I shared in the FB group “remember what’s going right!” I also have “Remember how far I have come” and “Remember…Lessons I’ve taught myself”.
    .
    Of course I’m always excited to be a guinea pig and try anything new you come up with! Count me as ne for this.

  12. I know I am late late late reading this, but Id love to take part in the Word of the year seminar as a guinea pig!! I have been trying to find the right word, and i have yet too! By Gods grace this will help me to stay focused through the many trials ahead and to ultimately persevere.

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