I've been thinking about my word - Define - quite often. I'm really trying to figure out what defines me and the life I want to live. I have hit many road blocks, mainly because of my own thinking. I worry too much about what other people might think and I worry too much about following the rules and doing things the right way. The problem with that is I don't know who made the rules, so why I'm I following them. I'm questioning many things and trying to work them out. During this journey I have to make sure the rules work for me, but also my family. I can not turn their world upside down, but I can slowly work on changing the way we spend time, money and energy. It's definitely a long process. But I know it will be worth it in the end.
This months prompts to photograph your word was not easy. How to you take photos of define?? I looked at what areas of my life I need to define or change. From there I tried to find something that would represent that area. I took all my photos with my iPhone, which I'm in love with. Since the photos come out to be about a 2x2, it was perfect for the little canvases. I typed the main area of focus before printing and then I added some walnut stain and wrote something about the area of focus to help me work on that theme.
Here's a quick description of each card:
Organize: Create work flows to get more done. I use work flows for different areas of work, but I never really applied them to things in my home life. I want to see if creating some work flows at home will help me achieve more in less time.
Spirit: Acknowledge and Feed. I'm not sure how I'm going to do this. I'm not a huge spiritual person, but I feel a lose in that area. I need to explore some different ways of being more spiritual, whether thru prayer, mediation or reflection, I'm not sure on that yet.
Family: Spend more time. I should put quality time. We are so busy and running around that we don't spend enough time just being together. I want to start having Sunday morning outings, like walks or bike rides to incorporate time together with exercise and nature.
Simplify: Want Less. Be More. I love the idea of having less. Less to clean and sort and organize. I want to do more, not have more.
Nutrition: Fuel my body with REAL food. This is something I've been doing for years, but lately I haven't been great about planning our meals. I'm going to start meal planning again and want to start teaching my boys more about cooking.
Routine: Create a flow for my day. This works with Organize. I created a morning routine for me and so far I love it but it's still not a habit. I picked 5 things that energize me and start my day off right. I do this things before anything else. Drink glass of water, exercise, shower, Cup of Coffee, Create To Do list for day. I'm working on my evening routine next.
Design: Feed my desire to learn more. I realized I'm spending my time doing things I don't really enjoy. I want to work on my love of photography, design and art.
Balance: Don't empty on tank... This is a reminder to me to not deplete myself. If I don't take care of Mom then no one is happy.
Health: Take care of myself. I want to get stronger and healthier this year.
So that is how I'm defining DEFINE in photos. I almost forgot about the large photo for the opening page. So I did something I normally would not do. I took a photo of me right at this moment. No shower, No make-up, Just me. I'm actually surprised because I don't mind the picture. I think all those self-portraits are making me kinder to myself.
The quote on the photo reads: It is never too late to be what you might have been. -George Eliot.
Thanks for stopping by. Your next stop on the blog hop is over at Veronica's blog. If you get lost here is a list of all the blog hop participants.
Margie http://xnomads.typepad.com
Melissa S http://blog.mshanhun.com
Sharyn http://LaVieEnChic.com
Kimberlee http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com
Jill http://jillconyers.com/
Cheri http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com
Cindy www.cynthiacrysdale.com
Jenn www.studiojenn.blogspot.com
Monica http://scrapinspired.com/
Catherine http://myview-catherine.blogspot.com/
Naomi http://poeticaperture.com/
Jamie jmpgirl.blogspot.com
Coley www.coleybelle.blogspot.com
Melissa C www.smudgetime.com
Donna http://holimess.blogspot.com/
Monica B http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/ <----YOU ARE HERE
Veronica www.veronicanorris.typepad.com
Heidi D http://mommy.heidimdavis.com/
Lisa http://backtoallen.com/category/one-little-word/
Nikki www.inkyart.com.au
Devon http://www.youhadmeatneurotic.com
Amanda http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com
Brooklyn www.everysnapshot.com
Kristina http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.com/
Jen R http://jenritchie.com
Kara http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com
Eydie www.whatwecreate.net
Ruth http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com
Missus W http://www.mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/
Marilee http://rose-brier.blogspot.com
Cindy http://seriousplay.typepad.com
Kaylea http://www.myscrappylife.com
Dawn G www.sunshineandcreativity.com
Rebekah http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/
Becky www.becky-handforth.blogspot.com
Orange Gearle orangegearle.blogspot.com
Katrina www.katrinasimeck.com
Jo http://www.mrsbeee.blogspot.com
Nicky Www.seejanebake.blogspot.com
Beth www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com
Kelly http://mindingmynest.com
Tere http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/
Monica, as a fellow 'thinker' I know how bogged down I get about everything. I loved your post. If you can use your thinking to help you enact your word you are rocking! I love your montage, it is really succinct (you have a lot going on, it is a huge word!). I also love your cover photo. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat collage and those 2x2 photos work so well, the swipe of walnut stain is a nice touch. As another thinker I do understand getting caught up in the search for perfection. Really nice post thanks.
ReplyDeleteI very much like the approach you used to create a collage representing your OLW. I thought you self portrait and quote were fab. Great post. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Cool collage. :) I love the quote on your photo as well. Great work on getting it all done.
ReplyDeleteI love how you created mini colages with photos and words! So cool!
ReplyDeleteThat word really packs a lot of punch. I hope this year can bring everything you want ... seems you are off to a great start!
ReplyDeleteDefine is such a rich word. I really like the way you have poured a lot of thought into each area. I look forward to seeing where this journey brings you.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos and captions. And what a great quote. I find myself, as I'm aging, wanting to get to the point where I can look back and see maturity. So much to work on!!
ReplyDeletei LOVE your photo collage and embellishments. i can totally relate to the idea of playing by a ridiculous set of rules that don't fit. sounds like your word is really working in your life - even though it's not always easy or pleasant. :) good luck with your journey and i look forward to hearing more about it. love, kelly
ReplyDeleteI adore your page Monica. I like the combination of photo, word & embellishment. Your words (and "about me") really made me think!
ReplyDelete~Marilee
love the style of your page. Define would be a super hard word to do but you did it perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI so feel you--I thought the same about my word, and how exactly to take pictures of it that would make sense (my word is invest). But when you say : The problem with that is I don't know who made the rules, so why I'm I following them : I darn near yelled YES! EXACTLY!! but my kids were in the room so I said it under my breath instead :) Love your reflection and visiting you each month on the hop. Have a lovely March :)
ReplyDeleteI love how you did this assignment and I LOVE the self portrait...I know I have a hard time taking a pic of me like that.....I love your take on the assignment and how you really dived into your word.
ReplyDelete