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Creativity

Word of the Year // 2017

January 3, 2017January 3, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 18 comments
Word of the Year // 2017

Happy New Year!

My word for 2016 was ruminate. I wanted to be intentional, to think things through. And I definitely thought about things. Some friends who got a peek into my thought process at times might say I thought a little too much!

One thing that I thought a lot toward the end of the year was my dreams. As in, maybe I’ll give them up. And for a few weeks in September and October, I was done. I was done writing, I was done pursuing my writing goals. Life would be easier if I just let them go.

But that didn’t sit well with me. I couldn’t let go of the desire to write and create. It’s just… part of me.

Instead, I decided to feed myself. I took a break from writing for a month and read a ton of books. I attended a conference. I took writing class after writing class. And I felt like I came to a good place.

Sharing my word and goals for 2017. // dreams-etc.com

So, my word for 2017 is…

PURSUE

I’m want to pursue:

>> Writing. And work on writing daily. Not a strict practice, of course. If I miss a day, I miss a day. It will happen. But I want to write daily as much as I possibly can.

>> Art. I want to paint and draw and take photos.

>> Blogging. Because I love this little space and want to continue filling it with all things I love: books, beauty, travel and creativity.

>> Self-Care. I think I need to prioritize this a bit more, because I don’t want to get to the point where I give up again. That’s just not me.

>> Travel. I love it. And it inspires me, so I need to do it more often.

Sharing my word and goals for 2017. // dreams-etc.com

As always, I like to put my word someplace where I’ll see it every day, so I drew inspiration from the first year I chose a word and cut the letters out of a passage of my writing. I decided to put it by my desk, since that’s where I usually am when I’m working. I originally planned to have an entire wall of inspiration complete by the time I needed to take these photos, but it’s still a work in progress. Life has been a little busy. šŸ™‚

Do you have a word or goals for 2017? I’d love to hear about them!

[Tweet “Let’s talking about 2017. What words/goals will shape our year? #goals #newyear #2017”]

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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Dear 2016
Happy Friday // 01

18 comments

  1. Charlotte says:
    January 3, 2017 at 9:23 am

    I love your word for 2017! And the fact that you are keeping it in a prominent spot so that you can see it and think about it frequently. I’m not sure where I would be without writing, and sometimes I get stuck in ruts. It’s so easy to walk away discouraged, but when it’s every bit a part of you, you can’t just give up. So it’s wonderful you fed your brain with books and classes and inspiration instead šŸ™‚ Here’s to a wonderful 2017 šŸ™‚ XOXO

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:16 pm

      Thank you Charlotte! Yes, I like to keep it right where I can see it, that way it’s never far from my mind. I still have the first word of the year that I ever chose (back in 2014, I think) on my door so that I see it everyday. (It was “Create.”)

      I don’t know where I’d be without writing either and, like you said, when it’s part of you, you just can’t give it up. Even if you want to sometimes. šŸ™‚

      Yes! Here’s to a wonderful 2017! šŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Faithfullymeblog says:
    January 3, 2017 at 10:08 am

    I am loving this word of the year trend. I think mine would be intentional šŸ™‚

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:15 pm

      That’s a great word to guide a year! I actually read a blog post today where someone listed that as their word of the year.

      Reply
  3. Chrissy Z. says:
    January 3, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    I just love your word: PURSUE! What a great choice! And I love the collage you made! And that quote!! So much inspiration! Love it so much! Wishing you good luck with your new word for the new year! Hugs, friend xxx

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:14 pm

      Thank you Chrissy! I’m excited to pursue all of these things in 2017. šŸ™‚ And thank you! I’m still working on it, but the little bit that’s complete makes me happy whenever I look at it.

      Reply
  4. Chelsea Jacobs says:
    January 3, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    Love your word and the reasons behind it!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 3, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      Thank you Chelsea! šŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Neely says:
    January 3, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    Ive seen so many people do word of teh year and I wish I had done it!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 3, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      You still can! I’ve found choosing a word to be so helpful, because it’s in the back of my mind throughout the year and really helps focus on something as I move forward. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Shann Eva says:
    January 3, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    Awesome! I love your word, and how you are going to be using it this year. I still am thinking about mine. Once I stop, it will probably hit me. I love how you hung it up too.

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:18 pm

      Thank you! šŸ™‚ I always have a hard time coming up with a word when I’m actively thinking about it. This year and last year the word was just one that was on my mind toward the end of the previous year and they fit, so those are the ones I’ve gone with.

      Reply
  7. Mistle says:
    January 4, 2017 at 10:05 am

    So glad you got back into your dreams and did not give up. I have been there before too. It happens to the best of us. Sometimes taking a little break helps a lot. Self care is def one thing I will be working on this year. I slowly worked on it last year but want to improve more this year. Good luck with your word of the year!! You got this!!!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 6, 2017 at 10:17 am

      I am too! šŸ™‚ It’s always hard to take a break, but so important when you’re feeling worn out. I’ve always known that, but last year really showed me how important that is. I’m glad to hear that you are working on self-care this year too. I’ve heard that from some others too.

      Thank you! I’m excited to see what happens with you this year too!

      Reply
  8. Mia Sutton says:
    January 4, 2017 at 12:53 pm

    LOVE your word! And that you’ve set intentions about your dreams. You’ve got this, friend! xo

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 6, 2017 at 10:14 am

      Thank you Mia! I’m excited to see what happens with you this year too.

      Reply
  9. Joy Lynn says:
    January 5, 2017 at 9:13 am

    I love how you came to your word for this year! And such a creative way to remind yourself of it every day!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      January 6, 2017 at 10:12 am

      Thank you, Joy! I really like how I put it together this year. It makes me happy whenever I look up from my computer and see it.

      Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
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It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
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