nourish...
starting the New Year with a word has been our family's tradition for the past several years. like a clean slate or "permission to change" we can re-think and re-evaluate the path life guides us through.
each New Years eve, we share with each other our word and do our best to explain why we chose it. as each child has gotten older, this tradition has been such a blessing. the gift of hearing each child explaining their reasons for choosing their word...well as a parent, just know it brings tears of joy and love to my eyes.
this years words are: acceptance, believe, better, different and...nourish.
nour·ish
verb \ˈnər-ish, ˈnə-rish\: to provide (someone or something) with food and other things that are needed to live, be healthy, etc.
: to cause (something) to develop or grow stronger
my word is both literal and symbolic.
nourish...my body
if i learned nothing else this year, i learned that i must take care of my health. eating right and leading by healthy example is something that not only feels good, but sends a very powerful message to my children.
nourish...my family
making the time together count, sharing our lives and communicating had made all the difference in the world this year. nourishing these relationships makes all of us better.
nourish...my art
my art is changing, i am changing...i will allow the intuitive voices to lead me and let them feed the passion for my art.
2014 was filled with its fair share of sadness and joy...but i believe going through each and every moment of ups and downs we emerge stronger. everyday we are gifted with the chance to see clearer, with less judgement, doubt and fear...this year i would like to nourish this gift, become stronger and love more deeply.
i wish this gift for each of you and hope to share this nourishment with you through my art. Art is so healing, it empowers and is gives us a vehicle to share ourselves.
together in 2015, i hope through this shared journey i am able to nourish something in you, making you stronger and nourish your own passions for art.
Beautifully said.
Posted by: carisa | January 01, 2015 at 10:57 AM
Thank you Donna! My husband and I are so thankful to have met you and Bill through cyber space in 2014! You have a beautiful family. I look forward to growing my passion for art, and becoming more confident in myself in 2015. Art is indeed my much needed therapy. God bless yiou. Yvonne
Posted by: Yvonne Garner | January 01, 2015 at 11:12 AM
Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2015. While on vacation I'm jonesing to get back to my 10x10x10x10 class and I already know that I'm going to start (and complete) a 2015 journal and know the theme. Thank you for giving me tools to believe I can make this art! Hoping to get back to the studio again too! Happy Happy!
Posted by: maria Lovello | January 01, 2015 at 12:00 PM
Wow - thank you for sharing your word and reasoning with us!! Warms my heart Donna. :) You are wonderful! I know I am a better person and artist for having met you, Bill, and your family! I wish you all a fun, healthy and creative year ahead!!
Posted by: Caroline Duncan | January 01, 2015 at 01:19 PM
Beautifully and so very true. Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year! ❤️
Posted by: Cheryl | January 01, 2015 at 02:26 PM
Thank you for sharing this. This was my first year selecting a word. It's release because it's time to let go of stress and the things I can't change. You're an inspiration, Donna.
Posted by: L.j. Charles | January 01, 2015 at 02:29 PM
Donna mi Esa,thank you for sharing your self the hard and happy moments. It makes me realize that it is gonna be okay we all just have to learn to enjoy the roller coaster ride. Last year had its highs and lows and I'm glad you were and are apart of life. You have helped me grow in my art which in turn has helped me grow as a person. Xoxo your Esa
Posted by: laura e | January 01, 2015 at 09:46 PM
I love your word for the year.... and your art... and your beautiful family! :)
Posted by: April | January 01, 2015 at 09:53 PM
It's a great word. Thanks for today's post.
Posted by: Debbie Mc | January 02, 2015 at 01:15 AM
Because of your example, I too have chosen this practice of choosing a word for the year, instead of choosing a resolution. I love the idea, thank you again for sharing it. My word for 2015? Well, I think it must be 'threshold'.
Posted by: Catherine | January 02, 2015 at 09:57 AM
Love your word for the year and your artwork. I am signed up for your 2015 Inspiration Wednesdays. Question: are you going to leave previous Inspiration Wednesday You Tube videos up for us to watch, also? I'm looking forward to a year of nourishing my creativity by following your Inspiration Wednesdays and all the other online inspiration I can find. Thank you loads and loads!
Posted by: Marrianna | January 02, 2015 at 12:23 PM
simplemente me ha encantado Donna. Gracias
Posted by: marian | January 02, 2015 at 07:44 PM
I love that work and love the focus for the year!! Can't wait to see where it takes you!!
Posted by: Soul's Expresion through Art and Paint | January 02, 2015 at 09:00 PM
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing Donna. This year my word is Joy. I will challenge myself to seek, embrace and share joy in all aspects of my life and art. Pushing boundaries and finding the joy in the search - and the outcome. 💛
Posted by: Rachael Jones | January 03, 2015 at 11:19 AM
have a blessed year.
Posted by: Angela Coles | January 03, 2015 at 11:52 AM
Oh my gosh! I picked nourish a few years ago for my One Word. It was a good year. This year i chose CREATE and that is how I ended up here. I Googled Create Art. Love your blog...I am going now to explore it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: jeri | January 03, 2015 at 05:43 PM
What a beautiful word. I look for ward to seeing you blog about your word in 2015.
Posted by: Rochelle Melville | January 04, 2015 at 02:37 AM
I love this! You are an inspiration and a ROCK STAR!! I'm so glad to know you and Bill and how you love your family hard. xo
Posted by: Stephanie | January 06, 2015 at 01:38 AM
Fabulous - I chose Nourish as well : http://lynettecollis.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/my-word-for-2015.html
I hope you have a joyfully creative year. Looking forward to seeing what you have to share with us
Posted by: Lynette (NZ) | January 06, 2015 at 02:10 AM
A few years ago I read your blog and was inspired to start choosing a word for the year. Last year my word was "stretch" (which I successfully accomplished) and this year my word is "nurture" (perhaps a requirement after so much stretching?). Your blog and workshops help me keep focused on making art, which unquestionably feeds my soul.
Posted by: Christina | January 07, 2015 at 11:24 AM