A New Way to Approach the Year Ahead

Happy New Year, Reader!

I’ll be honest. This time of year used to send me into a productivity frenzy.

• The yearly review.
• Setting new goals.
• Creating vision boards.
• Choosing a word of the year.

The prospect of a clean slate always seemed so exciting, especially after the chaos and hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I didn’t want to waste a second, always filled with the sense that everything was going to be different.

But the truth is, I wasn’t any different. I’d enter my studio and relish the quiet for a moment, then begin the process of reviewing the previous year and making plans for how I’d harness this sparkling new one. It would usually start with reviewing my goals, realizing I hadn’t looked at them in months. Regret and disappointment would set in. And my inner critic would point out all the ways I wasted time, messed things up yet again, made the wrong decisions, etc.

I’m not doing any of that this year. At least not in the way I used to. I’ve given myself permission to move at my own pace. To listen to what lights me up and notice what shuts me down. And I’ve discovered new ways to approach planning that are sustainable for me.

While I was coloring* this afternoon, it hit me that I’ve developed new strategies for planning that hadn’t even gelled in my mind until now. Since August of last year I’ve been working with the The WorkFlowy Timeline — by Frank Degenaar in Workflowy, a simple outlining app I use on my computer, phone, and iPad. It started as a simple daily list with time slots. But piece by piece, I’ve added new structures that keep me more organized than I’ve ever been. And the system itself is so adaptable that I can bolt on new pieces whenever I like without disturbing what’s already there.

I realized as I was adding layers of color to my drawing today, that creating my life is kind of like creating the layers of a painting. I seldom know what the outcome of a painting or illustration will be when I start out. Usually, I add some paint to the paper to see what happens. As the paint dries, things catch my eye and inform the decisions I make on the next layer. Will I add more paint? Discard the painting? Add some ink or Posca pen? I never know until I’m sitting in front of the work itself.

And that's exactly the approach that my life is taking now. Life mimicking art. Slowly, but surely, each new layer I’ve added has spawned new projects, given me ideas for my art, shaped my plans for Sunlight Forest, and helped me become more compassionate with myself as I carve the life I want out of the life I once had.

While 2023 was not at all the year I planned, the work I’ve begun is continuing to set the foundation for what’s to come. Small steps, self-compassion, and taking action on the projects that light me up are the pillars I’m hanging my hat on for 2024.

In fact, I’ve been busy gathering information, ideas and notes for the new project I announced in the last newsletter. At this stage things are messy, so I love how easy it is for me to dump information into Workflowy, from random quotes and inspiration, to reference photos, pattern ideas and more. I’ll have more to share soon!

Whether you’re finding the prospect of a brand new year exciting or daunting, Reader], I hope what I’ve shared gives you permission to let go of society’s expectations and go at your own pace to build a life that brings you joy, whether that’s in August, April, or January.

Until next time,
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PS - *I’ve found that spending some time coloring each day is like a meditative practice for me. If you’d like to give it a try and in case you missed it in a previous newsletter, I’d like to share my Happy Bird Mandala coloring page with you. You can download it FREE. Happy Coloring!

In the Shop - Happy Cardinals

I don't know about you, but cardinals always make me think of winter, a beautiful burst of color among the greys and browns of the barren landscape. That's why I'm featuring my Happy Cardinals pattern this week in the shop. You can find it on these products and many more!

Tote Bag (available in 3 sizes) See in Shop

Classic Mug See in Shop

iPhone Snap Case (Also available for Android) See in Shop

Spiral Notebook See in Shop

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Inside My Sketchbook:

As part of my exploration for my new project, I enjoyed playing with watercolor paint. I used small sheets so I could create multiple paintings while the others dried. These are just experiments at the moment. Here are my favorites of the bunch. On one, I added some dots with some new Posca pens I got for Christmas.

Gathering Inspiration:

We got our first snow of 2024 in Lancaster County this week, but it didn't last long. Yesterday's rain washed all the pretty snow away... The pillow was a gift for my niece who shares my love of all things Winnie the Pooh! I spotted these beautiful bird illustrations on a shower curtain at my local Boscov's store. I may go back to purchase it. :) And finally, Bella relaxing in her favorite spot, swaddled in my blanket. LOL.

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