little paper flower of fortune
Jan 9, 2009 I am a list addict. I even have collections of old grocery lists from rowdy holiday meals and to-do lists before going on big trips. They still convey that balled-up feeling of happy-nervy-anticipation, and I love looking back on them. But for a new year, lists have never been my thing. Neither have resolutions. But this year, I’m craving a little forward-thinking about my life. So I dug deep into the middle school version of myself and decided to put a new spin on the cootie catcher.
I thought I’d just clip out some pretty, evocative images and paste them inside. But once I started looking through my stash of torn-out magazines, I realized I didn’t want the images to just be pretty. I wanted them to mean something, So I started to apply a little more discipline to the whole exercise. What if the four images could relate to four quadrants of my life, and somehow transmit how I want those areas of my life to feel? I warn you that this is about to get a little Oprah-esque, but dammit, I want to live my best life. So this is what emerged:
These little pictures are shorthand for what I want to keep pulling into my life: creativity; getting closer to owning a place (with a fruit tree!); savoring family and friends; and working toward a more cohesive and peaceful work life. There’s a lot more intent behind each of these miniature images, but that’s the abbreviated version.
I highly recommend the exercise. And just swish-swish-swishing the paper back and forth with your fingers feels like some kind of therapeutic mantra on its own. Onward, 2009!
make
Reader Comments (3)
I am one of the lucky winners of the Jimi wallet. We were away over Christmas and came home to be surprised by your gift. My husband no longer uses an elastic band to hold together his licence, credit card and $20 mad money! I'm sure the wallet was designed for him. Thank you so much. The bonus was the little door knob bag which is now full of dried lavender (from last summer's garden) and hanging on my closet door. I enjoy your blog. Best regards and Happy New Year from Gail in Washington State.
I like you spin on the list. And I so remember those from my school days.
I really love this idea. I'm a list maker, too, but this would look so much prettier sitting on my desk or next to my bed!