Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012, a year in which I expect to come into my own as a leader instead of just a follower. I have a positive forecast for the year ahead. From moving to thriving, I plan to make the most of the next twelve months. I’m going to cultivate a life worth living. I’m going to cultivate myself as an individual. And I’m inviting you to cultivate with me. The year 2011 ended with a rather confusing spin on the Reverb series, but it was actually a very fortunate event because we were all inspired to make the most of our own creativity. I personally spent time contemplating how to branch off and form my own creative series, and the word “cultivate” kept dancing around in my thoughts. I wanted to do something that requires reflection: reviewing what works and what doesn’t, remembering our accomplishments, and learning from our mistakes. I also wanted a lot more manifestation: nurturing and cultivating our dreams, passions, bodies, minds, souls, families, friends, etc. Cultivate builds upon the ideas behind the Best09 series and the Reverb series. Not only does it incorporate the creativity of the Reverb series, it also incorporates the concept behind Jasmine’s Project Totus. Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines the word “cultivate:”
1: to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops; also : to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2 a : to foster the growth of <cultivate vegetables> b : culture 2a c : to improve by labor, care, or study : refine <cultivate the mind>
3: further, encourage <cultivate the arts>
4: to seek the society of : make friends with
Cultivate is about growing as an individual and pursuing that which brings us happiness. It’s about taking the time to care for ourselves, our loved ones, and our environment (on both a micro and macro scale). Cultivate will consist of monthly prompts that involve checking in with ourselves and our intentions, as well as planning ahead. Cultivate will culminate in a month-long evaluation and planning phase each December, incorporating prompts and suggestions. There’s no pressure to complete each prompt, and there aren’t any rules — except to have fun and be kind to ourselves.
So let’s begin with January 2012’s Cultivate prompt: What is your personal outlook for 2012? What do you hope to accomplish this year? What do you need to nurture in order to cultivate your intentions? Write, sketch, color, photograph, create a vision board — do what feels right. 2012 is yours for cultivation! Use the hashtags #cultivate, #cultivate12, and #cultivate2012 to share your responses if you choose to share them publicly.
I hope you’ll join me on my journey to cultivate a life worth living. Check back tomorrow for my response to the prompt.
