UPDATED: Note there are links to posts explaining the steps/keys more deeply as well as my experiences with them in the numbered section below.
Are you ready to activate your life in a new and different way, to unclog the stuck and energetically catapult your intentions while staying grounded in the here and now?
This one simple technique may be your next game changer.
Stay with me as I tell you a bit about my history with life themes before I offer you seven simple tips to discover your own theme for 2017.
Nearly fifteen years ago I started working with “themes of the month” where I would set up a theme for thirty days and then do my best to live accordingly, to pay attention and to manifest whatever I intended through that theme. Some themes were intentional abundance, passionate creativity and mindful aliveness.
This thematic rather than task based approach worked beautifully, even when I had a small baby and toddlers and elementary schoolers, it helped to frame my thoughts and altered the way I approached life.
I’m not sure when I stopped with my monthly themes. I do remember, though, when I started noticing other life coaches and personal development workers start approaching themes as an annual, in-place-of-New-Years-resolution form of engagement. The website “OneWord365.com” has continued with the theme - AND please stay here until I’m done and then go check it out over there afterwards.
This annual theme ritual has become a part of my life and while I’ve had a blend of results with the concept, it has been positive enough that I have continued with it and am thrilled to have started working with my 2017 Word-Theme of the Year.
The way I attached myself to this word provides a roadmap for you to determine what word will be a pleasant companion for your Adventure Named 2017. With each key - each step - take a moment to write your responses to the questions. Best is always paper and pencil or pen, with a computer or other device being second and better than not writing at all. Also, take your time and consideration rather than rushing into a theme for 2017. This is not a race to see who “gets there” first and in fact, taking a few days is preferable so that you will know what the most satisfying word may be for you this year.
I will be leading live broadcasts on Periscope and at this link (to my periscope channel web location) so you may go through a process of using the #5for5BrainDump technique to work through these 7 Keys daily from December 11-22. I will broadcast at 9;15 AM Pacific time each morning.
- What is your sincerest wish (or wishes) for 2018Consider yourself professionally, creatively and personally. Consider your family, your friends. Consider your finances, your health and your spiritual life. What is your sincerest with for your adventure named 2018?
- What is it that inspires you into action the most? Not what you THINK inspires you the most, but what actually brings you into taking action to reach your goals, your plans and bring your vision to life? Is it a pep talk from a close friend or your boss? Is it a song? Is it a particular movie or perhaps a vacation destination? Do you have a hero or shero who fires you up like none other?
- What and where would your greatest impact be right now if 2018 was here now? Where is your presence the most palpable? If it isn’t where you want it – consider the space, the platform, the region you would most like to impact. What are you willing to do to get there and what are you willing to do to increase your impact there?
- What are the subjects of your first positive thoughts in the morning? A life coaching question that shifted me from worry to wonder was simply, "What are you looking forward to right now?". I'm aiming in this direction here: What excites you to get out of bed? If you come up with a blank – in your ultimate dream life, what do you imagine would be an exciting reason to get out of bed and enjoy each new day?
- What are some of the synchronicities that keep popping up in your life? What people, words and experiences continue to create images in your mind even and especially when you aren’t meaning to “go there?” These intuitive nudges have wisdom your intellectual mind may not be able to hear. Combine these synchronicities with Step #6 and you will become a powerhouse of intention, guaranteed.
- Plan a time to walk into your adventure. Physically set up a notebook and pen or pencil *yes, notebook or paper, not computer or phone* and go for a walk or run of at least 15 minutes alone. No conversation, please. Walk – with only your thoughts. When you come back to the table, write, “In 2017, my greatest desire is to….” And write, without thinking, stream of consciousness style… “in 2017, my greatest desire is to…” Every three sentences, repeat the phrase about desire. Do this sequence at least three times. It is most valuable if you repeat for several days. Patterns will emerge. Pay attention.
- Playfully experiment – sometimes I consider it like splattering paint - with a word-theme for an hour, an afternoon or a day. Start and end the day with your word on your mind and in your heart. Meditate, pray, write, draw, art-journal or exercise with it is your primary language focus. You don’t have to invest a lot of time, you will benefit most if you invest at least a moment or two of mindful attention to your possible word. When it is right, you will feel it.
One of the most agreeable aspects of starting earlier rather than later with this process is you will get a word that suits you. There is no need to “give up” if one word doesn’t work, you may continue with the playful experimentation process and splatter energetic paint and ideas for a couple more days until you get the word that fits just right.
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Julie Jordan Scott inspires people to experience artistic rebirth via her programs, playshops, books, performances and simply being herself out in the world. She is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy-extraordinaire and mixed-media artist whose Writing Camps and Writing Playgrounds permanently transform people's creative lives. Watch for the announcement of new programs coming in Fall, 2015 and beyond.
To contact Julie to schedule a Writing or Creative Life Coaching Session, call or text her at 
661.444.2735.
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