one little word-2012

Peace is my "one little word" for 2012.
For those of you who haven't heard of "one little word" be sure to read this.
Basically,  one little word is the word that you would like to sum up your new year.
It took me awhile to find the perfect word.  
Last year, my word came to me quickly.  This year I had to ruminate on it for awhile
A few months ago, I came across this on Pinterest..

 

I am a huge Gandhi fan, and when I read this, it was so 

"moving"  to me. 

Gandhi was so incredibly wise, and brilliant, and stood for so many things that I truly believe in.

Some of my favorite quotes and mantras of all time have been from Gandhi, such as:

Live simply

The weak can never forgive. forgiveness is an attribute only for the strong.

Strength does not come from physical capacity.  It comes from a indomitable will.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Where there is love, there is life.

A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.

Hate the sin, love the sinner.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.

When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won.

 Those are the types of things that I want to focus on this year.  
These are the traits that I want to meditate on and surround myself with.

Unfortunately, I am looking for ONE little word; not alot of words :)

So, I thought hmmmm could my word be Gandhi? 

To me that is a name, not a word.  I wasn't feeling it.

Then I made a list of adjectives that I thought described Gandhi.

Again, I let these sink in and "peace" was the one that stuck with me.

So for me, the word Peace means so much more than that.

It's a symbolic word that stands for the person I want to be this year:

*  A person who can be the change.

*  A person who loves everyone

*  A forgiving person

*  A strong person

*  A happy person

*  A harmonious person

*  A peaceful person

 So this my friends, is what I leave you with :)

 I offer you peace.

I offer you love.

I offer you friendship.

I hear you cry

I see your beauty

I feel your pain

My wisdom flows from my spirit within

I salute that spirit in you

Let us work together for peace.

-Gandhi (and Janel)

xo

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. 

2011 in review

I just had the best time going over all of my blog posts this past year and reminiscing on the wonderful times and memories.

My "one little word" for this year was Better.

My goal was to just be a better me.

That includes, being a better friend, no more fears and anxieties, being healthier, being more creative, being more outgoing...

just being better.

Reflecting on this past year, I can definitely say, with 100% certainty, that I accomplished that.

Here is a little, photo filled, re-cap of "Janel's better life via 2011."

What a lovely lovely year.

Full of blessings.

I am beyond thankful.

I am still working on my "one little word" for 2012.

I have a few words in mind, and I have my "concept" in my head, I am just not sure how to sum it all up in one word.

We shall see.

Have a blessed day my friends.

xo

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

New Year...New You!

I am so excited to "officially" announce my next online journal class!!

"New Year...New You!"

My resolution for 2011, is to journal daily so that I can leave a legacy behind for my children some day to look back on.

So, here is the deal:  

Join us for a 30 Day journal challenge jam packed with creative prompts, techniques, giveaways, chats, and of course an amazing community of online friends :)

This class will start January 1 and continue on until January 31.

 There will be a new prompt/challenge each day. These prompts will focus us on a new year, new season, and new chapters of your lovely lifes. I'm so excited!!

Once you purchase your class spot, the class login information will be emailed to you within 72 hours. 
This class will be hosted on a private blog.

Would you like a peek into some of my past journals??  Click here!

Here are some sweet testimonials you can read from past classmates :)

"I look forward to each prompt like Christmas morning!"
I love you Janel !!
xoxox cuppy

"I was eager to check the class page each morning, wondering what today's prompt would bring.  They all made me think throughout the day.  I loved coming home and getting all those thoughts onto paper. Thanks Janel."

"This was a great class, and I'm so glad I decided to take it.  And I love knowing that I got to do something I enjoy and got to help bring Pita home at the same time."

"The best way to get to know your inner artist, I have learned so much about myself in this class!"

 "Ive never done an online class before but after taking yours, I will do more in the future.  I loved it! No pressure to get it done by a certain time, that it'll be judged etc - just a class to express yourself and challenge your creativity."

"This was a great experience and I loved how interactive it was with both classmates and students. The journal topics were fresh and insightful (along with inspirational) I feel like I learned a lot and I can't wait for you to do another similar class Janel!!!"

 "janel is an art teacher by profession with an artistic soul and heart. she is encouraging and inspiring without being critical. taking one of her classes is an affordable way to do something positive for someone else and yourself. there is no wrong way to express your art. simply by beginning you may start to think or see things in a new way, and or push yourself further artistically. meeting and interacting with new friends you many never have known before the class is also a fun bonus"

 "I found it very therapeutic to journal each day, it challenged my creativity and it was nice being able to share and look at what other students had done through the flickr group. My classmates were so encouraging and the prompts were relevant and helpful to personal growth. Thank-you! xo"

"I really enjoyed Janel's Journal Class. Not only was this a fun class for me and for others, but it was for a good cause. I am happy I was able to play a small part into getting Pita home to Janel and Adam. I got a little behind in the class, but I feel as if the class is just extended for me :) I made new friends in the chats and got to reconnect with old ones."   -Lindsay

As most of you know, my husband and I are planning on adopting a child in the next year or two. This is obviously a crazy process and a crazy EXPENSIVE process at that. These classes have been a great way to help us with our adoption and have an amazing time with amazing people, doing something we love all at the same time.

I really hope that you will join me in journaling my way through the New Year :) 

Another way to help is just by spreading the word!!

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Again, I love these classes and I cherish all of the friendships that I have made through them.

Will I see you there?

I hope so.


I will only be taking a limited number of classmates for this class so grab your spot HERE before they are gone!!

xo

janel