I’ve never done this before but this year, for many, many reasons, I am choosing a word to help guide and to ground me in 2013.
Part of why I have never done this exercise, even though I’ve wanted too, is because it has always seemed really crystals-dippy-woowoo to me. Turns out, I am the sort of person who IS crystals-dippy-woowoo. In fact, I am really, really interested in all of that sort of thing. In fact, I’m all about it in my personal life – I’ve just been too scared to write about it before and share that part of me.
Well, NO MORE! One of the things I’m going to work on working on in 2013 is letting go of my fears. I am really going to try to figure them out – and I’m starting with this one.
Why have I been afraid of letting my readers know about this part of me?
Mostly because I’m afraid that I’ll be taken less seriously as a good business writer if you know that I wear mala beads, have a talisman, feel like foxes are my spirit animal, burn incense, have a daily intention list that I review, love learning about crystals, and adore most positive psychology. I believe in positive thinking, manifesting, law of attraction, and so much more.
I have been afraid that if my readers knew all of this about me that it would dilute the hard work I’ve put into writing my books.
I hope that I’ve been wrong all of these years. A lot of those skills and beliefs that I have are what allowed me to write those books. This way of thinking and those practices have helped me make my dreams come true.
I’m going to embrace it. And that is where my GROWTH begins.
My word of 2013 is GROWTH. I am going to do all kinds of growing y’all. 2013 is going to be the best year yet for my business and I’m going to finally let it happen.
If you have a word of the year, or decide to choose one after reading this post, or know of any good positive think resources I should check out, leave it in the comments. I’d really like to know others are doing this with me.
xoxo
Oh! Horray for the ‘hippy-dippy-woowoo’! I am so glad you have said this. I am a huge fan of your books and this in absolutely no way dilutes or diminishes their value to me. Probably because I’m one of those said closet hippy-woowoo’s also
I too have chosen a word for 2013: clarity. it will be my 2nd year of this, 2012′s being ‘bliss’. Now I want to get clear on me. Worts and all
So you are not alone. You have at least one companion in this. And I am delighted to hear that you are embracing this part of yourself in your online ‘big world’ this coming year.
Hi Kari.
Great post. Thanks for sharing! Positive psychology, intentions, law of attraction… really enjoy reading about that as well. Always inspiring and encouraging.
Words that I have chosen to live by… “live bravely. live authentically.”
I have been reading your book. So imformative. Really appreciatie the info.
Hi Kari!
I’ve been devouring your book “Grow Your Handmade Business”! I love it! Venturing out on my own will be my 3rd career change though I do hope to incorporate my first two careers – chemistry and applied behavior analysis – into my artistic ventures.
One thing I’ve found on your website – when I signed up for your newsletter, I was directed to http://www.kaichapin.com – the ‘r’ is missing in your first name. Don’t know if others have also experienced it. Just thought you should know
-Susan
I love the idea of a guiding word, I think explore may be my word for 2013.
Your hesitation about sharing the hippie-crystal side of yourself reminded me of a woman who I met through professional conferences. She is an amazing brilliant woman, tremendously well respected in our field as a consultant and organizational leader. I, and probably a lot of other people, was totally intimidated by her because she is so capable and successful. A few years ago she decided to do a program on mindfulness at a professional conference. She expressed similar hesitations at the start of the program to what said here. Opening up that side of herself made her so much more approachable to me (and to others) and really shifted my perception of her in a positive way. I bet your readers (of which I am one — your book was super helpful!) will respond in a similar way. Thanks for trusting us with this side of yourself.
Just found your blog. Crystals-dippy-woowoo rocks. I’m so glad you chose to share something personal about yourself. It helps me as a new reader get to know who you are. I have the same fears even though I know in my heart that it is best to let ones self be known rather than hiding behind the “what will people think” syndrome. Besides, by letting people know who you are in your personal life will attract those who “get it” and that can only lead to more followers and fans of your work, like me.
My word for 2013 is Focus. I’ve never chosen a word before but I’m liking that I did. Getting really clear and focusing…I’m finding there is more to the word than meets the eye.
Lindy
Hi Kari. Great post! I think you’re very brave to share this side of you, I know exactly how you feel. I think for me, my word for 2013 is: TRUST. I’m listening and I can see where it is needed. Trust that my new venture will work out successfully, trust to take the next step, trust to open myself (as you did!) and hope I won’t lose valued connections. I’m right there with you! During the past week, I’ve had a lot of positive response and from what I’m reading so far in your comments, you are too. Yay!! I believe you’ll find there are many, many people who have the same interests as you do, in ALL walks of life.
Oh, and you asked about positive resources. I love http://www.hayhouseradio.com Truly the most positive place on the Internet. Yes, I think that’s their tagline but it’s true! lol There’s someone for everyone there and we’re all listening to improve ourSelves, our careers, our lives.
Again, well done! ~Lisa
Hi there!
I just finished reading your Etsy post (for the second time…) How to Be Your Own Best Marketing Tool. I found your words inspiring and meandered on to your blog and this post here. I find it ironic that three months after revealing this secret of your true self to the world, you write an incredibly inspiring post on Etsy as well about letting YOU into your online presence, store, etc. Beautiful!! Your words here on your blog and on Etsy are very well formed and thought out. The amount of time and energy that you spend on these things is evident. Congratulations on facing your fears and taking a leap of faith! I too want to focus my energy but haven´t come across my ideal mantra yet.
Good luck in all and thanks again!
Andrea
Hi Kari! Thanks so much for the post – it reminds me to let go and let happen. . .!
Last year, I focused on the word “Trust” and it’s remarkable how often that word popped up out of nowhere at completely unexpected times so I knew I was on the right track and needed to focus on the total aspect of that word.
This year, I chose “Prosperity” and actually nothing has happened; quite honestly, I forgot I even chose it until I read your article! Perhaps it’s not the right word for me this year? Sometimes, I think the word finds us more than we find the word. . . Hmmm – think I’ll do some thinking about that today!
Thanks again – going out today and looking for your latest book. I could use some inspiration!
Best,
Maria