2022 Word of the Year: FOCUS December 30 2021 12 Comments

Jen Lee here... 

As we kick off the New Year, I wanted to put my stitching related goals for 2022 down on the proverbial paper.  This seemingly simple exercise forces me to think about what is important to me and to map out the big things that will make a difference before I launch into my daily chaos.  

As I sat down to write my goals for 2022, I first reflected on my accomplishments as well as bumps in the road over the course of 2021.  I am amazed at all of the things that I was able to accomplish despite the challenges of a post COVID world.  I also feel blessed thinking about all of the people I have met along the way.  

Moving into 2022, my word for the year is FOCUS.  I want to continue the momentum that I built this past year, but I also want to allow myself more time to focus on those things that are truly important to me.

And, an important note to self:  I can make the loftiest of goals, but I also need to be grounded and remember that life with two teenage kids can be hectic.  I will need to be flexible and open to change.  As Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

What is your word for the year?  Do you have any goals for what quilting or stitching related projects you want to get done in 2022?

In the meantime and to help you start the new year with as much stitching and quilting as humanly possible, I've compiled a list of tips to help you FOCUS and to get you ready to make progress on and finish a few of those quilting projects that are still laying around.

• Get Organized!  No matter your experience or how many UFO's you have, it's important to first get organized.  Make note of how many unfinished projects you have.  This simple step of acknowledging what you do have is the first step toward finishing these UFO's. 

• Schedule Creative Time In Your Day.  Research has shown that hobbies such as quilting are good for your physical and mental health.  Quilting keeps your mind sharp, creates new social connections, and adds richness and dimension to your identity.  Adding a hobby into your schedule will also force you to get various other tasks done more quickly and efficiently.

• Create A Project Plan With Mini Milestones Along The Way.  What is the next smallest step you can take that makes it impossible to fail?  This progress, one step at a time, allows you to build momentum to keep moving forward.  Did you know that simply checking off a completed task releases dopamine (a.k.a. the reward chemical) in our body making us feel happy and motivated?

• Make It A 'Sewcial' Affair.  Find a support group of like-minded creatives to get advice when you need help, to cheer you on when you are struggling and to celebrate with you when you make progress.

• Have Fun!  Make it a game and challenge yourself to not start a new project until you finish 1-2 current UFO's.  Reward yourself with a new Fat Quarter bundle or fun notion when you finish a project ;).

Happy New Year!  May it be filled with lots of Love, Laughter, and of course, Lots of Stitching!