Can you believe it’s that time again? The older I get the faster the years seem to pass, which is why I think I’m such a prolific journaller — I want to remember stuff. Plan stuff. Figure stuff out. I like writing things down. And I especially like mapping things out. So for the fifth year running it is my very great pleasure to share the (updated and awesomised) Unravelling the Year Ahead workbook with you. This is the tool I use to say farewell to the old year and bring some intention to the new. It’s kinda spooky how effective this stuff is, actually.
Download the workbook HERE | download the 2014 calendar HERE
My favourite thing to do in December is look back over the previous year’s workbook to see which intentions I managed to manifest. There are always things I didn’t expect, but starting the new year with a loose plan in place seems to open me up to even better results. For example, last year I wrote down that i wanted to move my body more and improve my overall health. This intention lead me to join my local gym and find my personal trainer, Carrie, who’s not only helped me get in shape but has also become a trusted confidante. I couldn’t have seen that coming this time last year when I was struggling to get off the sofa.
In years gone by I’ve done this sort of work in my journal, but using the printed pages of the workbook makes it feel more ceremonial, somehow. I like to print out the pages two to a page then cut the paper in half, hole-punch it and stick in my Creative Dream Journal (housed in an A5 Filofax). This year’s workbook includes a map template which I’ll make several copies of so I can sketch out the paths I want to take in different areas of my life. Other essentials include a glass of wine, a lit candle or three and a deck of oracle cards.
It’s the new moon tonight with the next one coming on January 1st, so I’d like to propose we spend this moon cycle working through the workbook and preparing for the new year. Start by printing it out and locating/purchasing a binder. Add extra blank pages for vision boarding and mind maps. Include any articles or photos that inspire you. Print out two copies of the calendar — one to plan out your actual year and another to plan out the year of your biggest dreams. What would that look like, I wonder?
If you haven’t figured out your word for 2014 don’t worry, I haven’t yet either, though I’m currently considering a few options. My plan is to complete the rest of the workbook first to let that guide me to the right word. Choosing a word of the year has proved to be SO powerful over the last few years I’ll write more about that soon. (Seriously — choose a word.)
If you share any photos of your workbooks please do tag me on Facebook or use the hashtag #unravel2014 on Instagram as I would LOVE to see what you come up with.
Above all else, have fun and dream big!
In other news, registration for the January session of Journal Your Life is now open! I honestly cannot think of a better way to start the year than with a journal in my hand and a group of journallers to learn and explore with. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never journalled before or have journalled all your life — everyone is welcome — so if you want to start 2014 with even more intention and clarity, come join us :)
