Finishing Strong with my Word of the Year

This is the time of year to focus on gratitude and count my blessings. It is also a time to review the year and its chosen word, then begin considering a theme Word to focus on for the upcoming year.

Before 2021 even began, it seemed like it would be a profound year of transition, and it certainly has been! The strange word that found me has been quite fitting word of faith for the times we live in. The main definition of the word RE- is a prefix that means: again and again, again in a different way, once more, back to the original state, backward, and anew. To be honest, I could go one at least another year with RE- words in my Word of the Year everyday journal, but I don’t have the heart or the vision for it. I want to move on into the New with the new year. I have a new word already for the upcoming year, and my goal for this last month of this year is to finish strong.

Review - Revision - Request - Rekindle - Represent

To complete the year in the Plan with me course and journal, I’ve chosen five RE- words as steps to finish the year strong and move forward into the upcoming year with hope. In the course we go into more detail, but here are some basics questions or prompts to transition into the new year.

Review - Take time to look over the past year and my journal noting the highlights and lowlights, with thankfulness.

Revision - Ask what I learned and what I want to learn and/or how I want to grow in the upcoming year.

Request - Pray and ask what God has to say to me about this year and the next year.

Rekindle - Asking what enthusiasm, words, themes are being rekindled in my heart and mind.

Represent - What visual themes and symbols am I drawn to that represent the upcoming year?

What action will I take to move into the upcoming year from the answers I received from the questions and prompts above?

Free Word of the Year Tutorials!

On my blog each month during 2021 around the 20th I posted how to videos, photos and inspirational planner pages. See the blog menu to find the month and themes you are looking for.

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Materials used in December’s 2021 journal set-up

Stencils used:

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-valerie-sjodin-s/2044.htm

Planner Banner Ribbons #L832

Script Sans Serif Planner Alphabet + Grid #L833

Music Notations Stencil #L688

Stars Stencil with Stars Mask Double Border #s868

Stars Stencil with Stars Mask Edge #L843

Mid Century Modern Stars #s754

NOTE: I am demonstrating in watercolor and pen, but you could also use other media like colored pencils, pens & Gelatos®.

Supplies used:

160 gsm dotted notebook
Pentel P205BP2-K6 Sharp Mechanical/Automatic Pencil, 0.5mm, Black, 2 Count: https://amzn.to/3m3lPgX
Kneaded eraser: https://amzn.to/3m0wDwp
Staedtler permanent pen set: https://amzn.to/3yQ2Ixy
Micron pen set: https://amzn.to/3jpWOup or other waterproof pen set such as STA pigment liner set: https://amzn.to/396GX2h
White Posca paint pen/s: https://amzn.to/3hhmV75
Cosmetic wedges: https://amzn.to/2IVno1J
MT Gold Washi tape: https://amzn.to/34w8Jls
Misc. Washi tape
Tombow double sided tape: https://amzn.to/3aRmnDI
Color M600 Artist Mica Watercolor Paint, Metallic: https://amzn.to/337mfvp
NOTE: If the above metallic watercolors are listed as 'currently unavailable'. If you want to order from Amazon, there are a few other choices that include gold like this one: https://amzn.to/3gZDqEU . I also saw some that look like they might be the same pigment but in a rectangular shape on Blick: https://www.dickblick.com/products/finetec-artist-mica-watercolors/ . You can also copy the name and google it to see other options.
Silver Brush 3000S-6 Black Velvet Short Handle Round Size 6: https://amzn.to/339sEq0
Silver Brush 3000S-2 Black Velvet Short Handle Round, Size 2: https://amzn.to/2UVEZtq
Silver Brush set of large wash and small pointed brushes: https://amzn.to/37Si4Xb
Watercolors: (Qor brand used) Indigo, Paynes Gray, Diarylide Yellow, Permanent Scarlet, Sap Green, Van Dyke Brown, Thalo Blue
Ruler
craft knife
piece of mylar
140 lb hot press watercolor paper Fabriano Artistico
toothbrush
spray bottle for water
rock salt
Small Scissors - https://amzn.to/2U7BgeS (comes in set of 5)

I only recommend and link to products I've used and am happy with. The above links are affiliate links, meaning if you click from here and order, I get a small commission. It costs you nothing. Win/Win! Thank you! Please email me with any questions or concerns.

Plan with me Premium

Plan with me Premium e-course is a separate interactive e-course running throughout 2021. In addition to the videos above, each month Plan with me Premium includes a how-to video on how to make the dutch door page (shown below) with downloadable pattern, and devotional videos that includes a personal devotional activity for the interior of the Dutch door, PLUS accompanying PDF downloadable devotional pages and patterns. Currently, since there is one month left in the year, the course is not available for registration. Check back for more information on courses offered in 2022.