what's your word?

At the beginning of the year I decided on one word that would be "my" word for the year. That word was embrace. On January 6, 2017 we signed the papers on a major investment & risk, our store. We were encouraged by some to pursue this dream of owning a store and we were discouraged by others because of the state of our building. It was definitely NOT move-in ready. It was scary, stinky, old & honestly, cold. We had a new baby and a lot on the line, but I knew deep down in my gut that this was the next step for us.

Ryan was still working full time for my brother and I was still the sole operator and employee of our business. I did all the printing, designing, and photography. I was drowning. 2016 was also a hard year because I was pregnant for 90% of it and still printing out of our very dirty and very hot garage. This store meant I wouldn't have to print in a garage where mice were close by and for the first time, I would have an actual studio.

New baby, new store, new renovations, new plans and big dreams. So, I chose the word embrace. I knew by the 6th day of 2017 that this year was going to be completely insane. One wild ride I was going to have to hold on for and embrace. I prayed that God would give me what it took to survive.

It is now the beginning of December and 2017 is behind me. I am still alive with more grey hair and no less baby weight, but I survived. Our business has grown quickly even though I've cut out a few of the things I started the year doing. Ryan is with us full time and we now have 3 employees to little h creative. So naturally, I'm laser focused on 2018 and streamlining. I have embraced this year to the best of my ability. I can recall almost every time I've reached the state of overwhelmed (which has been everyday) and thought “EMBRACE IT” because it won't be like this forever. I want to invest in our business well and intentionally, communicating all of the things we hope little h creative to be.

Continuously I am thankful that I spent time to think of a word. One word that would help get me through every day. One word that I could fall on when I couldn't see past the pile of to-do's.

What was your word for 2017? If you could sum up your entire year in one or two words, what would they be? I believe that if we don't spend the time to think of what we've done, we won't ever be able to see our potential to embrace what's ahead.

Attached is a FREE worksheet to help you think about your year. Take time to print it off and reflect. Reflect on the good, the bad, the change that happened. This is Part One. In Part Two we will be sharing our new word for 2018 and also gear up our thinking for what is before us. But first, reflect.

LITTLE h CREATIVE // before.

LITTLE h CREATIVE // after.

I am working on my 2018 word but first I'm spending time reflecting on 2017. I would love for you to participate with me! Snag your free printable below and let's get started!