2016 will be the third year in a row that I’ve chosen a word of the year for myself. I first read about this idea from my friend (and adopted mentor) Pat Sloan’s website. She in turn, learned the idea from Ali Edward’s yearly “one little word” workshop.
My word for 2016 is going to be RELAX. I know it sounds counter-intuitive now that I’ve built up a successful yet busy quilting career for myself. But, that is precisely the point. I’ve been working like CRAZY the last few years to set things in motion that are starting to pay off. So although I’m sure I’ll be working lots of hours in 2016, I think those hours are going to be more meaningful and productive, which will allow my downtime to be more enjoyable.
We recently took the kids on a fun vacation to Sedona, Arizona and decided we need to make time for more family trips like this in 2016. It was beautiful and relaxing!
In order to relax (and not work all the time), I’ve started to say no some things, and yes to other things. No to being gone teaching more than once a month. No to guilt that says I should write every day. No to excess social media that sucks precious work and family time. No to opportunities that are really good but that don’t align with my business.
I missed the family beach trip this year due to work commitments, but not next year!!
I know my family will appreciate this word because often times, they want to hang out with me when I’d rather be quilting. I look forward to RELAXing more this year so I can continue to find joy in the things I love to do!
Click here to read about my 2015 and 2014 Words of the Year.
What sums up your word for next near?
Christa Quilts 
you are amazing, it’s a great word, and a fantastic thought behind it.. go Christa!
Thanks Pat! xoxo
Hi Christa – I love it. Funny I’ve seen you pick a word for a few years now and always thought it was a great idea and wondered what word I would pick. I never did. This year I wasn’t trying and a word came to me. “More” . I broke More into 5 categories into and one of them was “More Present” Like you missing a family moment or trip – I’ve missed things because even if not physically gone quilting – I was mentally quilting. So one of my more is being present and enjoying the moment(s) I’m in. 🙂 Have a great year my quilty friend. Excited to see what all you have to show us this next year.
Relax is a good word for any Mom! I chose my word(s) for 2016 a couple of weeks ago; ‘home’ and ‘family’. Looking forward to 2016 ☺
My word for the year is ‘enjoy’. Enjoy what God has given me, which is plentiful. I like your word for the year Christa and am so happy you are grounded in life. Giving up some of the social media stuff is important, it can suck the life right out of people, we watch people who sit and look at their screens and no one says a word to each other. So sad that the screen is more important than their companions.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Relax is a great word and the ways you have started to implement it sound perfect. I think you hit something really important, saying NO to a few things. It’s hard to say no to opportunities but when they don’t align with your goals, then it’s not worth it. Can’t wait to see how the word relax affects your creative process and new things to come.
my word (s): “it’s okay” as in it’s okay if you don’t get it all done quick! It’s okay to relax… Good for you on the family time. I have years I wish I could have back, I was a single mom and so worried in trying to provide for my daughter I may have taken some away- Not to take away from dads and all, but we moms have so much put on us from societal “norms” it is up to us to be the strong moms we are and can be to just be able to be firm and choose. Let’s relax some and say, it’s all okay lol. Happy New Year all
Your selection makes sense. I think there is a lot of us that could follow your lead. Family/friend time is important. We should make the time for them or we miss out in the long run.
I appreciate reading your thoughts. Even more so than picking a particular word, I think it’s very important to be thoughtful or intentional about the way you live your life. To be aware of what you’re doing, aware of the choices you’re making and the impact they have on you and the rest of your life when you make them. I hope to do more of that next year.
What a wise decision! You don’t want to give up precious family time. It’s just not worth it.
Happy, healthy new year to you and to everyone you love.
Relax is a good word, maybe put it on a sticky note on your computer and on your sewing machine, and your iron, and, well you get the picture. The key is to remember it all the time. I have been thinking that this year I may have a word. If I have a word, it will be intentional. The meaning for me will be much like your word relax means for you.
I learned about one word from a book that took k probably 30 minutes to read. I did not read this until late 2014 so I kept my work for 2015. My word for 2014 and 2015 was “accept”. This may sound silly but my world changed in November 2014 when my husband gave me a dog. I too am a quilter and he was gone doing his thing, working in planes, visiting with his buddies, and all of a sudden I could do nothing this puppy required a ton of work. I stopped my bible studies, I did not sew, I quit quilting for quilts of valor and quilts beyond borders, it was like having a baby. Things are getting easier since she turned a year old so I’m hoping to get back with one group and to sew more. By the way she is a border collie and they require a lot of excercise to keep them trouble free. So for 2016 my word is “hush”. I found myself being very critical when I lost my freedom which caused me to be mouthy and unhappy. This is why accept was my word. I wanted to accept my change with grace instead I accepted it with anger and frustration. I want to be a better person and hush is to remind me to think before I open my mouth and soften my words. Praying for success.
Hey sweet Christa, You are on the right path and all will be good for 2016. You simply cannot replace time with your loved ones and family. Even though at the time they need you, its the last thing you can do….huh…does that make sense. !! Been there. It’s so tough. your doing good and I look forward to enjoying your 2016 success through your blog and social meda. xx