An Epiphany

So the word epiphany sounds like something really big changed, . . . . . there was a paradigm shift. All big words, indicating big things.  But no, it was just a little nudge . . .  in the right direction. But could it have more meaning?

The end of the year comes with reviews, resolutions for the new year, plans and renewal of commitments. There are blogs, websites, and podcasts all dedicated to this topic. We get all pumped up, reach for the stars and convince ourselves that this year will be different! A couple of months (more or less) into the new year . . .  we back slide . . . . we are disappointed that a miracle of change hasn’t occurred . . . . or we beat ourselves up thinking we just need to work harder! 

But what if we make our goals, intentions, or objectives more attainable. What if we listen to the old adage – How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

So I was working on my journal for 2019. I have been creating an annual journal since 2012, but skipped 2018.  I missed having that evening ritual . . .  what happened that particular day that made it special . . . documenting events that occurred . . . . doodling . . . . painting . . . . . or whatever. Vowing to start again in 2019, I began pulling papers together for a new journal.

Twelve signatures of various papers. Done.  Some plain, some with a little paint, some fully painted, some purchased, and some found ephemera. An array of perfect backgrounds. My favorite ‘found’ paper was a roll from Ikea for coloring in the kids section (see the far left signature above). I love the quirky drawings.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

But I got stuck on the outside (of all things, right?) The outside makes a statement. So many options. After grinding on this a few days, I had that little epiphany . . . . make a journal for the first quarter . . . . . or even just the first month. Take your first bite out of the elephant!! 

I happened to have some book covers that I modified for journals leftover from a class I taught last April.

I found one I liked and it fit the papers I had selected . . . things started to come together. It was like it was meant to be! Two signatures will be bound in and we are off and running!!

It doesn’t seem like much of an epiphany, but for me it was a little shift in my thinking. Regardless of your goals, resolutions, or intentions for the year . . . .  be kind to yourself . . . .  take little bites.