Where the heart is

In my last post I told you about my last art journal page of 2017, and today it's time to share my first page of 2018!

A new word for a new year

The page I'm sharing today is all about connecting with my "word of the year", a practice that has become truly important to me these past 5 years.

I never really "choose" my word, but instead I've learnt to let it come to me and reveal itself to me. It can show up while journaling, walking in nature, or more simply in the middle of daily life while cleaning, cooking or taking a shower (which, after all, are all highly meditative activities!). Sometimes it comes early (this year I've known mine since early November) or sometimes at the very last minute. Sometimes it can feel uncomfortable at first (my first one, in 2013, was... Truth: not an easy word!) or sometimes it's the loveliest surprise.

And this year I'm so excited because my "woty" is one of my favorite words: Home...

“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.”

— Twyla Tharp

I love it even more because we don't really have an equivalent in French. It is as much about a sense of place as it is a deep, warm feeling. The feeling of being exactly where you're supposed to be in the world, just as you are. Of being safe, of belonging, a foundation to build your life upon.

Coming home, longing for home, building a home...

It's also at the heart of the life choices we're making as a family: William and I are now both working from home and we've started homeschooling our daughter last year. January is also always a time when we rearrange our "nest", move the furniture around and declutter. Yesterday the kids have even decided to swap bedrooms! Cosiness, change and renewal all at the same time.