Year Motto

June is right around the corner and that's when I change up my daily mantra or motto or shorthand for the intention of the year -- birthday month to birthday month. It hits nicely around the halfway mark of the year and it's much less rushed than a January change. 

It's not always easy to figure out and it usually comes down to the last minute.

It needs to have metaphoric meaning (and sometimes also literal meaning), framed in the positive (i.e. do something, not don't do something), can be done on good days or not good days (works for pushing and for resting) and has to resonate with a direction that I want to explore. It also can't be too focused on actual tasks (like a goal) -- it's more of a reminder of a state of mind. A shorthand that I filter decisions through.

I write it in a journal most days as the first of 10 goals I want keep top of mind even though it's not a traditional goal.

Past years' -- I think there are a couple I'm forgetting:

    Something for FS today

    Keep going

    Choose the bigger life (repeated this one because I like it so much)

    Say yes

    Happiness project

    Walk until the day becomes interesting

I keep notes in my phone when inspiration hits because I will absolutely forget.

My phone notes:

    Do it anyway 

    (even if I'm afraid or bored or buffering - FS will be proud)

    Embrace the quirky

    (show up as myself -- live with color, not just beige)

    Truth is always the right choice

    (be authentic and what is meant for me will find me)

    Quirky curious kind

    (how to live each day)

    Trust yourself

    (I KNOW what is next, what is true)

    

    "Will this make the boat go faster?"

    (will this decision take me closer to who I want to be or further away)

I like all of these and they fit my criteria EXCEPT for resonating as THE ONE for this year.

I have one more day until June, but I think I have the winner -- coming in just under the deadline is ... {drumroll}

       "The beauty is in the walking."

Why I like it:  

I want reminder to not just learn things, but actually DO things

Walking is peace

Movement is important with aging

Slowing down to walking means I see more -- enjoy the present moment

A little like saying yes

A little like keep going

A little like choose the bigger life

Ta-Da (!!) I think this fits all the criteria. 

Tomorrow begins my birthday month and all the fun that goes with it. Mostly things I do for myself this month -- a quiet, private celebration of another year. I'll keep you posted on the secret birthday fun.