As I write in this last week of December 2020, 2021 lies ahead of us, a tentative shimmer of hope after the year that has just passed. There will be more hard days coming, I am certain. But there will also be goodness, and light. I’d like to share a bit of that light with you each month in 2021, so I will be posting a photo of mine, sized to use as a background/lock screen picture for your phone, and a bit of inspiration for the month with ideas for things to notice, make, and do.
I live in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada. Some of the things I will share this year are specific to this place, and may not be things that you will encounter in your part of the world. I love that when it’s deepest darkest winter here in NS, it’s the height of summer in other places: the purpose behind this whole project is to encourage you to notice what is around you, wherever you are. When I see other people’s Instagram posts or read a book about an experience different from mine, one of the things that I love is that my sense of self-importance, central place in the world and staleness of routine is shifted. It highlights the differences between that experience and mine and reminds me that we are all somehow, wonderfully, on this planet at the same time. How amazing that we can share our stories with each other so easily! It makes my own worries and concerns seem less overwhelming.
Starting our days and months with intention, and having something to focus on gives shape to our thoughts and how we look at the world. I want this project to be a delightful reminder when you look at your phone that there is a beautiful world around you, whatever else is happening. This is not at all to say that hard things can be ignored, pushed aside or glossed over, but that the good and bad, dark and light, easy and hard have always existed at the same time. And so, this gift of mine for you is a look at each month captured in one photo, and have some ideas for things to make and do that you might find useful and heartening.
Feel free to use the photo for your phone lock screen / background and to share this project with friends. I’ll be sharing each month’s full post here, including the picture and ideas, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. If you make and or do any of the monthly activities, I’d be delighted if you posted about it, but please don’t feel obligated. This is a no-pressure project - take what you like and leave the rest. If you do want to share, you can use the hashtag #YearOfLight2021
What I wish for you in 2021 are eyes that are looking for the wonder that surrounds you - because it’s easiest to see what you’re looking for.
Love,
Sherrie