Nurturing New Beginnings
While I’ve never adhered to resolutions, I do enjoy choosing a word to guide me as I move through the weeks and months. Last year, my word was Growth, and I truly feel that growth happened in my work, health, and relationships. While growth is a word that could apply every year, I wanted to ensure I wasn’t simply moving past the moments I dreamed of but was present and able to nurture them.
This year, my word is Nurture.
The start of a new year brings a sense of possibility, making it the perfect time to reflect on how we want to move forward. For me, nurture means fostering growth, caring for myself and others, and creating an environment where creativity can flourish. To help me live out this intention, I’ve chosen a guiding word for each month, much like taking a goal and breaking it into smaller, actionable steps.
The practice of beginning, no matter how small the step, has been on my mind lately. So it’s fitting that this month’s word is Begin. Beginning is the first step in nurturing anything—it’s about taking intentional action, knowing it doesn’t have to be perfect, just genuine. Begin is the foundation I’m building my year on—one step at a time, filled with intention and care.
Over the years, I’ve noticed myself not making the time to build on my skill sets or even use the paints and materials I’ve acquired. When I sit in front of a blank page now, I feel nervous and afraid of wasting materials.
This month, I’m focusing on developing creative habits—the practice of showing up regularly for the things that spark joy and curiosity. I plan to dedicate time to creative play, whether it’s painting, sketching, or experimenting with new materials. One of the most inspiring sources I’ve found is a book called The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. Her approach to creativity emphasizes developing daily routines that nurture and cultivate the creative spirit.
The first habit I’m embracing this month is carving out time for creative exploration—no agenda, just the freedom to paint, sketch, or work with whatever materials call to me. This time isn’t about perfection but about showing up without expectations and nurturing the creative part of me that sometimes gets buried under deadlines and responsibilities. If I’m honest, it’s not just the project deadlines—it’s often the excuse I make to avoid indulging in creative play. This habit feels like a small step, but it’s a powerful one, creating space for the things that bring me joy and inspiration.
For me, January is about establishing the framework for the year ahead—months filled with intention, creativity, and presence. I believe nurturing begins with small, meaningful actions, and by taking those first steps, we create the foundation for something greater.
As we move through January, I invite you to reflect on how you’re embracing new beginnings in your own life. What’s one small step you can take to nurture your aspirations? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media, and let’s support each other as we begin this year with intention and care.
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