Freedom: My word of 2017

Miracle shall follow miracle, and wonders shall never cease. -Florence Scovel Shinn

I first saw these words on a Christmas card in the gift section when I worked at REI (which by the way, is one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for).

These words moved me so profoundly, that it lead me to Google them. Who is Florence Scovel Shinn? I wondered.

The first time I ever heard about the “Law of Attraction” was in 2006 when The Secret was published. Well, it turns out, the secret was already out. The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn, published in 1925, is all about how our thoughts, words, and feelings create our reality.  I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of this short, yet profound book. I picked up my copy in the bargain section at Barnes & Noble for around $5, but for years I read this free online version and sometimes listened to the audio on YouTube. It will only take a few hours to devour the entire text. I highly recommend it.

So anyways, Florence Scovel Shinn defines perfect happiness as the square of life, which consists of the Divine plan for perfect health, wealth, love, and self-expression. I like looking at life this way, and I’m going to set goals for each of these quadrants in 2017.

I first heard about choosing a one-word theme from Bleeding Espresso, which is also one of the first blogs I ever read about Italy back in the day circa 2009. I quite like this idea, and in 2017 the feeling I most want to experience in all areas of my life is freedom.  

Freedom = libertà

What freedom really means to me is having the ability to do what I want, when I want to do it. It also means a certain detachment from the outcome. Whenever I let go, I feel free, and that’s when the magic happens.

Health = salute

Do exercise that feels good, like dancing.

Eat what I’m craving; everything in moderation, including moderation.

Take time to relax and just be, and get enough rest.

Feel confident in a bikini and with less makeup.

Feel good in my skin and full of vibrant energy.

Wealth = ricchezza

All of my expenses paid in full (I already started the year by paying off my car, wohooooo!)

Look for abundance everywhere, in my breath, in my heartbeat, in the rising and the setting of the sun.

Health, wealth, love and happiness are the ultimate wealth.

A wonderful work for a wonderful pay (also an affirmation from Florence Scovel Shinn).

Love = amore 

Send love to everyone I meet.

Love myself.

Express my love for others with words and actions.

Look at all situations through the eyes of love.

Self-expression = espressione di sè

Genuine connection with new and old friends on social media and in real life.

Laugh every day.

Do what I love for a living: learning Italian & teaching English, writing, traveling and cooking; be my own boss.

I have a feeling that 2017 is a good year, full of dreams come true, for myself and others. 

Buon Anno! Happy New Year!