2023: IGNITE!

 

Per tradition, every year I draw a map for my year ahead. It’s inspired by my “guiding force,” a MYP phrase I coined for our word/phrase/theme for the year. It’s an organic process and not overly planned out. I sit down and I draw it. Admittedly, this is the first year that I drew it on my iPad rather than on paper, so I had a little bit more of a playground being able to erase and resize. Per usual, I have my map printed and send 100+ notes of gratitude to those who helped inspire my year (big and small).

This year’s guiding force is IGNITE! A few weeks into the year, I can only laugh at how much is ringing true. It just feels right.

I chose the word ignite as a way to help me dream bigger and imagine other possibilities. As I’ve gotten clearer on the work I want to be doing in the world, I’m ready to see how far it can spread. I love the idea of sparking inspiration in others—it’s another kind of connection. It’s about feeling lit up and alive, and allowing that energy to be contagious. It all feels like a natural progression of last year’s theme “The magic within you,” as I want to invite the sub-theme of “Dance with the universe” this year. I truly believe there is another way when we stop trying to control, and allow things to flow—this happens by trusting ourselves and our own magic.

Prior years were Audacity and Explore—all helping set me up for where I am today. Last year had a whole lot of magic, with equal parts discomfort (see 2022 reflection post). I could tell it was all part of an uplevel, preparing me for whatever is next. I’m excited to see what it ignites in me, and where it takes me! I can’t shake the feeling that I’m just getting started.

 

Ignite means to me:

  • Change for good

  • Sparking ideas

  • Spreading ideas

  • Connecting the dots

  • Following curiosity

  • Allowing myself to dream

  • Fostering imagination

  • Breaking from the norm/status quo

  • Dreaming more

  • Using my imagination

  • Intuition + action

  • Making things happen

  • The start of something new

  • Being open to surprises + expecting the unexpected

How I want to feel:

  • Alive

  • Lit up

  • Abundant

  • Connected

  • Energized

  • Proud

  • Trusting

  • Magical

  • Supported

  • Brave

  • Bold

  • Loved

  • Passion

  • Electric

  • Magnetic

  • Excited

  • Joyful

  • Astonished

  • Set up for future success

  • Engaged (I can hear the sound of locking engines in my launch pad)

  • Controlled but not controlling (no wildfire spread from ignite, please!)


An incomplete list of what I want out of 2023:

  • A sustainable business that supports me, gives me space to breathe, and is accessible to many

  • Income jump

  • Extend my home (split time between places!?!)

  • Love + connection!

  • Cool collaborations

  • Publish book(s)

  • Explore grandfather’s project/legacy

  • Go to the Bal!

  • Do the impossible.

  • Find a way to give back.

The final part of my annual mapping exercise is that I have it printed (riso printing at Studio Fidèle allows me to print silver ink on colored paper), and handwrite 100+ notes of gratitude to those who had the biggest impact on my year. Sometimes the recipients are obvious (like my clients, family, and mentors), and other times it’s someone who may have planted some small seed in me that took hold. It’s an organic process, not a fixed list.

Although it’s quite a process to get everything together and write all the notes, there’s something I love about both having the opportunity to reflect about the people in my life and the role they play, as well as energetics it invites into the start of a new year.

This year my card writing got kicked off during 4.5 hours in the ER (I’m OK!), at a local café, over a glass of wine, and in the comforts of my home. I was quite impressed at the spread between cards going to France, the US, and the world (including Australia, New Zealand, The Philippines, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Finland, Sweden, France, Brazil, Canada, and the US). It’s a nice way to slow down and feel connected to those who helped shape my year.

The guiding force, map, and reflections shared above is part of the fall version of MYP into the New Year.

If you’re looking for extra support and guidance, or inspiring humans to connect with, the next round of Mapping Your Path: Moving Your Way 3-month workshop + guided community kicks off February. 3rd. It’s truly an incredible experience and community of wonderful humans. Enrollment opens a few times a year and space is limited. Sign up to be notified of future cohorts.

reflections, mapsAnne Ditmeyerword of the year, gratitudeComment