Many of us will be making new year resolutions, intentions, or goals this week. It is an important moment in the year to take a pause and think about where your life is now, where you hope it will be, and what you need to do to move closer to that dream. In order to grow, we need to clearly define what we need to keep in our lives, and what we need to let go of or keep out of our lives. In this art exercise, we will place those intentions in visual form as a way to deepen your exploration and commitment. The final art piece can then serve as a tangible reminder of your commitment throughout the year.
Materials: Paper, drawing tools, and your choice of additional collage elements.
Directions:
- Trace both of your hands on a piece of paper. Drawing paper will work if just using colored pencils or crayons, but if adding collage elements or watercolor paints then a heavier paper is best. *Other formats can work for this exercise other than hands. A heart shape, circle, or a more detailed mandala template could be used instead.
- On one hand write all the things in your life that are important to hold on to. In the other write those things that your need to let go of.
- Continue developing your piece further by adding color, a zentangled background, scrapbooking, or other collage elements.
After completion, spend some time thinking about what you have created. Ask yourself questions such as: Which things will be the most difficult to let go of? How will your emotional well-being change if you were able to keep/ let go of these things? Who are some of the people that have brought these things to your life? What are the next steps you need to take towards moving in the direction you wish to go?
Other creative directives for New Year’s Resolutions:
- One Word Collage: choose one word for your focus, goal, and mantra for the new year. Write it down and give it attention by turning it into an art piece. Hang it up where you will see it, take a picture of it and put it on your computer desktop, or slip a copy into your wallet. You will be reminded daily to recommit to your word.
- Write each of your intentions on a note card and place in a homemade memory box or a time capsule to give honor to those goals.
- Decorate popsicle sticks with your intentions in a decorative way and turn them into a picture frame.
- Make a resolution list entirely out of drawings and doodles… no words allowed.
- Make a vision board that uses bright colors, positive language, and motivating statements that you wish to succeed at in the new year.
