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And my word for 2021 is…

Every year I choose one word to help guide me. Some people call it their word of the year, or one little word. I’ve done this for 9 years now, and I’ve always loved how my word shapes my year, or helps me become better. Some of the words I’ve chosen in the past are brave, trust, be, light, simplify, focus and create.

For 2020, I chose the word joy. It was definitely not a word I would have chosen had I known what this year was going to be like, but I did make a short film about my word and how it helped me be more grateful amidst COVID-19, quarantine and cancellations. You can check that out in my Gratitude + Joy post.

When I was thinking of what word I should choose for 2021, there were many that came to mind that swirled around COVID…like hope, patience, wish, desire, etc. I got to thinking that maybe I shouldn’t let the frustrations of 2020 influence my word, but that I should choose something on what I want to be better at.

It’s usually during December when I start thinking and looking for my new word, and this December has been no exception, except maybe that I started thinking about my 2021 word in April… 😉

Something I love to do, is listen to self-improvement books as I do chores or drive. This year I have listened to a number of amazing books that have really had an impact on me and have influenced me in more than one way. In no particular order, they are:
Essentialism by Gregory McKeown
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Year of Less by Cait Flanders
The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White
(I HIGHLY recommend any or all of these books for your next read!)

As you can see, these books focus on either habits, home or less. I think I had a theme this year without even realizing it! All of these books have had an impact on me and the choices I’ve made regarding my home, my work and my habits. Essentialism was the last book I listened to, and it inspired me so much that I decided I wanted my word for 2021 to focus on something around choosing how to live my life better. I listened to it a second time just to hear it again because it was that good–and my word hit me smack dab in the face as I was pondering on a particular chapter. The word is:

mindful

I knew as soon as I thought of “mindful” that it had to be my word for 2021! I’m hoping that as I go through 2021, I’ll remember my word and let it help me to be more mindful in all aspects of my life!

I’m excited for 2021, and can’t wait to see how mindfulness will help me learn and grow into a better human being. If you have a word for 2021, I’d love to hear what it is!

Hanging Out With the Hamson’s: November

As this is the first month I’ve finished our monthly film while I have the new website, I thought maybe I’d better explain what this is!

Back in January of 2018, I decided I wanted to do a filming personal project. I also decided to make it a video diary of our family’s life. Somehow the title came to me, and I vowed to make one film every month.

Now these films are not technical at all–I don’t storyboard, I don’t fix lighting, I don’t even pick up stuff off the floor. I just get my camera out and film whatever is happening. Usually I remember to get it out for the fun or meaningful stuff, but sometimes I actually get it out to film the boring and mundane stuff we are doing. And that’s all. Then I edit it all together in sequential order of when it all happened. The only editing I do to these films, is edit to match the beat in the music and fix under/over exposed clips, and bad coloring. That’s it. They only take me a couple hours to throw together–unlike films I’m making for others which take upwards of 10-15 hours, depending on length.

So now that you’re completely bored with my rambling…without further ado, I give you November, 2020.

Films to Educate

Most people don’t know this about me, but I am a teacher by profession! I have a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, and taught Kindergarten before I was a mom. I quit when I had my first son, and have never really been interested in teaching officially again, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love teaching! I love watching my children grasp a concept I’ve taught them, or helping a friend understand something in photography. I’m always looking for opportunities to help others learn something new!

When I was asked by a local construction company to outline what a specific career opportunity for them entails to teach potential employees, I saw it as a great opportunity to merge my love of teaching with my love of filmmaking!

Do you know what a fuser is? Well, I didn’t the day we shot this, but I do now! (And I bet after you watch this, you’ll know what a fuser is too!)

Are you a small or medium sized business who wants to teach something to someone? Whether it’s a short video for potential clients, a longer video for employee training, or something in between, together we can create it! Check out my branding and commercial page for more info!