I Choose to Be

January 4, 2016

  1. Laura says:

    What a perfect motivational word and I know it will take yout far!

  2. Christa Rae says:

    This post is amazing, Natalie! I love your word for the year and I cannot wait to see all that this year has in store for you. Taylor Swift is definitely one of the best philosophers of our time. 😉

  3. Anna Arpasi says:

    LOVE THIS!! Although I’m gonna have to think about my word for sure. <3

  4. Jennifer says:

    What a great post. I best 2016 will be everything you want it to be!

  5. Lindsay says:

    What a fantastic post! I have two words this year…PURPOSE + RELEASE. Growing up, our family members always pulled two “angel cards” (tiny stack of cards with meaningful words on them to be used 1,000’s of ways) on New Year’s Day to set our intentions for the new year. My husband and I resurrected this tradition beginning with 2016, and we both got “purpose,” he got “courage” while I got “release” 🙂 we’ll take ’em!!

  6. Brooke Michelle says:

    I always love your honesty and ability to step out of your comfort zone. You got this! I hope 2016 is so good to you!

  7. Brittany says:

    This is so refreshing. My word is unapologetic and I had the same feeling of wanting to take the word back because it definitely not safe. But I realized that I have fought so hard for this dream and giving in to naysayers and my own insecurities is not an option!

  8. Mandy says:

    I have “fearless” tattooed on my wrist to remember Taylor’s words that you quoted above! They’re so true 🙂 #iswearimnotataylorjunkie

  9. My word for the year is Adventure!! 🙂 Choosing to step out of my comfort zone and into new adventures all around me!

  10. I love you so many millions of times over.

    I don’t have a specific word for the year yet (we hosted so many people over the holidays that my planning got pushed to this week), but I know that time management/stewardship is my educational focus. I’m learning everything I can about how to use time better— for workplace efficiency, to slow down and just BE when appropriate, and to dig deep into relationships and grow my love for others.

  11. Kati Mallory says:

    My word for the year is RAW. I’m also a photographer, and just want to let go of all the rules and things that I feel limit me, and shoot more raw moments. More emotions, more fleeting moments, more unnoticed details. I want to let go of the constant pressure of taking the perfect photograph, and shoot from the heart.

    Loved this post from you, and totally agree with everything you said in your Greatest Struggle post, too. In many ways, I felt the same in 2015 – where I said yes to too many things, and in turn said no to building my own life. A quote I recently saw that I liked said, “I did not quit my 9-5 to work 24/7.” Such a good reminder that working for ourselves is a gift, but to remember that it’s not everything.

    Best of luck in the new year! I can’t wait to see the beautiful places and memories you capture!

  12. I love your way with words, Natalie! Thank you for sharing this! I think my word is Purpose. I want to truly discover that, and what God’s will is for my life and how I can use the gifts he has given me to better serve others around me.

    Love you!

  13. Jen Araya says:

    You are so inspirational! Love this! My word would be ADVENTUROUS! This will allow me to let loose a little bit more and take on those new challenges and opportunities. Go with the flow more often versus always having a plan.

  14. Krista says:

    Somehow your posts always come at the right time! Figuring out my word for 2016 while channeling some FEARLESS Natalie Franke/Taylor Swift will surely make this drive to DC by myself far less stressful
    Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

  15. I can’t wait to see more of your fearless year!! It is so important to use words to express ourselves, as well as photos…and when the two combine, it is magic!

  16. Fearless is also my 2016 word! However, my word was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic and not the T-Swift! Haha..I love that quote though!

    You are indeed Fearless, and have shown me in many ways how to be fearless! Thanks for always sharing your heart Natalie!

  17. Jessica Frey says:

    Ooh, wonderful post – what an incredible 2015 you had sweet friend! Praying 2016 is even better and full of personal and professional accomplishments and balance! I’m working on my word, but love the post and am encouraged to dig deeper for a more refreshing year ahead. Hugs!!

  18. […] plus 2!  We are so thankful to him for being so good to us.   Thanks to Natalie Franke and her post, we are describing ourselves for the 2016 year.  We aren’t ones to really make resolutions […]

  19. Super inspiring post (as usual!). I think my word for 2016 is going to be “creative.” Yes!

  20. Such a great post, Natalie. I read it a couple days ago and have been absorbing it, while thinking about what my word will be for the year. I’ve come up with POSITIVE, which has a twofold meaning for me. First, I’m intentionally going to cultivate a non-negative mindset, toward myself, the world, and my work. I want to be a force for good and encouragement in the world, and I can’t do that if I’m tearing myself and others down. The second meaning has to do with confidence – as in, “I’m POSITIVE that I can do this!” I’m going to attack my work and summit new professional peaks. 2015 blew away all of my expectations for what J’Adorn Designs could be, and I’m excited to see what 2016 will hold when I approach it with confidence and an open, joyous heart.

  21. This is a lovely and creative post. So well thought out

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