What will you create in 2013? Do you dare declare?

Jan

09

2013

Happy New Year!

I hope you spent the last few weeks reflecting, visioning and indulging in a bit of extra relaxation.
I know I did.

So, it’s 2013.
Sounds almost futuristic doesn’t it?
When I was a kid, if you would’ve asked me what the world would be like in 2013, I probably would’ve said flying cars and hover boards for everyone.

Alas, the new year is here ~ sans hover boards, unfortunately.
But possibly, just maybe, a chance for a truly NEW year.
The chance to create our lives EXACTLY the way we envision them.
The opportunity to live. Free.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2013 is the Year of the Snake.
The water snake to be more specific.
The Year of the Snake begins on Feb. 10, 2013 {the Chinese Lunar New Year} and lasts until Jan. 30, 2014.
I’m extra excited about this, because my Chinese Zodiac sign is the Snake.
Don’t know what your sign is? You can find out here.

What does all of this Snake-business have to do with me? You? The world?
The snake represents wisdom, introspection and financial abundance.
According to astrology experts, this year will be marked with some BIG changes – both good + not-so-good.
But with changes, incredible opportunities will arise.
It’s the year of making big leaps in your life and your career.
With focus and discipline, and steady progress – you can absolutely achieve your deepest of dreams.
Cool, no?

So, what will you create in 2013?

In my experience there’s no better way to get serious about your intentions, than to publicly declare them.

:: Case in point ::
My father is Japanese.
My mother is a mix of French, American Indian and Italian {among other things}.
I have been thinking about what it means to be bi-racial for a long time.
And for the last 5 years I’ve had the gnawing feeling that I needed to make a movie about this very subject.
About growing up bi-racial in the Midwest. And specifically about being half-Asian.

So. On Day 1 of the New Year, I declared it.

On Facebook.
To hundreds of family and friends.
I declared that I wanted to co-write + co-produce + Direct a feature film.
That I would start the wheels moving this year.

And instantly it felt oh-so much more real.
I had aligned my words with my desires.
And it felt fan-freakin’-tastic.
A little scary. And a lotta awesome!

As of today {and it’s only Day 9 of 2013 mind you}, I am making a list of writers I might want to approach.
And capturing ideas for the film in Evernote as they hit me.
Slowly. Step by Step. I’m making progress towards my dream.
P.S. Evernote is the best tool ever. Check it out.

Do you DARE DECLARE?

This week, I invite you to share in the comments below – what you hope to create or what dream you want to come true in 2013.
Just the simple act of public declaration sets the wheels in motion.

Join me.
Let’s make the Year of the Snake unforgettable!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

xo

{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }

paul January 9, 2013 at 12:42 pm

I wanted hoverboards too! Or at least flying cars… I declare that I’ll spend more time writing. Every day, if possible.

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Stephanie Watanabe January 9, 2013 at 6:57 pm

Sweeeeeet! I knew I liked you for a reason Paul. I vote we bring on the hoverboards. So much more fun than cars. ;)
And thanks for being here + making your declaration. Keep writing my friend. I’m reading your book sample now – it’s crazy good stuff. Congrats!

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Sabrina at MyMiBoSo January 9, 2013 at 3:02 pm

Grrl, it’s YOUR year! And from one half-Asian midwesterner to another (I’m half Vietnamese from Oklahoma), I salute and support you!

I declare that I will create my first e-program this year for my coaching practice MyMiBoSo – starting simple, but simply starting!

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Stephanie Watanabe January 9, 2013 at 6:59 pm

YES! Go Hapa Midwesterners! I knew there had to be others out there. Thank you for the encouragement. It is beyond appreciated.
And I’m so excited for you to create your first digital program. That is a HUGE step. I’ll be here to cheer you on. Go sister, Go!

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Janine January 10, 2013 at 1:09 pm

A film! How exciting!!!! Let me know if you need any cameos by short (but incredibly cute) Dominican-Canadians!

I declare that I’m going to (finally!) start my own Virtual Assistant business. Over the past two years, every time someone on my Twitter feed said “I could really use a VA”, I’d always think that I’d be a great person for them to hire, but that’s as far as I went: thinking.

This year, though, I’m doing it! Getting the training and website and ~stuff. (I declare that by the time the business opens, I’ll know what ~stuff is!)

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Stephanie Watanabe January 10, 2013 at 3:55 pm

Go Janine Go! I’m so excited that you’re ready to take the leap into a new business. You can absolutely do it. I can’t wait to see how things go throughout the year for you. Keep me posted!

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Marthe January 11, 2013 at 7:51 am

WOHO!

This is AWE.SOME.

Can’t wait to hear more. Plus I would love to help in any way that I can.

:D:D

Marthe

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Stephanie Watanabe January 11, 2013 at 10:23 am

Thank you so much my friend!! It was scary as hell to admit + commit to this dream, but it had to be done.
Am honored + blessed to have you in my life! Can’t wait to see how 2013 unfolds for us both. Yaaay! xo

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Natalie Vartanian January 11, 2013 at 8:07 am

Since I know you are gonna DO this and it is on my bucket list to act, I would love to audition for your feature film when the time comes. :) YOU GOT THIS GIRL!!

As for me – I have been declaring and will do so here – this year I am performing on stage as a Burlesque dancer AND also becoming the Sex and Relationship Coach that I know I am! :)

Love you and let’s get together soon; schedule it and see each other’s faces. XOXOXO

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Stephanie Watanabe January 11, 2013 at 10:25 am

It’s on girl! You will always be welcome to audition for anything I do. BTW, LOVE that acting is on your bucket list. Let’s make that happen in the next few years, shall we?!
And as for your declaration ~ HELL YES. When I read your declaration, I felt it in my blood. It’s your time girl. However I can support you, let me know.
And yes, let’s hang soon. Pretty please. xo

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natsumi January 11, 2013 at 1:19 pm

Amazing Stephanie! As a hapa myself, there were many years that I spent wondering what that actually means. I think you will be helping lots of people out there by sharing your story!

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Stephanie Watanabe January 11, 2013 at 3:50 pm

Thanks so much for commenting! Yaaay for hapa’s! :)
I felt the same way – had no idea what it really meant to be bi-racial. It’s so interesting.
Thank you for your support! xo

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sandra January 12, 2013 at 2:22 am

Happy new year Stephanie!
I’m so pleased to hear your goal for the year, that is such an interesting idea (my boyfriend’s parents are Cambodian and I’ve greek origins). I can’t wait to see your movie, girl! :)
I want 2013 to be the year i will find what I truly want to do / make /create. I always felt creative, and reading blogs of awesome people like you made me discover that I want to find something i’m good at and to create something i’m really proud of. I’m still studying and working in a not-that-creative field (hospital pharmacy) but I feel like I can also do something rewarding that fits my personnality better.
Also, I just got Evernote but still havent figure how it works really ^^

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Stephanie Watanabe January 12, 2013 at 3:31 pm

Hi Sandra – thank you so much for declaring out loud what you hope for this year. That’s the 1st step, so hooray!! If you’re looking for a great book that can possibly help to guide you in the direction of your ideal, fulfilled life – check out Danielle LaPorte’s book The Fire Starter Sessions. It’s amazing.
And thank you for the encouragement around my own declaration. So many have said it’s an important topic that needs to be shown on the big screen – so I guess I’m on the right track! :)

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Carol January 12, 2013 at 10:49 pm

I have been dreaming and planning! I have a dream that I can actually see..
I see my charity finally in forward momentum, not at a stand still. My dream is to do amazing things now that will allow us to serve our military kids in ways we have never been able to do before! I’m now taking the steps and doing the work to achieve my dream. It feels great!

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Stephanie Watanabe January 16, 2013 at 1:04 pm

I’m excited for you and your work this year! Anything you can dream, you can do. Thanks for your comment!

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Karen Yankovich January 14, 2013 at 6:03 am

This year, my mission is to help spiritually minded, right brained entrepreneurs get their message out to the world. Declaring it! I’m looking forward to your movie. <3

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Stephanie Watanabe January 16, 2013 at 1:06 pm

I love it Karen! Such an important mission and I’m so glad you’re stepping up and declaring it here. Thank you. :)

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