Hi creative friends,
For the past few years I’ve shared a yearlong project that provided a themed free printable postcard each month.
I thoroughly enjoyed having you join me for A Year of Positivity and A Year of Gratitude.
This year there is a new theme. It’s close to my own heart and in fact, it is also my word of the year…. self-love.
Self-Love
The concept of self-love is simple; it just means valuing and caring for your own needs, wants and desires.
It isn’t about being selfish.
It’s about making sure you make time to recharge and have the energy to be there for others.
I think women especially, are often kept busy caring for partners, children, grandchildren, elderly parents etc and run out of time to show themselves the same care.
I’m raising my hand here… I am guilty of juggling too many things and most often the person who misses out is myself.
By taking self-love as my word of the year, I’ve made a conscious decision for 2023 to be more intentional in taking better care of myself… even if it is just doing one small thing each day!
A Year of Self-Love
Once I embraced ‘self-love’ as my word for 2023, I decided to keep a journal dedicated to that theme, where I could write down my thoughts and progress throughout the year.
I’ve created monthly postcards to include in my journal and I’ll be sharing those cards here with you each month in 2023.
January Self-Love Card
Each card in the Self-Love series will be shabby, feminine and Victorian themed and will contain a positive quote.
The postcards are standard size, 9 cm x 14 cm (3.5″ x 5.5″), and can be used back to back to create a double sided postcard or alternatively used as two separate journal cards.
Note: Instructions on how to create the double sided card is included on the free printable.
The January card has a calming blue background and contains a snippet of art by the wonderful French painter, Edouard Bisson and posies of pink and ivory roses.
I felt the quote “Today, make yourself a priority.” was a good place to start.
Here are a few ways I’ll be showing myself some self-love in 2023:
- Making some quiet alone time to read a real turn the page book.
- Taking a break from screen time – digital detox.
- Relaxing into a deep bath with scented water, dimmed lights, candles, headphones in and listening to my favourite music.
- A pamper session… could be anything from a massage or acupuncture to just alone time in the bathroom to paint my toenails or put on a face mask.
- Meditating or a long peaceful walk…. enjoying the serenity of the beach or nature. Focusing on breath and positive affirmations.
- A rejuvenating nap… even more important following Covid.
- Spending time in my ‘happy place’… for me that’s spending time in my craft room that is not work related. Simply enjoying the moment, surrounded by the things that make me smile and crafting on a whim.
- Making a set time to write or create in my journal.
- Calling a friend for a chat.
- Watching the sunrise.
Perhaps you have some ideas to add to the list. I’d love to hear them in the comments below.
How to download the January Self-Love Card
You’ll find the January Self-Love card ready to download in the Newsletter Subscribers Printable Library – the password to this page is on the bottom of your latest newsletter.
Not yet a member?
No problem, simply sign up for the Shabby Art Boutique newsletter and get instant access to all of the free printables in the library.
PIN for later.
I hope this years theme resonates with you too!
I’d love to see how you use the postcards in your creative projects this year, so please feel welcome to share them in our Facebook group, Simply Shabbilicious.
Happy crafting!
Hugs
♥
Kerryanne
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Just lovely, Kerryanne! I do all the above things you mentioned, and I also love to have a special cup of tea each day, using one of my fine china cups and saucers. It helps a lot if it’s a special cup, and I’m fortunate to have many. At the end of each long day, my hubby of 40 years has always given me a massage of my neck, head and back! This really helps with the migraines I suffer from. This year of 2023 I will try to live more in the moment. Your beautiful images really help me. Thanks so much.
What a beautiful caring husband you have Loretta. I’m sure you do many wonderful things for him too.
Yes I agree, tea certainly tastes better in a fine china cup and I’m so pleased that you are making self-love a priority.
All the best for a wonderful 2023!
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Thank you so very much for the free gorgoreou printables. I have enjoyed them a lot! You have created beautiful prints. I love them all, especially the self care one for 2023. A great idea! This is what I really need right now. You have blessed me with this new idea.
Hugs
I’m delighted that my art has brought you such joy Aida and I hope you thoroughly enjoy making your 2023 self-love journal sweetie.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Thank you Kerryanne! Happy creative New Year to you 🙂
Thanks so much Sue. May your 2023 be filled with an abundance of creativity.
Happy crafting,
Kerryanne
The past three years have been filled with grief, I lost my soul sister . My heart is so heavy. Then my friends son died last year to much to bear. He was way to young .
So I thank you from my heart for this Self Care journal for 2023. I will be putting this at the top of things I need to do. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I’m sorry to hear of your losses Nita and hope that creating a self-love journal for yourself will allow you to find some special ‘ME’ time. May 2023 be a blessing to you sweetie.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
This is such a great idea.. we all need to practice self love. I’ve loved your last two years of postcards.. I’ve sent many out, to friends and family, and have it on my to do list to make myself a journal with just the postcards. This year’s will be especially positive for me. I tried practicing some self love last year. My husband died in 2021 in September, and for many months, I did nothing but take care of things that I had to. Then last summer, I decided it was time to treat myself to a few things I’d wanted to do for a long time, as even more now, I realize how fleeting life can be. I made a “bucket list” and have been trying to do something from it every few months. I did find time to go camping in my Van, go to the coast here in Oregon and spend a few relaxing days, and take a drive up to the forests in Oregon that I had been yearning for for so long. The feelings were euphoric! I plan to do more this year, especially getting into nature more, and by the forests and rivers that I grew up with and have missed for the last 10 years. I think going alone to a little cabin somewhere, just for you, is a wonderful thing everyone should do! Also.. just sitting outside on a nice day, with nothing to distract you, just enjoying the warm air, the breeze, the trees and blue sky.. shut off the phone, clear your mind, and just “be”. Hugs. Marilyn
Oh Marilyn, I’m sorry to hear about your husband. This must have been such a difficult period for you, but I’m pleased to hear that you are now seizing the moment and gifting yourself some much needed self-love. I wish for you many wonderful camping adventures and time to enjoy the simple things in life.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
I printed the self-love card for Jan, but instead of sending it as a postcard, I’m folding it in half and using the inside for a note card. I’ll write something uplifting inside and send it to friends and shut-ins. Thank you for such beautiful printables. They make me feel good when I share with others!
That’s a lovely way to use it Barbara and I’m always pleased to hear that my art makes people happy ♥
Merci pour cette jolie carte et bonne et heureuse année 2023 ( from France )
Where do I put the password so I can download the “Self-Love” printable?
Thank you.
Hi Sharon,
Just below the heading that says ‘How to Download January Self-Love card’ there is a pink text link that says ‘Newsletter Subscribers Printable Library’. Click that pink text link and the freebies library will open up and ask for the password.
Hope you enjoy this Year of Self-Love.
Happy crafting,
Kerryanne
Kerryanne, thank you very much. I’m not sure why I was having difficulty. A “senior” moment!! I’ve been a fan of your talent for many years. I have a few of your kits. And your freebies are such a generous offer from you. Thank you
again!