A few years ago, while celebrating an unnamed mid-20’s birthday, I began to think about what I can do each year on my birthday to really make an impact on the next year of my life.

I wanted to give myself a stamp of some sort – a crest to live by – for that following year.  I read a few blogs, looked through some good books I had marked in, sorted through magazines, and finally decided that one of the most powerful things I could attach a year of my life to – was words. Simple words, but SO powerful. Words.

And thus it began. Each year since then, I’ve gone through a process of brainstorming, reading, writing, and then narrowing down to 1 or 2 words that I want to live my life around for the following year.  And honestly, it’s been one of the most incredible things I’ve done for myself.

Think about it… there is nothing working against you. (And no one working against you either… Don’t share your word or words until after your next birthday). Ok, let’s just pretend that on your 32th birthday you chose the word “clarity.”  You memorize a personal definition of what clarity means, you write the word down in several visible key places, and on your birthday you say a prayer (to whoever you chose) for clarity throughout your 33rd year of life.

Then, as the year progresses, and you make tough decision, or face challenges head on, or experience great moments, you can always come back to that word. Clarity.

Here’s how it works.

YOU:  “I am so torn on which decision to make. I don’t know how I am going to decide what to do.”  You need clarity.  You know how good it feels to make a decision with it, and do what you know is right.  Get yourself there. It is in your hands. Gain clarity about your options, and the affects of both. Then, make your decision.

Or.

YOU:  “That was the most amazing weekend of my life! I can’t imagine someone more perfect for me.”  Coming back to your word, clarity, will keep you grounded and focused, even in times of complete happiness.

See? Not that hard. And im telling you, the amount you learn about yourself when coming back to one word throughout an entire year of growth is nothing short of enlightening.  And the best part – there is no right word, or wrong word.  In fact, each year, you begin thinking of next year’s word a little earlier.

Hence this blog. A 2-parter.

I am less than a month away from my 29th birthday, and embarking on my 30th year of life.  It’s time I start thinking of what next year’s word will be, but after my birthday has passed, id like to share with you my words of the past 4 years, including the one I am living right now and how important they’ve become.  I also ask that you suggest words that inspire you, encourage you, or keep you true to yourself, because although I’ve already started thinking about options for next year, it certainly doesn’t hurt to get some outside perspective.

So, what do you say? I know it’s a little bit of a personal stretch for our blogs, but it’s character defining in my opinion, and has set me up for (almost) 4 years of continuous growth & self realization in ways I can’t explain.

-Ape

If you’re interested in staying up to date with the Sixthman Blog, sign up to receive regular updates via Email or RSS Feed!

As someone who spent over seven years in the independent sector of the music industry, watching musicians struggle to break even on the road, giving much of their music away for free because they know they’ll probably never make a living off album sales, my favorite thing about Sixthman is the opportunity afforded the artists. For the musicians who have performed on Sixthman cruises, they’re an event like no other, in which you reach out to new fans, celebrate with the long-time fans, and get to know other musicians who are just as passionate about their crafts. (Check out this video of Barenaked Ladies on CNBC talking about how they used Ships & Dip as a way to enhance their band-to-fan experience.)

Barenaked Ladies on CNBC

The face of the music industry is changing, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead – it means the door is open for innovation. I believe Sixthman has created something beyond a concert, beyond album promotion, beyond any of the traditional avenues – it’s an experience fans and musicians never forget. I have already heard many stories from performers, employees, and passengers, but I want to hear more. I want to know YOUR Sixthman story so I can wrap my head around what we do, and be even better at telling our story to the world. Please send me your tales to beckicarr@sixthman.net

Thanks so much, everyone! See you on the ship!

Becki