100 Day Project….100 Days of Words to Live By

Whewww, 2020 was quite the year my friends. I’m so glad to put it in the rear view mirror and move through 2021 with less stress, renewed optimism and carving out more time for ME!

Today I would like to share something exciting that I’m getting ready to do, and I want to invite you to join me. It’s called the 100 Day Project and starts this Sunday, January 31st. For those of you that have not heard of it, let me give you the gist.

The 100 Day Project was started in 2007 by a gentlemen named Michael Bierut. He was a a graphic design professor at Yale and challenged his students to repeat a design operation for 100 days. The idea was that if you repeat a task for 100 days, it can be life changing, or at least refine your craft. The only restrictions of the project were that it must be repeated in some form every day, and that the activity of that day must be documented.

Fast forward to 2013 when a woman by the name Elle Luna along with some of her friends took their own spin on it to Instagram using the hashtag #the100dayproject, that a trend emerged. Each year it has become more and more popular. Before the start of 2019, there were over 1.1 million posts on Instagram…Wow! You can read more about it here 100 Day Project

While many people spend weeks deciding what they want to do for their 100 day project, I just decided on mine this weekend. I guess you can say that I’m a more of an off the cuff kind of girl in 2021. I’m trying to over think less and just do!!! A very unfamiliar space for me…a work in progress.

 I’ve decided that my 100 day project will be focused around – words to live by. 2020 really taught us how impactful words can be. But it’s not just the words we see and hear from others, but the words we tell ourselves each and every day. Did you know that the average person has 6,000 thoughts per day? Wow!! That’s a lot of thoughts for the cranium..LOL

For my 100 Day Project, my goal is to start each day with either a single word, quote or uplifting phrase. Instead of rolling out of bed and grabbing my phone to consume “toxic” media, mindless scrolling etc., I’m choosing to start my day with positivity. I started doing this last week and it’s literally changing the trajectory of my day. I’m happier and more positive….and it’s calorie free with zero side effects. How’s that for a mental health bonus!!

Here’s how it will work if you want to join in. This is simple and you can do as much or as little as you want. I’m committing to the full 100 days because I’ve been part of the “unfinished projects” club for years, so I really think this is a great jump start for changing some of my habits, but it’s your choice to complete as many days as you would like.

Let’s break it down:

• Each day I will create a page incorporating some art techniques and words that I will share on my new Instagram account. You can follow me here at Carla Cohen Studio  The idea is that you would share yours too if you want (no pressure and not required) but, I would love for you to share your inspirations as well. The hashtags for the project will be #100dayproject and I created one for my project #100daysofwordstoliveby. So if you share, be sure to use these two hashtags especially the second one (this is our private hashtag…I know we’re special).
• Throughout the 100 days, I will also share some art techniques on Instagram for those of you that may want to get some creative inspiration or just follow along for fun. In addition, to make sure things are SUPER EASY, I have created some cut outs for you with quotes, words, and some clip art to make your pages pretty. PRINTABLES>>> Sheet 1 and Sheet 2

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an artist. You can simply just cut out and glue some words down that resonate with you at the moment. You don’t have to do anything fancy, but if you want to get those creative juices flowing, I highly recommend taking some time to create a page with whatever supplies you have on hand. You can really create anything you want. Let yourself get lost in the process. It’s extremely meditative!! You can use an art journal, card stock or some inexpensive computer paper. It’s about taking time for you and enjoying the process, not the outcome.

Keep in mind, these are not meant to be finished works of art. This is not an art competition!!! It’s about reclaiming your morning and starting your day off with you in mind. I hope you will join me. Come on over to Instagram and let’s build a community of fun and togetherness. I don’t know about you but I’m really craving connection right now.