Editor Spotlight: Cynthia Levens + a Rememberlutions Jar Project

Personally, I love reading the Letter from the Editor section of all our magazines. It’s always so interesting to see what the editors are up to, and these letters feel like I am touching base with good friends. Of course, I can always just head and say hi to the editors in person, but sometimes we’re all too busy to visit with each other. I particularly enjoy Cynthia Levens’ letters; she’s always so insightful and reading her words really does feel like I am catching up with an old friend. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to share her letter from the spring 2015 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. In this letter, Cynthia shares her past experiences with New Year’s resolutions and her plan for 2015.

But I don’t want to give anymore away, so without further ado, please join me in welcoming the extraordinary editor of Belle Armoire Jewelry, Altered Couture, Belle Armoire, and Where Women Create, Cynthia Levens.

 

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Dear Friends,

I decided not to make a New Year’s resolution for 2015. In previous years when I’ve made resolutions, 90 percent of the time I’d stick to them for a few months and then let them go, giving myself half of a pat on the back. In 2011, my resolutions actually started backfiring. I had stuck to my resolutions, but had such a tight grip on them that I had to force myself to let them go. Ironic, I know. This year I’m doing something different to avoid any end-of-the-year remorse or repercussions.

I read an article online about making a “rememberlutions jar.” The premise is, you decorate a mason jar with photos, quotes, glitter — whatever — and keep it in your room. Whenever you experience some kind of accomplishment, or even do something fun that’s worth remembering, you write it down on a small slip of paper and place it in the jar. So you met your favorite celebrity? That’s awesome! Put it in the jar. You got a raise at work? Good job, you deserved it! Put it in the jar. You learned to cook a new meal? Fantastic. Share it with some loved ones and then share it with the jar.

I doubt this is a new concept, and I’m sure some of you have done this before, but it’s new to me and I’m really excited about it. The graphic designer for this magazine, Art Manager Elaine Mello, was so sweet to give me a decorated mason jar for Christmas, which I’ve turned into my own rememberlutions jar. As I’m writing this letter, it’s almost two weeks into January and I’ve already added five slips inside. At the end of the year, I’ll read through my notes, relive 2015, and feel good about myself and my successes, both big and small.

I want to pass the buck to my Belle Armoire Jewelry readers because I am so in love with this idea, and the year is still young. And to all of the talented artists featured in this issue, that’s one slip you can already add! Here’s to wishing you all a happy and healthy 2015 filled with fun, excitement, and success.

Cheers,

Cynthia Levens

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Creating a rememberlutions jar seems like such a simple and creative way to keep track of all the positive changes and experiences that we are gifted with throughout the year. While I am late to the party, I am going to start working on mine today, and hopefully all of our wonderful readers will also be inspired to undertake this project as well. Don’t forget that you can find all the artful essentials you’ll need to personalize your jar at The Shoppe at Somerset.

Please join me in thanking Cynthia for sharing her letter with us. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Spring 2015 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry, which comes out on March 1st. Remember that all Somerset Place subscribers get $5 off of new publications with the coupon code found in Glimpse Inside.