A New Year. A New Word.

I first heard about the 'word of the year as opposed to resolutions' project here and I didn't read her thoughts last year. I wanted my first year of living with this word to be somewhat organic and see what followed. However, it was good to read again this year, be uplifted and resolve to embrace this project again. I'm already feeling some differences this year vs last and I'm pleased. I was also pleased when I found this. I can't wait until mine comes in the mail. I'm trying to decide whether to wear it as my daily necklace or put it in the bowl with my worry stones by my computer monitor. I want it where it will do the most good in my life; be the best reminder. Maybe I'll need to do both.

To follow up my year of unexpected abundance, I kept feeling drawn to the word simplicity. Of course, I know where I am expecting my word to take me, but after last year, I absolutely don't expect it to follow suit...Around October, I thought about using simplify as my word, but kept holding back. I wanted something with that meaning, but different. Simplicity evokes more feeling for me, since this isn't all about decluttering (though that is a big part), but really about connecting to WHO I am at my core. I thought simplicity drove that home a little more. So simplicity. I'm already loving the feel of it.

Now. A few expectations. I'm expecting to keep shedding that skin of who I've always THOUGHT I should be and using 2011 as the year to truly become 'me'. I'm expecting to go room by room and declutter. Getting rid of the tangible things that are holding me back and truly make our home one of love and use and a haven. Only things we need and love will make the cut, again. I'm expecting to take an honest look at my career and officially decide to suck it up and submit or stop lying to myself. Find my path and stick to it. I'm expecting to learn all I can about urban homesteading and use this as our kick off year to garden and can and really live the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' mantra I hold so dear. I'm sure I'll be expecting more as the year evolves, but for now this is enough.

Simplicity: Clear the space and see what follows and what opens up for you.


(waiting for my real life to begin, colin hay)