It's time to make those New Year Resolutions again, but I don't care what the calendar says, I am not ready to give up my word from last year. I'm sticking!
It's New Year's Day and apparently time to pick a new word of the year, a concept I was introduced to last year, my first January as a blogger.
Not a big fan of resolutions in general, I was extremely taken with the idea of picking a single word which would act as my guiding principle for the coming twelve months.
It was so freeing to be cut loose from the tedious list I was somehow guilted into preparing each and every December 31st.
It was always an exercise in futility.
I wrote the words on the paper, but I never followed through.
Like most people I began the year with a firm commitment to my lofty goals, but by the end of January, the list was lost and so was my determination.
Choosing one word to represent the kind of transformation I wanted to see in myself and in my life as a whole, was, to me, so revolutionary, that it held my attention all year long.
I can honestly say, that as a direct result of my one word mindset, there was change this year, in me, in my lifestyle, in my thought processes, my relationships and my career.
It was an evolutionary journey, for sure and one that is still underway, but isn't that the way it should be?
Life is not static.
How can I cross off "saying no" more often from some list I made last January, when I will have to keep doing that over and over, if I want to remain sane anyway.
I mean I may be better this January than last about tactfully declining a night out when I am just too tired to leave the house, or volunteering for something I just can't squeeze in, or frankly doing anything I really don't want to do, but I am not done with "saying no".
It's going to have be an ongoing process...because life is an ongoing process.
That is exactly what hit me when I sat down to choose a new word for this year.
I realized something very important ~ I am not done with my word from last year and I'm not going to let some arbitrary calendar date tell me otherwise.
Nope. I still need to change, I am still embracing change and so for the second year in a row, my word for the new year is change.
I like my word, I like what it stands for, the alterations in my life it has helped to facilitate over the last year and so I'm sticking.
I'm not really sure if that's allowed, because it doesn't seem to be the way this game is played, but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.
Like the old adage says, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
So there's no big news here today folks. I have no creative adjective, noun or verb to inspire as you face that wide open, empty calendar space labeled 2015. I have no new, new year resolutions.
So I guess, I'll just leave you with my old one from this date last year ~ 2014: Time For Change ~ and perhaps you'll decide that it's time for change.
Or not.
Happy New Year!
That's a new thought. Hadn't heard that instead of a whole list, just pick a word! Well, my word is 'declutter!'
ReplyDeleteWhen did that become a word - nay, a mantra?
Or maybe 'focus'... on one thing at a time! One house. One book. One project. At a time. That would encompass 'declutter', right!
Thanks for more inspiration! You are always loaded with it!
Happy New Year girl!
ReplyDeleteThe "change" mindset sounds very positive and forward thinking to me. My word is "encourage". I need to work on this for so many reasons. :)
Thanks Stacey ~ I'm trying to change a little, for the better, every day! Happy New Year to you, as well! And ps, you're always super encouraging to me! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a really neat and new idea to me too, Nancy. It's one that I have become very fond of because, yes, it can encompass so many different things and can evolve throughout the year as I do...or hope to! ;)
ReplyDeleteGood word! -- and I understand not wanting to move on from it. I chose JOY a few years back, and I still appreciate it (and encounter it somehow) every day. Imagine that kind of "movement" in my life because of a WORD. That alone, causes me to hang on to my original word... JOY. Praying for a joyful day for you, my friend! Happy New Year! ~Sally
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sally. Joy is a great word! My daughter gave me a book about embracing Joy for Christmas and I am loving it!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming and visiting my blog.
have a very good year!!
Lots love
Luisa
personally selected products
Hi Kim, I like your word you have chosen again for this year. Wishing you all the best for a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteJulie
I'm happy to have found your blog via A Joyful Cottage. I look forward to following along - we have recently bought a 1927 cottage and look forward to adapting to its quirky spaces!
ReplyDeleteOk, I guess I will join the one word movement. But I have been trying to think of what my one word would be off and on all year and can't come near thinking of a word. I have been reading books, blogs, you name it, about simplifying for over ten years. Still there is nothing about my life, home, hobbies, retirement that is simple. Maybe because I have so much. So much books, fabric, family, wants, desires, etc. I get so overwhelmed thinking of all I need to do to simplify I give up and do nothing. I don't think the word "simplify" would be enough so maybe unclutter? organize? purge? I wish I had the money to give away everything and start over from scratch. Just buy what I need when I "really" need it. A bare necessity thing. Still mulling it over.
ReplyDeleteHello Kim! I don't make resolutions on this particular date. If I feel I need to change something, then I try to do it no matter what the date! Change is a GOOD THING especially when doing so methodically, like an experiment to see what happens. HAVE FUN as you explore the possibilities! Anita
ReplyDeleteI agree, Anita, whole heartedly! This is exactly why I am staying the course that I set for myself last year. I still feel like I have work to do to attain the goals I set for myself and I don't want to abandon it just because the calendar supposedly says,"Time's up!" ;)
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I hear you loud and clear!! I am on my own "simplify everything" journey and it is not as clear cut as it looks. I too have hobbies, books, a home full of memories, memorabilia and kids (all of whom come along with their own necessities~ and I use that term loosely!!), but I have been mercenary and I am making some progress. I wish you luck on your journey...keep me posted! Happy New Year and thanks for weighing in! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, that sounds so exciting ~ a 1927 charmer, huh? Quirky spaces are sometimes a challenge to decorate, but in the end, they are always the best and most charming rooms in the house!! Keep me posted! Happy New Year and so glad to have you following along! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie...I am still changing, so I am sticking! ;) Happy New Year to you as well!
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure, thanks for popping by, too. Happy New Year, Luisa!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of change. We should always be ever changing and evolving. Be open and willing to change and grow. No matter how young or old you are if we are willing then we can change and grow. This is a good thing. My new year resolution last year was change and is still the same for this year. I'm still learning, changing and growing. Happy New Year's friend.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Vanessa
I read your post earlier and have been waiting to comment and have been giving some thought to what single word would inspire me for a year. I am just not apparently in the right frame of mind to be able to come up with one. Even my New Years resolution is vague. I guess a little more thinking and soul-searching is in order. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike, Vanessa~ looks like we're both holding on to change!! ;) Happy New Year to you and thanks for popping by to say hello!! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't think there's a time limit on it, Lorri! The clock strikes midnight and suddenly we're supposed to transform (or want to) just because it's customary. I say take all the time you need and see what pops into your head! :)
ReplyDeleteI think this one target word for the year is very intriguing. A few years ago my word was Structure. An interesting word since later that year our office was down-sized, and I decided to take the offered severance package. My life became a totally new structure!
ReplyDeleteThis year, I believe my word will be Calm. I want to be calm, I want my home to be calm. Calm may mean my attitude, but it also may mean my surroundings can be simplified to a more calm state. Being more organized with my paperwork and getting rid of more clutter will keep us all calmer.
Exactly. Just keep going, seamlessly, never taking your eyes off your focus! HAPPY DAY! Anita
ReplyDeletegood for you for realizing that you weren't quite done with last years goal! Glad to have you in the Ravishing Writers group - looking forward to following your blog :)
ReplyDeleteWell said. :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I totally agree, Jan, simple does often translate into to calm. I know that the more stuff I have, the more stuff I have to manage and that is not a relaxing feeling at all! Moving towards calm and simple is part of the change I haven't quite acquired yet. Maybe 2015 will be the year! I wish you luck in your own quest and thank you for weighing in! Happy New Year! :)
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lindsay! It was kind of you to pop by. I am looking forward to following some new blogs, learning and being inspired! :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carla! Happy New Year to you, too! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Kim ~ Thanks for the sound advice! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Cindy. I'm glad you found the article useful!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kim Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThe past few months have been so busy with our move to LA. We left the South and moved into Malibu and have been enjoying time with my family.
Beth
Sounds AMAZING, Beth! I hope it's been a great move for you. Have a super Happy New Year and thanks for taking the time to check in! :) Ps- the flowers were just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI think you're onto something here, Kim! I've never chosen a word for the year, but your choice is one that would pertain to me, too. Best of luck with your 2nd year of embracing change!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vickie! Some days are better than others...change is not easy!! Maybe that's why I need another year!! ;) Happy 2015 and thanks for stopping by to visit!
ReplyDeleteRules, schmules. I say do what feels right for you, Kim. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy!! xxoo
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Kim! I share your sentiment, when we open our mind to change we grow, evolve and gain new perspectives to life! So I think change is always a good thing:) All the best to you as you explore the different possibilities~hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteJen, you are so awesome. Thank you, thank you for your super nice words. To someone who just wants to write, your comments are pure gold! xxoo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Poppy. You add an interesting perspective to my word of choice! I appreciate your thought and wish you a wonderful new year!! :)
ReplyDeleteMy word for this year is change. We want to move closer to our family, especially our grandchildren. They live three hours away and that is too far. So I am radically downsizing everything. I am also renovating my craft room on a zero budget. So this is the year for change. Thank you for sharing, I agree if your word is working for you then keep it and carry on with the changes.
ReplyDeleteJacquelene L
Canada
Thank you for the comment, Jacquelene, we share a goal for the new year! My change (hopefully!) does not include a move, but spending more time with family, especially my ailing mom and two delicious new grand nieces, is on the list. I wish you luck with that renovation, that's right up my alley...keep me posted and I wish you nothing but great things in 2015! It sounds like you're going to be a busy lady!! :)
ReplyDeleteStick to it girl . . . if it ain't broke . . .
ReplyDeleteI like that you are keeping your word 'change' . . .
I like the one word concept too . . .
Glad I'm not alone on the boat about resolutions! Love what you wrote Kim, it's so YOU! I do have 2 goals for this year, but I won't tell anyone until it's done, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and no, it has a lot do with your word for the year - CHANGE!
ReplyDeleteOh Kim! I hear you loud and clear....I couldn't figure out my New Year Resolution either and I figured that limiting my alcohol intake might actually ruin the New Year for everyone else! My resolution is not quite as insightful as yours BUT it might make you laugh! If u need a good laugh check it out at Middleagemonologues.blogspot.com. :)
ReplyDeleteOOh, now I am curious, Vel! I will keep my eyes peeled for that post!! xo
ReplyDeleteIt takes longer for an old dog to learn new tricks, Lynne...I need an extra year! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're back!?! I must go and read now!! Glad to hear from you and Happy New Year, lady!! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I am thinking the same way! Thanks for joining HSH!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Sherry! Thanks for the pretty party and for popping by! :)
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