Health and wealth and happiness too. That’s what we’re all talking about right now, right? Well, all that and bacon too from the looks of my Facebook and Instagram streams. It seems a new year must start with bacon because, well, bacon.
Last year I picked three words to guide myself through 2013- Stretch, happiness, and focus. Good words that worked well for my year. The incredibly positive side-effect of these three words guiding me through the year is how their direction moved me to a place of gratitude. It’s easy to feel thankful for everything when you choose to be happy, push yourself outside of your comfort zones and make yourself focus on the important things.
I started thinking about possible words for 2014 in early December when a friend brought it up. Simplify popped into my head almost immediately, but I brushed it aside choosing to ponder other words instead. What if I could think of a better one? Which shows how badly I need to simplify. I need to stop making things more complicated. Sometimes the first idea really is the best idea. Sometimes the party can be simple and still be fun. Sometimes a person can make things- any thing really – harder/bigger/convoluted. Usually that person is me. So this year I’m starting the year off letting my word do the talking and instead of three words or a phrase I’m keeping it simple and going with that first, and very appropriate for me, word. My 2014 guiding word of the year is Simplify.
I’ll still be throwing fun birthday parties with adorable decorations and themes, I’ll just be keeping the planning and execution simple and not let myself get carried away with idea that will add more frustration than needed. I still host fun meals for friends or family I’ll just remind myself that two side dishes are as good as four. This year I will still shop for whatever item I’m looking for but I’ll remind myself that finding the perfect thing is not possible and no amount of driving from store to store or online searching will make that perfect item appear. I’ll remind myself that sometimes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich packed for lunch is just fine. I’ll remember that sometimes it is better to just write for myself than to write the most wonderful recipe or craft for this dear site of mine. Saying yes to everything or feeling pressure to do everything asked of me will get reexamined through my simplify goggles.
I’m thinking simple. Not plain, but definitely not overthoughtout or over complicated. That will be my 2014.
What word or words will guide you through the coming year?
