(Photo and Inspiration taken from Ali Edwards.)
Well, being the perfectionist I am I tend to take on too much, get too stressed, and forget to enjoy life's fleeting moments. So, after much thought and consideration I have chosen my word.
Drum roll please. The word for 2011 is...
Simplicity.
–noun
1. the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.
2. freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts: an organism of great simplicity.
3. absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness: a life of simplicity.
1. I vow to not do ANY project 365's of any kind!! (However tempting it may be.)
(I may indulge, but will not feel obligated to do it daily.)
2. I vow to not fret over 4 course meals everyday when the kids are just as happy with mac & cheese. "Simplicity is the essence of happiness.” -Cedric Bledsoe
3. I vow to make "no" part of my vocabulary. "Life is beautiful in its simplicity.” -Thomas Matthiessen
4. I vow to stay in my pjs at least twice a month. And not care if someone drops by.
5. I vow to blog only when moved to do so, and only then.
6. I vow to purge more and shop less, thus eliminating unwanted clutter in my home.
7. I vow to meditate regularly to keep my mind free of garb. “If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.” -Wu-Men
8. I vow to get back to the basics. To enjoy the everyday simple moments of life more. To smile more. To laugh more. To be truly happy.
This magazine should grace the shelf of every home. Some of the strategies outlined to find happiness this year included: chilling out, limiting options, and making your bed. Love it.
9. I vow to not let the monotonous parts of life prevent me from being spontaneous. “Enjoy the simple, the natural and the plain. Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work.” -Benjamin Hoff
10. I vow to actively engage and incorporate this word in all aspects of my life.
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” - Robert Brault
This may sound easy in theory, but then you may not know me well. This will be no easy feat for me, but I'm excited for the challenge. And look forward to many happy, simple days ahead in 2011. Wish me luck on my journey for simplicity.