Looking ahead

I don't remember the last time I made a New Year's resolution. They tend to last me all of twelve minutes before I'm busily making excuses, revising my resolution, delaying, or otherwise utterly failing at what I set out to do.

So for the past few years I've changed this tradition, and instead of a resolution I choose a word of phrase to guide the year. ("Simplicity", "Get Shit Done" and "Create Beauty" are three recent mottos that I remember.)

Throughout the seasons that follow I circle back again and again to this annual theme, and come December I find that consciously or subconsciously it truly did guide my year.

This year's motto over here is "Kon Marie All The Things". (afflink) I've already drawn up a calendar outlining which category we tackle when, beginning this weekend. I am one part terrified and one part ecstatic. (Those two together are usually a good sign.) I've been thinking and talking and writing about simplicity for as long as I can remember, yet I still feel like I've barely gained footing. This year it's time.

I found the post below from 2014 and thought I'd share it again. It feels timely, and perhaps it will inspire you to choose a theme for the coming year. More love? Be fierce? Soften? Share kindness? Anything goes. It's up to your heart alone.

And if you join me, I would love to hear what you select when you've chosen! 


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What if you chose a single sentence to inspire you for the coming months?

No, not a resolution. (Because resolutions are always about what isn't working.)

A motto.

A mantra.

A sentence to capture who you are and where you're going.

A road map from here to there.

There will always things we want more of.

More kindness, more patience, more gratitude.

More presence, more safety, more love.

And things we want less of.

Less anger, less fear, less loneliness.

Less worry, less bickering, less struggle.

More of this, less of that.

So let's say yes to what we're wanting.

Because we decide.

Starting now.

One simple sentence: set your course. | Clean

It's as easy as choosing a single word, sentence, or phrase that speaks to your soul.

Like…

Love More, Worry Less;

or

I choose joy;

or

Today is Everything.

Or perhaps…

The better it gets the better it gets;

or

I am blessed;

or

I am enough.

Anything goes.

Andy only you decide.

One simple sentence: set your course. | Clean

So right now – choose your phrase.

And write it down.

Write it on a post-it note and tape it to your dashboard.

Paint it on a piece of wood and hang it above your bed.

Scribble it on a scrap of paper and hide it in your wallet.

Anything.

But do it.

Right now.

And then?

Watch your life unfold.

One simple sentence can set your course.

So.

What do you choose?

 

 

7 thoughts on “Looking ahead

  1. Amy says:

    My mantra for this year is Let It Be. Our oldest turns 18 this year. I’ve found myself worrying more the past few months as we’ve experienced his last holidays as a minor. We’ve taught him to be a kind person, we’ve taught him how to seek knowledge and now I have to trust that all will be well.

  2. Maggie says:

    My word for 2018 is “relax” and though relaxing physically would be great too, my main goal is to relax mentally. Stop worrying, let go of perfectionism, be flexible, be kind (to others and myself). I guess it will take a few years to accomplish…

  3. Jeanette says:

    Last year my word was “change”. With 1 child moving out for the first time, 2 boys starting their first jobs and for the first time in as many years as I can remember….no more home schooling…..to tackling our home and garages with a deeper minimalism than we’ve ever had…to letting go of farm animals….some temporarily and some permanently. Change it was.

    This year my word is “focus”. I feel like its time to settle in to that change and start to focus on what we want and where we are going.

    Good luck kon maring everything! you can do it!

  4. Lizzie says:

    Every year I think about this, and every year I realize I’m not yet done with “Love more, worry less.” So, I work on that one again, for another year.

  5. Danielle Irvin-Everson says:

    “Take the time” for listening to loved ones and teaching my children
    “Make the time” for my physical health
    Thank you for this suggestion! I already find myself thinking of this mantra much more often than I ever did any resolution.

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