Tuesday, January 15, 2013

It's a New Year... Now What?

Is it just me, or does the "new year" bring some sort of requisite "life revamping" with it? When the bustle of the holiday season (somewhat) fades, and the Christmas baubles are packed back into their snug boxes for another year... that is the time that I sit back and look at the empty space and go, "hmmmm... I think I want to do something different here!"

I've always loved soft, grassy greens, but lately I've found myself
being drawn to the soft, rejuvenating blues of the sea and sky.
Source: bhg.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

At the beginning of January, I chose "FOCUS" for my "word of the year. Hey, if multi-tasking was an Olympic event, we moms would ALL have gold medals, right? But lately I've been realizing that sometimes multi-tasking robs my attention from the really important things-- like my three precious littles who are growing up so fast. Just because I can blog, talk on the phone, fold laundry, and keep three kids from killing themselves at the same time, doesn't mean it's the best idea! Yes, I still find myself checking the email on my smartphone while folding laundry, but when one of my kids needs my attention, I need to give it to them fully. And I need to take certain times of the day to just be with them-- look them in the eye, smile, and play with them! (The same goes for my husband, too!)



Which led me to my next "word of the year": SIMPLIFY. I actually confess that I have done NOTHING yet for after-Christmas decorating. Decorating blasphemy, I know. But, for the first time in my life, I'm actually enjoying some empty space-- some room to breathe. In the past, my decorating philosophy has been "something beautiful to look at in every view". But now, I'm beginning to believe that even the most beautiful things need some breathing space around them to let them shine!

And so I sit, and do nothing (decorating-wise, that is). Well, not NOTHING. I'm actually embarking on a purge-fest-- getting rid of anything and everything that isn't absolutely necessary. Okay, maybe not quite that radical, but I am trying to take to heart the William Morris quote:


(The same goes for life in general, as well-- doing nothing that does not improve or bring beauty to my life!) And so my "word of the year" has actually become two: FOCUS, and SIMPLIFY. Resisting the urge to constantly multi-task, and paying attention to the job/person at hand-- and reducing distractions in my home and life.


Hence the reason that I haven't been around here as much lately-- I've come to accept that this blog, as exciting as it is, must take a "back seat" to my children, home, and our church ministries. :) As much as I'd love to have hundreds of followers here on "A Heartful Home"-- and maybe even bring in some sort of income-- I just don't have the time to write 3-4 posts a week, juggle sponsors, or host a link party (*sigh*)-- at least not and still have meals cooked, dishes washed, lessons taught, and clean clothes for my family. :) (I'm not saying that if you do any of these things, you're neglecting your family-- just that, at this stage in my life, I haven't mastered that yet!) ;) I won't be stopping, but I will be keeping it in it's place as a hobby, and I'll be content with posting 1-2 times a week-- rather than taking time away from something more important, or beating myself up for not posting "enough."


"Focus and simplify"-- that's what my New Year is about! :)

What are your "resolutions" or "words" for the New Year? Any major life epiphanies going on? Or just minor goal adjustments? I want to hear them!














P.S. Another reason for my mid-winter decorating stalemate is that I'm still trying to figure out my decorating style... but that's another post in and of itself :)

Parties I link to:

Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
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5 comments :

  1. IrisJanuary 16, 2013 at 1:29 AM

    You might have seen my GOALS 2013
    . I am trying my best to make these things into a habit. ☺

    I can't wait to have my own place and start decorating. But I do have some plans on revamping some things in my room too.

    Iris♥

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  2. Bethany@http://thislittleestate.blogspot.ca/January 16, 2013 at 7:04 AM

    I love this honest post. Thank you for sharing your heart and your goals.

    xo

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  3. LisaJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    Man, huh? You are so right: just because we CAN do so much, doesn't mean we HAVE to! And, in many cases, we REALLY ENJOY doing other things instead of paying full attention to our families.

    FOCUS and SIMPLIFY. Great words, for a great year!

    Great post, Kath!

    Mom
    www.TheCourageousJourney.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    Love the quote about listening to your children... so true! I also love that you are doing what works for you where blogging is concerned. Nothing wrong and a whole lot right about that if you ask me. We all have our own rhythms and approaches to blogging and it is so wonderful that you know what works for you!
    melinda

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  5. KatheJanuary 18, 2013 at 4:53 PM

    Yes, do what feels right for YOU! I applaud your honesty! Thank you for sharing this at the party this week!

    ReplyDelete

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