December Thoughts

The holiday season always brings a lot of thoughts for me. I find the more I'm stuck inside, the more I begin to reflect on my life, especially my home life. I can't help but look back on the past year and begin thinking about what is to come. Honestly the last year or two have been about healing and building for myself and my family. I have lost both my grandparents within the last two years, which I am really feeling during this holiday season. Paul and I have been through a lot with a variety of things in the last few years as well. Honestly, we both definitely have struggled with keeping a positive view on things. I have to admit though, that I am so blessed to have my best friend to support each other through "for better or for worse." I remember December of last year so vividly, trying desperately to stay hopeful. It's incredible to see where we are now.

So as this huge year closes and a new year begins, I am getting so excited for what is to come and the plans I hope to accomplish. (I know, I know. That saying that we make plans and God laughs.) Well, my plans are more goals that I am setting. They don't have to be done right away or even this year, but there are quite a few changes I would like to make with my life. The most importantly is moving towards living in a simpler way.

I'm not a huge fan of Black Friday. I think I may have participated twice in my entire life. Honestly, I HATE it. I went this past Friday with my family after lunch time. Yes, we got some incredible deals on some clothes we needed, but everyone just seemed so miserable. My family and I actually made a game of it all and had a great time just enjoying each others company. I think we were probably the only people in the store lines smiling. Well, now I'm just ranting, but the point of all this is how I hate how our culture has become so obsessed with STUFF. I know I'm not the first person to write about this complaint, but I am planning on actually doing something about it. I can't change our culture, but I can change how I live.

This year I plan out simplifying everything about my life in many capacities. I've read the blogs of many people who have attempted this journey, and a journey it will be. I definitely don't think I'll be accomplishing it all overnight. I plan to post as I complete this plan throughout this year, but I'll begin with just a general overview of what I am hoping to accomplish. 

Obviously, the first thing will be just getting rid of the stuff. I'm sure there are great strategies to deciding what things to keep and what to lose, so if anyone has any advice let me know. This includes clothes, knick-knacks, household supplies, whatever. In turn I plan to reduce our spending. No reason to fill that new found space with more junk. I also want to change the way that we eat. I want to move to a healthier and more local diet. Most importantly, I want to change to way I live my life. I want to cut down on wasted time and spend more time with my family, friends, and getting little projects done. Most importantly I want to be present. Enjoying just being aware of my environment and appreciating it. 

Most people wait until the new year to set goals and resolutions, but I am ready to start now. I can't wait to see and share with you where my adventure takes me.

Paul and I sledding last Christmas