Hello 2014 !

Wow . . . a new year already !!!

Time just keeps going faster & faster !

I always try to take some time at the end of each year for a little reflection . . . 

take a look back, gain some closure, and gear up for a new year !

2013 was great in so many ways . . . and draining in so many ways, as well.  I find that I'm not happy with the ways I felt and reacted this past year.  I realized that I allowed the words and opinions of others to really determine what I felt & believed about myself . . . as I put it to Jack, I allowed these things to really "wreck" me.  And I don't want to repeat that !

Here's what I wrote in my journal last week:

"I'm not really one for resolutions or to-do lists, but I've been thinking a lot this last week about things I want more of in my life.  I can't always get rid of the things I don't want, that bring me down, & wear me out, but I can make a commitment to add things to my life that make it easier, more fun, and more enjoyable . . . more authentic . . . more me."

So I chose a word for this year:  

MORE !

(I did this whole word thing a few years ago, too !)

I want ( & need !) more color, more creating, more exploring, more little moments, more trust, more beauty, more festive, more movement, more homemade, more whimsy, more nature, more play, more little touches, more nesting, more relaxed, more pictures, more real . . . 

Sounds & feels a bit overwhelming initially. . . but I look at it the same way I've looked at my eating habits the last few years:  if I focus on the healthy things I need to eat everyday & meeting that daily goal, I find there's less room for the unhealthier things to creep in, & I feel better all-around !

One thing I decided to do to add MORE to my days & year is the 365 Grateful project.  So hopefully everyday, I'll have added another picture to my Instagram feed over there of something I'm grateful for that day.  Love this idea & the motivation behind it . . . I'll definitely try to keep this one up !

So, here's to a year of MORE !!!