Friday, January 9, 2015

Simplify for 2015

sim·pli·fy
a :  to reduce to basic essentials

b :  to diminish in scope or complexity

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A trend in blog-land is to find a word
to focus on throughout the year,
instead of making resolutions....
I love this idea....
A word for the year provides a simple way
to reference everything you do
and carries a wonderful intentional theme.
{click "Read More" for more on Simplify}








 2014 was Joy.  
Last January I challenged myself
to look for the joy
in all situations....
{prompted by the book of James:
"count it all joy when you encounter various trials..." }
--was i ever challenged-- 
Many difficult and astounding events
transpired for our family...
...and much of 2014's major events were anything but joyful....
and yet...there was.
if i looked.
if i counted it...

Joy, as it were,
was not a feeling
as much as it was an action...

...in looking back...

it was there.
amongst the pitfalls; 
amid the trials; 
during the darkness and confusion we experienced...  
a calling...
a challenge...
to count it all joy...
...not feel it as joy...

 Goodbye {and thankful for} 2014
But...hello renewal of 2015!
 As I consider the blank slate that is now before us...
{...a new career path unknown...a city yet unknown to move to...an unknown new home...}
...nothing that was will be the same...
I am grasping on to one glorious word: 
simplify 

 I am shedding complicated schedules, efforts, and relationships;
Removing clutter and unused items;

Pairing down to essentials; 

...hoping to ask myself before every decision...

whether I purchase,
commit time, 
or emotional energy...
"Will this choice complicate or simplify my life?"
This is the year/season...
I will challenge myself to simplify...

7 comments:

  1. That's an inspiring word, Aimee. There's so much wisdom in what you wrote. And your photos are so inspiring. {I posted about my word today.. Grateful.. }Thank you so much for sharing.
    Blessings and best wishes for your year to be all that you hope and more.
    Tamara

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    1. Thank you so much Tamara! Just read your post and was touched by this quote:..
      "Gratitude makes sense of our past,
      brings peace for today
      and creates a vision (of hope) parenthesis mine for tomorrow. "

      New follower xoxoaimee

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    2. Hi Aimee! You're welcome. It's so nice to "meet" you. :) I'm so glad the quote was meaningful for you.. Thank you very much for the visit and for following along!
      Tamara xxoo

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  2. An excellent post, Aimee. "Joy, as it were, was not a feeling as much as it was an action...". Very well put; very wise. "whether I purchase, commit time, or emotional energy... 'Will this choice complicate or simplify my life?'" Ooh, that's good! I think I'll make a sign of that quote and hang it by my desk. I love it! Also love the image of "Simple Freedom". Very powerful. Prayers for a fabulous 2015, Aimee! xxx ~ Nancy

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    Replies
    1. oh Nancy, thank you so much for your sweet comments. It is so nice to share in the deeper meanings of life. sending hugs your way-aimee

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  3. I can relate!! My word is Purge, which is kind of the same. Get rid of all the unnecessary in my life in all areas. It will be hard!

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    Replies
    1. I totally agree! Purge is a great word!-thanks for visiting-aimee

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