a : to reduce to basic essentials
b : to diminish in scope or complexity
----------------------------------------------------
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}
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....
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;
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...
a challenge...
to count it all joy...
...not feel it as joy...
Goodbye {and thankful for} 2014
But...hello renewal of 2015!
Goodbye {and thankful for} 2014
But...hello renewal of 2015!
{...a new career path unknown...a city yet unknown to move to...an unknown new home...}
...nothing that was will be the same...
...nothing that was will be the same...
I am grasping on to one glorious word:
simplify
I am shedding complicated schedules, efforts, and relationships;
I am shedding complicated schedules, efforts, and relationships;
Pairing down to essentials;
...hoping to ask myself before every decision...
whether I purchase,
commit time,
or emotional energy...
commit time,
or emotional energy...
"Will this choice complicate or simplify my life?"
I will challenge myself to simplify...
Can you relate?
{photos are of my pared down rooms after putting the decorations away.}
sharing with:
Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
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.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and best wishes for your year to be all that you hope and more.
Tamara
Thank you so much Tamara! Just read your post and was touched by this quote:..
Delete"Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today
and creates a vision (of hope) parenthesis mine for tomorrow. "
New follower xoxoaimee
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!
DeleteTamara xxoo
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
ReplyDeleteoh 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
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! Purge is a great word!-thanks for visiting-aimee
Delete