For the last few years Ali Edwards has been running a project called One Little Word, where she chooses a word to shape her year. It’s such a simple yet powerful thing to do and this year I’ve decided to jump on the bandwagon.
Leading up to Christmas last year and reflecting on the amazing but crazy year that I’ve had, I knew immediately that my one word for this year would be simplify.
Last year my now husband and I worked long hours, studied hard, sat for exams, planned not one but two weddings and went on our honeymoon. In between we laughed, cried, fought, made up and tried to remember to breathe amidst the whirlwind of it all. Needless to say we are very much looking forward to taking a step back, to enjoy life and being a newly married couple.
So here are my goals for 2016:
- Declutter – a quick look around our house and we just have so much stuff and clutter everywhere. This year I’ll be taking a good look at everything and only keeping the things that we love. It’s going to be difficult but any unwanted items will be donated or thrown out. I’ll also be doing a digital declutter and clearing out old folders, consolidating photos and removing apps that aren’t necessary or adding value anymore.
- Make do – this year I am committing to a no new clothing AND makeup challenge this year! Everyone I’ve told so far has said that I’m crazy and that it’s not possible … so we will see! Along the same lines, I also want to make do and resist buying (or accepting) things that we just don’t need – I love how this goal is linked to the first one.
- Prioritise – even though I am so busy, I waste the majority of my valuable spare time watching too many YouTube videos and TV episodes. This year, I want to switch off more and spend my time doing things rather than being behind a screen. I want to get out of the house more, catch up with friends, and see more of this beautiful state that I live in. I also want to read more and am hoping to read 50 books this year.
- Create – I think I will always have some sort of creative goal on my list. Last year I had learning how to use my sewing machine, which obviously failed miserably, so it’s back on the list this year along with knitting, French and/or German and scrapping old trips. I also hope that this blog can be more of a creative outlet for me and I want to keep writing.
Here’s to a more meaningful and creative year!