Oh, 2015. You were a little bittersweet, weren't you? But you certainly delivered on your promise of simplicity. For good and for bad. But we'll get to that.
I love the enthusiasm of looking forward to a new year and a fresh start. It gives us an opportunity to be intentional and refocus, when it's so easy to get caught up in the pace of life the rest of the year. But we shouldn't be so quick to jump in that we don't reflect on the past year -- our important accomplishments (be proud!) and the valuable lessons we learned from the things that didn't go so well.
When I started 2015, I felt called by the promises of simplicity. I found them largely as promised, and am happy to say I'm genuinely living a simpler life than just 365 days ago. For the most part it has been a really good thing, but even good things don't come without sacrifice. Here are some ways I achieved simplicity this year:
Simplicity of purpose. I feel like each year I get a little clearer about who I am, and this year was perhaps one of the best. I think we do our best work in life when we align most closely with our core, that it's just a natural extension of who we are. It's so easy to get trapped in the lies of comparison, to see the great accomplishments of someone else and think we should be achieving the same things. But there is so much more power in embracing what is really special about who we are. And for me, that's someone who lives generously and loves even bigger. Who sees the best in others and makes them feel truly known and loved. And all of my most meaningful work flows from there. That is the true heart of my business and everything else in which I invest my time.
Simplicity at home. I started the year craving way less stuff. I found myself a regular at the Salvation Army, dropping off bags and bags of things to find better homes. While many poke fun at the book that warns against the effects of "angry" socks, I found The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, truly life changing. It was really a mindset shift for me. I've always asked myself, "Am I ready to get rid of _____?" But Marie flips that question on its head and suggests that you ask, "Does _____ get to stay?," which is a much higher bar! If it doesn't have utility (and bringing you joy is enough!), it goes. Even her simple folding techniques have changed my drawer organization -- and more importantly, my peace of mind -- forever. I still have more strides I'd like to make in the coming year, but I'm headed in the right direction.
Simplicity of schedule. I'm still not a morning person, but I maintained a relatively simple schedule this year. Sometimes perhaps too simple; there are a few areas I probably overlooked in the name of simplicity, and that I need to work to reincorporate in the coming year. I found satisfaction in accomplished workdays and restful and focused evenings, even if not the purposeful mornings I had hoped for.
Simplicity of focus. There are still so many messages competing for my attention every day, but I feel like I've refined my ability to pay more attention to the "right" ones. There is power in remembering that I am in control of the messages I hear — and, more importantly, the way I feel about them. I still find myself sidetracked by more negative voices than I would like, and I have a renewed focus to replace them with positive influences in 2016.
Reluctant simplicity. The trouble with setting an intention is that you get what you ask for. My life simplified all right, but not entirely in ways I liked (and still don't, if I'm being honest). Let's step back a minute. In 2004, I took in a rescue kitty while living in DC. The SPCA found Lily (well, they called her Shortcake on account of her short tail, but that wouldn't do!) at a gas station in DC, and I was more than happy to have her as my new buddy. She wasn't always easy, but she was spunky and loyal. And, she would turn out to be a constant in my life, especially during a time when everything else turned upside down. She even flew 3,000 miles across the country with me, as I brought her "home" to Seattle. This was a tough year for us. Lily was sick most of the year, seemingly going from one ailment to the next. I'm so thankful she had great veterinary care, but, as it turned out, she wasn't to make it to 2016. I know we had a great run together, but I miss her something fierce. A life without kitty litter and boarding appointments sure is simpler, but, as a wise friend said, it isn't necessarily better. (And, yes, I just used all the tissues.)
Overall, simplicity was a worthy intention for 2015, and it was a great year for personal and professional growth. I hope you had a wonderful year, and that you're looking forward to 2016! I'm so grateful to have you as part of my community. Best wishes in the new year!