There’s nothing extra in January.
No back-to-school rush to ensure that sneakers are in good shape, clothes fit, backpacks are up to par, and kids are back on a school-night bedtime schedule.
No Halloween costume to order, class parties to plan, or treats to hoard.
No Thanksgiving feast to stock up for.
No gifts to wrap or traditions to be sure you’re adhering to so that your child knows your holiday’s true meaning.
It’s just quiet.
Just you, your loved ones, and the whites and grays and soft yellows of winter afternoons.
The world seems still.
And quite beautiful.
I’m just now getting back into the swing of things, and for the first time in forever, my tree is still up and twinkling.
I’m in no rush to “get things done” and that’s exactly the tone I’d like to set for myself for 2013.
This year I want to be sure I
take
my
time.
More book-reading and letter-writing and hours spent with my family and friends.
Less fretting.
More joy.
Less worry.
Less being busy for the sake of being busy.
So far, I’m really lovin’ 2013.
Less busy for the sake of being busy… I really like that. Definitely carrying that around with me this year. Thanks for sharing
Evani just wrote this gem …Insert Good Excuse Here
Michelle — it is quite beautiful isn’t it? And so are your words of wisdom that I am going to adopt — take.my.time. I think it’s easy to get caught up in how short life is that we forget the simplicity and joy in just …enjoying more by slowing down. Love this post!
p.s. You are off to a good start with more letter-writing I see. What I got in the mail came at the absolute perfect time and means so so much. Thank you. Love to you my friend. <3
Francesca @verriorganized.com just wrote this gem …Simplicity for the New Year
Oh your 2013 sounds so lovely. When I read your words I feel quiet and at peace. I also think of January in terms of greys and whites and it is such a perfect way to start the year. Happy 2013 to you!
Tricia just wrote this gem …Weekly Gratitude #55 – 3 words
What a great way to look at January. I have a really hard time with the cold months and January is definitely the hardest for me because there is nothing to look forward in it (other than counting down until it’s warm again, haha). November and December have their holidays and February is so close to March… but January is just so cold. But you know what, I should take advantage of the quiet days. And just enjoy the time to be still. Thanks for this, friend.
Rach just wrote this gem …Gifts from my Sister {and Sweet Potato Noodles with Veggies Recipe}
love this!
and, yes! there is something about a jan. winter sky! my oldest daughters birthday is in jan.// that is the only thing that makes christmas being over more bearable for her.lol.
christina just wrote this gem …lyla girl.
{Kathy} Taking time. Harnessing it for things that really matter. It’s such a gift that we sometimes discard as incidental to our lives. I’m with you….I….am….slowly….telling….you…..that …..I appreciate….you.
Mothering From Scratch just wrote this gem …awake from your slumber….please?
Oh I love this. I needed to read this as I feel frantic and overwhelmed… So many “to do”‘s on my list and no time to do them!! I am squirming with it all. I am going to RE-read this and take it in slowly…your reminder is a blessing!! (Breathe….breathe…breathe…)
Chris Carter just wrote this gem …New Year Resolution 2013
What a great way to approach January … and all of life. I agree with the comment above me about re-reading this and taking things slowly. Love the image you shared focusing on the Live Simply sign! Visiting from SITS
Beautiful. I love January for just those reasons. I love your goal for the year.
This year I want to see. I want to slow down and see all the things I miss when I rush. I want to be more present. Sounds like our goals are in the same neighborhood.
Happy Sharefest. Best wishes with your goal for the year. And have a lovely weekend.
misssrobin just wrote this gem …Living in the First Person, Present Tense
I love this! What an inspired way to look at January. My goal: approach the month with this attitude rather than simply wishing for springtime.
Amy just wrote this gem …Me and My Neighbor – Shop Your Closet Challenge (Day 16, 17, & 18)