I don't remember the last time I made a New Year's resolution. They tend to last me all of twelve minutes before I'm busily making excuses, revising my resolution, delaying, or otherwise utterly failing at what I set out to do.
So for the past few years I've changed this tradition, and instead of a resolution I choose a word of phrase to guide the year. ("Simplicity", "Get Shit Done" and "Create Beauty" are three recent mottos that I remember.)
Throughout the seasons that follow I circle back again and again to this annual theme, and come December I find that consciously or subconsciously it truly did guide my year.
This year's motto over here is "Kon Marie All The Things". (afflink) I've already drawn up a calendar outlining which category we tackle when, beginning this weekend. I am one part terrified and one part ecstatic. (Those two together are usually a good sign.) I've been thinking and talking and writing about simplicity for as long as I can remember, yet I still feel like I've barely gained footing. This year it's time.
I found the post below from 2014 and thought I'd share it again. It feels timely, and perhaps it will inspire you to choose a theme for the coming year. More love? Be fierce? Soften? Share kindness? Anything goes. It's up to your heart alone.
And if you join me, I would love to hear what you select when you've chosen!
What if you chose a single sentence to inspire you for the coming months?
No, not a resolution. (Because resolutions are always about what isn't working.)
A motto.
A mantra.
A sentence to capture who you are and where you're going.
A road map from here to there.
There will always things we want more of.
More kindness, more patience, more gratitude.
More presence, more safety, more love.
And things we want less of.
Less anger, less fear, less loneliness.
Less worry, less bickering, less struggle.
More of this, less of that.
So let's say yes to what we're wanting.
Because we decide.
Starting now.
It's as easy as choosing a single word, sentence, or phrase that speaks to your soul.
Like...
Love More, Worry Less;
or
I choose joy;
or
Today is Everything.
Or perhaps...
The better it gets the better it gets;
or
I am blessed;
or
I am enough.
Anything goes.
Andy only you decide.
So right now - choose your phrase.
And write it down.
Write it on a post-it note and tape it to your dashboard.
Paint it on a piece of wood and hang it above your bed.
Scribble it on a scrap of paper and hide it in your wallet.
Anything.
But do it.
Right now.
And then?
Watch your life unfold.
One simple sentence can set your course.
So.
What do you choose?
