Happy 2014!
As I considered New Year’s resolutions for both my life and my home, I kept coming back to a short quote from Alexandra Stoddard, one of my favorite authors. Her words capture much of what I need to remember about homemaking, creativity, and building a space I truly love.
Instead of choosing a single guiding word for 2014, I found myself drawn to a phrase of eleven words—because sometimes more than one word better reflects the intentions and changes we want to pursue. Those words offer thoughtful, practical reminders for anyone working to create a home that supports the life they want.
Most of us want to slow down and simplify, yet we also have goals and dreams. We want our homes to be tidier and more organized. We want spaces that feel cleaner and more welcoming. We dream of making repairs, finishing projects, or adding touches that make our home feel more beautiful. We want to grow in confidence, creativity, and contentment while still hoping for progress and improvement.
We don’t expect perfection, but we do want life to improve. Along the way we often aspire to be better partners and parents, to pursue healthier habits, and to provide a safe, nourishing environment for our families. Many of us also hope to meet personal or career goals—perhaps launching a blog, starting a small business, or simply finding greater balance. Success can look different for each of us, but the desire to move forward is common.
How do we pursue those goals while managing everyday responsibilities—without burning out or getting overwhelmed? Life will always include setbacks, distractions, and unrealistic expectations. Being intentional about homemaking, decorating, and goal-setting sounds good in theory, but the daily realities of family, work, and unexpected demands can make sustained progress difficult.
Over the years I’ve learned to find peace in the process. I haven’t arrived at any perfect destination, but the rhythm of daily life has become clearer as I’ve gained experience. Mistakes have taught me what works and what doesn’t, and I’ve learned to be kinder to myself about gradual progress rather than instant results.
I’m excited to share more practical ideas and the step-by-step process of creating a home and life I love. Even after years of decorating and more than six years of blogging, inspiration keeps coming—I seem to always have another idea to try. That ongoing curiosity and willingness to experiment make the journey rewarding.
I’m truly excited for 2014 and eager to share new thoughts and projects. After years of homemaking and blogging I still find fresh inspiration—my husband jokes that my most common phrase is “I have an idea…!”
One single word may not capture everything I hope for in 2014; eleven words might be a better place to start.
Now it’s your turn—let’s exchange thoughts and encouragement.
What are your dreams for 2014?
What obstacles do you hope to overcome on the path to a home and life you love?