Happy 2014!
As I considered New Year’s resolutions for both my life and my home, I was reminded of a quote by Alexandra Stoddard, one of my favorite authors, that captures much of what I need to remember about homemaking, life, and creating a home I truly love.
Instead of choosing a single guiding word for 2014, I found that eleven words felt richer and more meaningful. I’m often someone who uses more words rather than fewer, and these ideas offer thoughtful, practical guidance for anyone who cares about building a welcoming, intentional home.
Many of us want to slow down life in the coming year while still pursuing goals and dreams. We want better organization, cleaner spaces, and rooms that feel refreshed and pretty. Some of us long to be more creative or confident. We want to feel content where we are while also holding onto hope that we can shape a home and life we love.
We don’t expect perfection, but we do want progress.
Along the way, we may aspire to become better partners and parents, to improve our health, to create a healthier environment for our families, or to pursue personal and career goals. Some of us dream of starting a blog or a business. We want to succeed in meaningful ways.
How can we pursue those goals while managing day-to-day responsibilities and the inevitable curveballs life throws at us—without becoming overwhelmed, overcommitted, or discouraged? Roadblocks, setbacks, and unrealistic expectations will always appear. Being intentional about homemaking, decorating, work, or goal setting sounds great on paper, but maintaining momentum amid daily demands can be difficult.
Over the years of homemaking and blogging, I’ve found a deep sense of peace in the process. I haven’t arrived at perfection, but the value of the everyday journey has become clearer as I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. I’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and now approach decisions with more discernment and calm.
I’m excited to share practical tips and the simple steps I use to create a home and life I love.
I’m genuinely excited for 2014 and eager to share more here on The Inspired Room. After more than six years of blogging and a long history of decorating and homemaking, I still have ideas to share—my husband jokes that I’m always saying, “I have an idea…!” It’s true: I feel more inspired than ever.
One word might not capture all our hopes for 2014, but eleven thoughtful words can be a meaningful beginning.
Now it’s your turn—let’s share and encourage one another.
What are your hopes and dreams for 2014?
What roadblocks do you hope to overcome on your journey toward a home and life you love?