Striving for Simplicity
The New Year naturally brings a time of reflection for most. Like many of you, I took time during the first few days of 2018 to reflect on the past year. While I am typically not a fan of odd numbers, 2017 was my most memorable to date. Not only was it my most challenging year both professionally and personally but it was also the most rewarding. From taking my first solo international trip, to road biking 192 miles with over 6,000 strangers, to having difficult conversations at work, I forced myself out of my comfort zone SO many times throughout the year. While going out of your comfort zone is not an easy task, it ultimately made me stronger, happier and more confident. Not only did I learn a lot about myself but I also experienced people and places that I will NEVER forget and shaped where I am today. Speaking of today ... because of the risks (calculated of course - ha!) I took in 2017 I am writing this post from a new home, with a new boyfriend and with new memories that I will have forever. I couldn't be happier for how 2017 unfolded and can't wait to see what lies ahead.
Now ... onto 2018!
This year my focus is on simplicity - simplicity in my possessions, simplicity in what I consume (food, drink, entertainment) and simplicity in life. I chose this "theme" because last year I started to work on emotional self-care by reading Eckhart Tolle, meditating daily, practicing yoga, completing Five Minute Journal and listening to Abraham Hicks. As a result, I found I was more content, present and at ease with every aspect of my life. It is SO easy in today's society to go a mile a minute that we forget to stop, breathe and be thankful for everything that surrounds us - supportive family/friends, beautiful environment and endless opportunities to do what brings us joy and happiness. Through self-care I have found and now practice gratitude daily. Gratitude has allowed me to slow down and give thanks for the small things that we all take advantage of - clean air, fresh food and freedom. As a result of focusing on the basics I am slowly but surely removing things I don't need/want (TV, clothes, negative people, home decor, etc) and replacing them with what makes me happy. While I am thankful for all of the technological advancements that exist today, we can't forget that its the air we breathe, things we consume (media, food) and thoughts we think that allow us to live each day with purpose and positivity. My challenge to you this year is to live a more conscience and simple life. Thoughtfully choose the things (people, items, hobbies, food) you allow into your world and focus on the ones that bring you ultimate joy and happiness. Like Albert Einstein said, "any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex...it takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." Let's all become simple genius's in 2018.
Cheers to a great year ahead!
Love, Abby xoxo