One Word: Simplify

To describe my life currently, using only one word, I would say "exhaustingly fun."  Ok, that was two words, but it really sums things up. We are enjoying everything we do: traveling, spending time with family and friends, hosting guests at our home, our workouts, playing with our little girl, taking fun classes, weekend trips here and there, projects around the house and our hobbies (which are extensive). My husband and I both have more hobbies than we have time for and are never bored. We actively seek out new adventures, love to eat out and explore other cities. We look for things that our daughter would enjoy and look to find fun new date night activites. We are on the go more than we are home. It is fun. But exhausting.

It took me awhile to choose just one word, so I've put this off awhile, but finally I've settled on one, which is rather fitting with this blog.  Using only one word to describe what I am focusing on in 2012, I would choose:

 sim·pli·fy  (smpl-f)

tr.v. sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing, sim·pli·fies

To make simple or simpler, as:

a. To reduce in complexity or extent.

b. To reduce to fundamental parts.

c. To make easier to understand.

As a matter of fact, this was a perfect time to dig out the sign I made a few years ago and display it in my home as a visual reminder of my goal for the year. The sign is made from a piece of barn wood that came from a farm that has been in my husband's family for many years and was torn down a few years back. We were able to salvage a few scraps (including this one) before the demolition.

To simplify my life, I plan to:

Get more sleep

Spend more time at home with my family

Travel less

Cook at home more

Allow things to wait until later (this is going to be my biggest challenge)

Take in nature, especially in the area that we live

Purge things that I no longer need and really use the things I already have

Take the time for the hobbies I enjoy

Finish organizing my home

Enjoy the simple things

~Angela