These pretty wildflowers were found in Central Park, Manhattan. Amidst the hustle and activity of one of the world's biggest and busiest cities, the natural simplicity and beauty of these unexpected blooms refreshed my day.Tis the season for resolution, for initiating changes in one's life. We all know that most New Year's resolutions are broken within a month. All you need to do to prove this is to compare the number of people at a fitness centre on January 2nd and February 2nd. Resolutions become a task master and do not deal with our attitudes and inner motivation.
A number of bloggers have been writing about picking a one word guide for the new year. This word would be significant in many levels of your life, not just the external ones that others would notice. The goal is a shift of attitude and focus, of addressing root issues and deeply ingrained habits.
My word for the year is...
SIMPLIFY
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: make easy, intelligible
Synonyms: abridge, analyze, boil down, break down, break it down, chasten, clarify, clean it up, clean up, clear up, cut down, cut the frills, decipher, disentangle, disinvolve, draw a picture, elucidate, explain, facilitate, get down to basics, get to the meat, hit the high spots, interpret, lay out, let daylight in, let sunlight in, make clear, make perfectly clear, make plain, order, put in a nutshell, put one straight, reduce, shorten, spell out, streamline, unscramble
Many people wish to simplify their lives, to reduce stress, debt, excess, the addictions to information, technology, money, habits and material things. Living simply can mean frugality or it can also mean living a more balanced, deliberate, and thoughtful life.
Simplicity is the touchstone of my new year.
Blog links for further reading on the subject:
A perfect word to remind us to trim away all that is excess.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advise. It seems so muchy simpler focussing on a word vs. a resolution which I never keep.
ReplyDeleteMine would have to be organize. I am very unorganized and procrastinate which makes it worse.
Simplify is a good one too. One of the reasons why I procrastinate is because I complicate things so much that I just don't do the task at hand.
Thanks for the food for thought
Simplicity,we could all benifit from a healthy dose of it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
I love that word. Simplify. It's been growing on me for a year.
ReplyDeleteNo resolutions. A new outlook and attitude paves the way.
Happy New Year!
Mary
I'm sure it's a good choice, better than most traditional resolutions anyway. I wish you well in this endeavour.
ReplyDeleteGreat resolution! simple is great!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting resolve for this year. After going through 3 major robberies in 2008, we realize that things are not that important. Some memos and old photos are gone forever, but it takes me less time to decide what to wear or use.
ReplyDeleteOur poorest people have wash and wear clothes - one outfit to wash while wearing the other. Simple - right???
Hi Ruth,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting on my blog.
I like the reflection you wrote today. Yes, we all need to simplify our lives. Wouldn't it be nice if things are simpler?
Happy New Year to you!
Simplify takes on many meanings. For me it would be not getting bogged down in the details, and remembering to see the base truth in every situation. No resolutions here either really... just hope for peace and contentment.
ReplyDeleteNow that is an inspiring word for the New Year!
ReplyDeleteI do think that our chances of having a "happy" year are greatly multiplied if we simplify.
Have a Happy New Year, Ruth!
Perfect..I need to do that. You hit just the right chord with your posts Ruth..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful wildflowers Ruth......pleasant surprises like that are welcome in my garden anytime.....
ReplyDeleteSimplify that is the second post I have read making use of this word.
I so agree, to simplify, makes life so much easier......
What a beautiful word! I don't think I'd dare to choose that one this year! An awful lot would have to go. But I hope to pick it out in one year in the future!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your excellent posts, Ruth. Here's a hope that your blog postings won't be simplified. :)
Great post-I'm sorting thru our home which will make our life better.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. My husband had a major incident. That incident was sufficient for us to reflect on the things that are really important in life. It led us to simplify our lives and prioritize what is really important.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I do forget and get carried away, but your post has reminded me once again to simplify. Thanks.
Thanks for your interesting comments and wishing everyone success in their New Year.
ReplyDeleteThe plant with oblong leaves, hidden under the snow, that you were unable to identify is Labrador Tea- Ledum groenlandicum. It is an evergreen plant that keeps its leaves year-round.
ReplyDelete