2014 - CREATE

We spent Christmas over at my in-laws and we had a great time.  We opened our presents, the kids played with their new toys and with each other, and my brother-in-law cooked the best lamb entree I've ever had for dinner.  He is a fantastic cook.  I don't usually care for lamb because of its distinct flavor, but it was so good that I ended up having three servings!  No wonder my pants are getting tight.  

After all the fun and hustle-bustle of Christmas, I like to slow down and reflect the year.  I cleanse our house from top to bottom, and bring everything to a clean slate for the new year to come.  I'm one of those people who needs clean and uncluttered environment in order to think clearly.  I think it goes back to my Japanese roots though, for my family always cleaned the entire house on December 31 to prepare for the new year.  Yes, we clean our house instead of going to a party on new year's eve.  It may not be as fun but it really helps me clear my mind and start a mindful new year.  Our house has been neglected for the past two weeks, so much needed deep cleaning is in order for tomorrow. 

2013 was a great year.  It sure was full of challenges, but it was the year of connecting with new friends and re-connecting with the old and dear.  It was the year I recognized my fear, overcame it, and decided to move forward with my dreams.  Attending the Barn get together was a total game changer for me.  

Right before the Barn event started.  Do you see how excited I was?

It was inspiring to be with like minded people, who were willing to open up and support each others dreams.  Emily Freeman and her family were the most amazing people I've ever met, and I am waiting for them to adopt me into their family some day.  Seriously. 

From that day on, I haven't looked back.  I now only focus on my dreams and who I want to be, instead of what I can do and cannot do.  My fear doesn't have much power over me anymore.  It's still a daily struggle, but I am winning the battle so far.  It is just liberating. 

At the Barn event, Gary Morland (Emily's Dad) suggested I read Steven Pressfield's The War of Art.  He said it would help me conquer my fear.  My in-laws gave me the book for Christmas and I'm savoring every page of it.  

Most of us have two lives.

The life we live, and the unlived life within us.

Between the two stands Resistance.

Resistance has no strength of its own. 

Every ounce of juice it possesses comes from us.  

We feed it with power by our fear of it.

Master that fear and we conquer Resistance.  

Excerpts from The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield

I was feeling particularly inspired earlier today, after reading Layla's "Word Of The Year" post.  I like the way she sums up her new year's inspiration in one word.  It's simple and makes more sense than coming up with a page long list of resolutions I can't even follow through.  

So what would be the word for me in the year of 2014?  After a few minutes of fidgeting, tapping the desk, and a few gulps of cold coffee, here's what I came up with.

CREATE.

2014 is going to be a year to be creative.  Instead of thinking what I want to create, I will sit down and actually work on it.  I want to make things happen this year.  I will make my creative side blossom.  

I will create a beautiful home for my family.  

My in-laws also gave me the Porter Cable Upholstery Staple Gun and the Spruce Upholstery Book by Amanda Brown for Christmas.  I totally got the gift ideas from Miss Mustard Seed Marian's this post.  I can't wait to get my hands on that stapler!  

I am blessed to have such wonderful in-laws who understand my creative passions.  Thank you, Mom and Dad Jones!

My creative supplies for the new year

So you can see there will be some upholstery projects coming in the new year, and I'll share all about it when that happens.  I haven't sewed in the last 25 years, so it will be interesting how it goes.  

I will create stories for children.

I don't talk much about this here, but I will continue writing stories for children.  I just haven't figured out how I can integrate that side of me on this blog.  Sharing my personal stories on the blog really helps me understand life in general, and I'm using that as the core of the story I write for young readers.

And last but not least,

I will create a blog that nourishes the soul, not just mine but yours too.  

I want this blog to be the place for inspiration, the place where we can be honest and take risks and uncover who we deeply are.  I share some of my personal stories in hopes that someone out there might be in the same shoes and need to know they are not alone.  I want to share my dreams and hopes and successes and failures with you.  I want this blog to be a gift to you as well as a gift to myself.  I know I'm aiming high here, but I need to be honest with what I want.  I want this blog to be more of a community rather than my own personal journal.  

I want to thank all of you for visiting my humble blog.  Your comments encourage me to keep going.  I am so happy to be finally part of this blog community.  


Would you take a moment and share your New Year's resolutions in the comment section?   I'd love to hear about them.