Just Life

Three on Thursday | Hello 2018.

Last fall, when I started thinking about 2018, I realized I wanted something different for this year. I didn’t want to choose a word or set a goal for some new (daily?!) practice. Both those things have served me well … for years*, but this year, I wanted something simpler. Of course I am still me – the one who posts about reading and knitting goals…because she makes them! – so simply “simpler” didn’t feel quite right. I played around with a few intentions last week (“use what I have”, “embrace simple”, “keep moving”), but nothing really came together (and that’s really the story behind last week’s completely random post!) …

until Monday evening. My sister shared a Brian Andreas story on Instagram – this story – and I finally saw how all the dots connected. His stories have inspired me for years; I’m happy to embrace another one this year!

So, Hello 2018!

and three things I’m saying yes to this year:

1. unplugged mornings.

2. more time with family and friends.

3. mindfulness (Honoré gave me this journal for my birthday … I’m now ready to dive in).

What are you saying yes to this year?

Joining in with Carole and friends. Happy (Three on) Thursday!

*I started choosing words in 2007 – yep, eleven years/words! – journey, gratitude, experience, time, focus, shine, grace, choose, present, nourish, light. Since then, I’ve also embraced a daily photo practice (and now one second videos) and yoga (/pilates) and tried a few others.

13 thoughts on “Three on Thursday | Hello 2018.”

  1. So far this year, I've been trying to not say yes or no until I take some time to really mull things over. I have to say yes to work, laundry, grossery shopping, and plenty of other things that don't really bring me loads of joy, but there have also been some big things that I've been asked for my opinion on. Instead of fussing and fretting about what I should do, I've just stepped back and let these things play out. This is making a big difference in my life so far, and helping me to see that I really don't have to solve all of my family's issues. Sometimes things get resolved whether I say yes or no, so I guess I'm saying yes to patiently observing and not jumping immediately into saying something!

  2. I think you are onto something …could YES be the word? ;-)). I am saying YES this week to finishing getting my thoughts, currently written on a thousand different random sheets of paper, organized and visible! I began the process before the end of the year and it's taking me much longer than expected! Cheers~

  3. I have been working on saying "No" to things I don't want to do…I really struggle, thinking I have to have a valid excuse instead of just saying "No" and letting it go at that. I'm beginning to realize that by saying "No" to certain things, I am making myself open to saying "Yes" to some new things that I really enjoy. I'm looking forward to saying "Yes" to some new and interesting things this year!

  4. YES! This is basically how I've been living since July when I retired. It is so freeing to not have to answer to anyone, but to find my own path and enjoy my free time. I'm saying yes to beauty everyday!

  6. Oh, Mary. THIS is the most perfect thing I could have seen this morning. I'm having a meeting in a couple of hours with two local people who want me to run for selectman here in our town. I've been going back and forth and was definitely in the maybe camp but now I'm in the NO camp because I know this will not bring me joy.

  7. This is where I am, too. . . just feeling like I'm understanding and taking control of my life in new-and-improved ways! And wanting that to continue. Choosing when to say YES is powerful and life-changing. (I've also done some major unplugging — even leaving Facebook. Talk about life-changing . . . ) XO

  8. I especially like the part about if you think maybe, say noI love my word but I’m also floundering a bit and need to seek out more joy-filled practices

  11. Sounds like you have it sorted – I like your thinking :). I'm thinking this not not so much of the what, but the how.

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