A New Year: Cherishing the Simple Things

At the start of each new year, I usually like to jot down a long list of goals for the coming year, complete with timelines and tips for keeping myself in check. Truthfully, it is always a bit ambitious. OK, a lot, as I see now from previous lists (ie. my list from many years ago included learning Latin (!!!). This year, I am keeping my list a lot shorter and realistic, but with one main difference. In the coming year, I actually want to do less and enjoy it.


The photo you see above is of my kids during our walk home from school each weekday. Each and every time, my daughter walks with her arms outstretched, as she skips, runs or even dances down the street, feeling the fresh air and noticing the subtle changes in the seasons here in Southern California.


She always finds a memento to take home with her. A flower, a leaf or even a twig. Even if she just picks a weed, I never tell her not to take it home. I figure that if she has found beauty in that piece of nature, who am I to tell her otherwise?


She is always thrilled with whatever she finds.


It really makes my heart sing to see her be so content with such simple things.


These photos are my reminder to do as my daughter does each day on this short walk.


To find joy in the everyday, simple things. To slow down and enjoy the process of whatever we are doing, not just the end product. And, most importantly, to cherish the time when we're not doing much of anything at all.

Happy New Year, my friends. Please know that I appreciate each visit and especially each comment you make on my blog. Here's to a happy and healthy 2011 for all of you.

Hugs,

Photobucket

15 comments:

Thrifted Treasure said...

Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family! Your daughter sounds so sweet, look at those eyelashes :-)

inspiremyhousepretty said...

i smiled ready your post as my 4 year old daughter is the same, all flowers are pretty none are weeds in her eyes, happy new year, careen x

Jenn said...

Children are such a great lesson for enjoying the simple things. This is a wonderful post.

Happy New Year! :)

Heartfire At Home said...

I'm still supposed to be on my self imposed 'blog holiday', but I'm back from a week down at the beach and have enjoyed reading a few of my faves.... of which your blog is always one.... and this post inspired me to write something!

Just wanted to say I hope your Christmas and New Years were absolutely wonderful Minnie, and this post is so, so profound and yet simple at the same time.... which makes it perfect!

Your photos and sentiments are lovely. If only we could all find such pleasure in the simple things, I think many of the troubles in this world would melt away.

I was planning how I'm going to arrange my new classroom this year, and one of the first things to go in the plan was the must have 'nature table', and the next was a 'scrapbooking corner' where the children are going to be able to create scenes from their favourite stories using scrapbooking materials.

Simple things can often bring so much joy can't they!

Looking forward to reading your wonderful posts in 2011.

Many hugs,

Linda. xox

Unknown said...

Your children are beautiful! I'm also working on a post about my goals for 2011, trying to keep things simple, realistic, but also hopeful :)

I've enjoyed reading your blog so much over the past few months and can't wait to see what you do in 2011! Happy New Year!!

Minnie said...

Thanks, everyone, for all the nice comments. I am quite thankful to have my kids to teach me these important lessons in life. :-)

Linda, I love your ideas for the scrapbooking and nature tables. I think kids are creative to begin with, but the potential is so much more with just a few materials.

shopgirl said...

What a lovely New Year's commitment. When everyone is trying to do more, you're trying to do less. I like it. Happiness comes from simplicity....

Sweet photos! I look forward to reading more posts.
Rambles with Reese

Jenn said...

Okay, so I'm back :), because ... I gave you the stylish blogger award over at A Home in the Making! Click over to see it and the instructions to pass it along. I really enjoy your blog and look forward to continued reading! :)

inspiremyhousepretty said...

hey minnie, couldnt find an email address on here, please check out my blog, put you forward for one of my fab blogs xx

torrie said...

This is incredibly inspiring and a much needed reminder. Thank you. Your daughter's beautiful by the way!

Happy 2011 Minnie!

CACHANILLA73 said...

Feliz 2011 Minnie!!! Many, many blessings for you and your beautiful Familia. Love the message your Niña Bonita is sending 'sin querer' to all of us. Love those vintage sewing treaures and that Talavera pottery oh my!!! I am so jealous!! but happy for you. Take care.
Un abrazo...

Cotty

Sharona said...

Happy New Year, Minnie. We should all stop to smell the dandelions!

Tina said...

Hi dear Minnie. I am sorry I have not been by in so long...so much going on in real life, but I think of you every day! I hope you are enjoying the simple things in life with your beautiful family. Sending you all my love ~ Tina xx

CACHANILLA73 said...

Just wondering how you are, hope everything is going smooth in your life.

saludos....

torrie said...

Minnie, just checking in to say hello! I hope you're doing well!