Tuesday, December 23, 2014

2014 and a Christmas wish for you





In retrospect, a look at 2014. It was such a big year for us and whilst the milestones were notable and memorable, I'm grateful that I documented the little things, too.

January started with a welcome note to this new space and it was within that same post that I shared news of Daniel's overseas trip and my 13 weeks of solo parenting. That first week of January was intense but on the 10th day of the New Year I sat on our front step, stopped crying and told myself I'd just have to get on with it. I had ways and means of coping and whilst it wasn't always pretty it gave me the opportunity to rediscover my village and subsequently get back to parenting basics.

I began to simplify my personal life by respecting my limits and turned my awareness to the home - getting rid of the unnecessary and making space for what was important. It became a little addictive and whilst it's been a slow process I have revelled in the opportunity to approach day-to-day tasks with more awareness; practising yoga at the kitchen sink, simplifying the school week, taking steps to ease anxiety, becoming a better listener, caring less about the insignificant things and embarking on an spring cleaning ritual that would morph into a monumental moving house cleanse.

Daniel and I got to spend four glorious days in Melbourne and we were reminded that parents are humans, too. Not long after I announced my book deal (release date is set for February, 2015) and posed the question: should we move? Little did I know that change was already occurring within and whilst my winter posts were few and far between (although I did enjoy writing this and this) it was on the first day of spring that I shared our wonderful news.

Naturally, my thoughts turned to mothering; how to ease fear and worry in pregnancy, natural health in pregnancy, interesting facts about pregnancy and labourbreastfeeding (in retrospect) and having the third baby.

Now, as we settle into our new home and I embark on the third trimester, I feel incredibly grateful for the year that was. It wasn't always smooth sailing but I have learned the importance of letting go of resistance and having faith in what will be.

Christmas has been beautiful so far - with good intentions and a wonky tree we are all set for a week of simple celebrations.

I want to thank you, dear readers, for your constant support of Practising Simplicity. I realise that it's an honour and a privilege (and a fair bit of work, too) to earn a living from blogging but the simple fact of the matter is, I wouldn't be able to do it without you. I wholeheartedly value your role in this space and I hope you'll return in 2015. What to expect? A few posts on pregnancy and baby essentials (from a less is more perspective), 10 things to declutter for the New Year, room tours of our new home and The 52 Project (complete with a guide on photography, editing and filing your photos).

And then, of course, there will be the inevitable slowing down as we patiently await the first signs of labour and the imminent arrival of baby.

May your Christmas be merry and bright. May you indulge in a feast made with love and may you surround yourself with those you hold dear. Savour the opportunity to observe and just be and in doing so, immerse yourself in the beauty of togetherness.

in love and light,
Jodi x


14 COMMENTS

  1. A beautiful post. As I sum up my year in my head while reading this, I am overwhelmed at what it contained! A complete house renovation, our wedding, the almost end of a PhD thesis and now a baby on the way. I am tired just thinking about it! All the best for the holidays, and I look forward to what the new year has to bring for us both xx

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  2. Simply wonderful. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air!

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  3. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas. I have enjoyed reading your thoughtful perspectives and looking at your beautiful images throughout the year.

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  4. May the miracles of the season fill your hearts with unspeakable joy. Peace.

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  5. merry christmas to you jodi, thank you for sharing with us another year..x

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  6. Sweet Christmas blessings to you and your little family too Jodi - See you back in 2015 xx

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  7. Merry Christmas Jodi. I loved how you did this post to wrap up your year. Looking forward to reading more in 2015.

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  8. Beautiful photo essay. Wishing you many blessings this Christmas and in the year to come.

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  9. Happy Christmas to you and your family in your new home. What a year it has been and a new family member next year. Babies are such little miracles. Merry Christmas, regards Kathy A, Brisbane

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  10. Merry Christmas, Jodi, and lots of peace and joy to you and your family!
    Thank you for all your inspiring blogposts this year and for sharing your thoughts with us. Looking forward to reading you again in 2015.

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  11. Thank you so much for all of your posts, Jodi. I have taken so much from your words and photographs and I really love visiting this space. I am very grateful that you write for all of us. Merry Christmas.

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  12. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family. I so enjoy your posts and incredible photography. They convey a peace so much of us strive for. All the best to you and your growing family in 2015. John

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  13. Best wishes to you & your lovely little family. I am looking forward to 2015 & all that it will bring. Thank you for all the effort you put in to this beautiful space. I love coming here to see your stunning photos & your inspiring words.

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  14. Just found your blog and love it!

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