Sunday, January 01, 2012

My Word for 2012

I've given my word some very serious thought these past several weeks...trying to come up with just the right one for my life...and it hit me yesterday, even though I kept trying to push it away and come up with something else...this one just kept calling to me...Decluttering...now spell checker doesn't seem to like it, but that's OK, I like it...and so it goes...2012 is my year for Decluttering.

Now Andy can't quite figure out what I'm going to declutter...I've been through all the drawers and closets in this house...well, except for the sewing room...that will come later when I have more time to dedicate to that job...but I'm not just going to declutter stuff in my house and in the garage, but I'm going to declutter stuff that I've been carrying around in my heart and mind for way too many years...there are people who have wronged me or my family at various times of my life and I've said that I've forgiven, but unfortunately I haven't forgotten. I need to get rid of this old stuff...I know I won't ever be friends with these people again, and that's OK, I just have to get rid of the baggage...declutter.  There are things that people have told me over my 60 years, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not as good a friend as I should have been, not thin enough, hair not quite right, sure can't sing...I could go on and on...I started working on these things over this past summer, I've come many miles but I still have a ways to go...It's a journey and I'm ready to be rid of it...declutter.

I'm going to get rid of the guilt over UFO's...this is the year that I'm just going to sew what I want to sew.  My time is very limited now for sewing...so I'm not going to waste that time on stuff I really don't want to do...I'm going to do what I want to do...what makes me happy...as I unearth UFO's that I'm not going to work on anymore, I'll be looking for new homes for them...it's time to get rid of Stuff.

So that's my word...I can't tell you how liberating it was to get rid of the stuff I've gotten rid of so far...why should I hang on to this stuff when there are people that can really, really use it.

I really didn't set out to have this post be quite so long...sorry...if you're still with me, Thanks!  I am looking forward to 2012...a new year, a clean slate...but I will continue to look at it one day at a time...I can't worry about yesterday, it's past...no sense worrying about tomorrow...today is the gift I've been given and I plan on doing everything I can to make the best use out of it...no more could ofs or should haves...no regrets...no guilt...no more excess baggage...as my Hampton says..."I'm done with that!"

Here's to 2012!

56 comments:

Nancy said...

This is a great post: I share many of your goals, especially decluttering the stuff carried around the heart. It's a long neglected task of mine, and I need to do it and move on. Thanks for the kick in the pants.

Marsha B said...

Good for you! Sounds like a great plan for 2012.

carol fun said...

Great post! I agree - time is short, I'm only working on projects that make me happy. And I'm making time to declutter my house. I saw another post on a bag a day - you fill up at least one bag a day of stuff that leaves your house. Little bites from a big job- I think it is doable. Happy 2012!

Karen said...

WOW!!! You are cleaning house in a big way. Good for you!!
I made a similar commitment in 2011. It is quite freeing, and lightening of the heart.
Not sure what are your plans for your UFO’s, but can I suggest that you have a drawing, or offer them to donation situations.
For an example our small quilt group makes quilts for the foster kids in our county. All costs are from our personal funds.
Thank you and happy 2012....Karencg

Michelle said...

Happy New Year! Great post, and wonderful goals. I am a declutter-er too. When things start piling up and closets and drawers jump out at me, I get so unsettled. Less is best, and Less is MORE.

Remember that God loves you, and let no man be a judge of you, or plant unpleasant words or feelings upon you. I am in a situation very much like yours and sometimes you just can't 'fix' things, so you do what your heart tells you to, and listen to what God says. He loves us all, but even He doesn't hang around those who persecute Him!

Happy New Year!

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I did a pretty major decluttering when we moved into this house 3 years ago ... but I never thought about extending that decluttering to what's in my heart/mind. That may be another goal I need to work on in 2012.

Stitched With Prayer said...

Hi Carol, I'm sorry I haven't been commenting on your blog lately. I have been checking in every day but when you have posted I have read every word and enjoyed it so much but I just lurked. (hanging head in shame*) You have been in my prayers as always and I'm so happy to see the beautiful picture of Peyton. Congratulations!!! I wanted to let you know that due to my health and the desire to spend the time I feel well enough to sew actually in my sewing room accomplishing something, instead of drooling over all the finishes everyone else is showing. So...I'll be dropping out of sight for a time. I really want to get some quilts made for my grandkids and daughters...then maybe a soft, warm snuggly and kind of fluffy one that as I told Kelly, that I can wrap my entire 5'9" frame in to stay warm when I don't feel quite up to snuff. So I have my work cut out for me...um, so to speak, LOL. Anyway, since I didn't have one finish last year except a few small projects and some stitchery blocks worked on, I feel the need to get away from this computer and head for my sewing room. I guess I've rambled plenty long enough but I'll leave you with my word for this year. Well, it is actually two words...Stress Relief...that is what quilting is for me and what I need a lot of in my life right now. Working in my sewing room gives me that, in so many ways. You will be in my thoughts and prayers sweet friend, and I'll be lurking occasionally. Big Hugs and Blessings in this new year...
**note** Speaking of the New Year, I just have to tell you how mine started out. We were leaving the grocery store this morning when a lady backed into us doing over $2000 damage to our car...we got home and I grabbed my new point and shoot camera that was a gift from my grandson (who was home to visit for the holidays), to get pictures of the damage. Well, I dropped the camera and broke it. (He even got it in purple as he knows it is my favorite color.) I will be replacing it the end of the week. **sigh** Happy New Year!!!

JudyCinNC said...

Loving this - decluttering the wounds of the heart is as important as the space we live in and takes courage. My favorite all time quote is "I am not afraid of tomorrow for I have seen yesterday, and I love today." Fill a bag with the bad memories and hurtful thoughts and toss them. We all care for you and wish you only happiness in this new wonderful year which is your journey to create. Judy C

cindyann said...

I really love that you're going to forget about the UFO's and just work on what you want to work on. If it makes you happiy then that's what's important.
I would love to be able to do that, I feel guilty about starting something new when I have about 30 tops that need to be quilted. But I do want to take my quilting in a new direction so I will try to find a balance. Good luck on your de-cluttering.

Gretchen said...

Great post and a great beginning to 2012! Happiest of new years to you!

Laura lok said...

Great word. Very liberating and once you are good with letting go it really does feel good. I invite you to join the 2012"word hop". Here

http://stampmousephoto.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-is-your-word-for-2012.html

Darlene said...

Decluttering is a great word for 2012! I completely agree with your reasoning - great post, my dear friend.

The focus is today and what puts a smile on your face and song in your heart. The rest simply doesn't matter.

(hugs)

Rita said...

I love your word for 2012...what a great post. My word this year is "content". I wanted to be content with my life, work or whatever situation God gives me. I also want contentment or peace in my heart. Happy New Year!

antique quilter said...

good for you! I am done with all that too!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Great post Carol! I read every word and found myself nodding at certain points. You're so right, the clutter in our hearts and minds bogs us down. Your post is very inspiring!

paulette said...

Wow!! What an inspirational post!! You go girl!!! Now I'm going to go and re-read your post and mull over it a bit!! Thanks for that!
Paulette

sunny said...

What a great post, and a great word! I'll be incorporating some of your ideas into my year. Thanks for posting.

deb said...

I LOVE your word for the year.....you can do it!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post, Carol!

Allie said...

Oh Carol what a wonderful post! I know what you mean about forgiving but not forgetting - seems like forgiving is the easier part. I wish you all the best in the coming year, hon!!! And good for you on working on only what you want. Isn't that a liberating feeling???

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

A great post - thanks.

Sharon said...

Sounds like a wonderful start to 2012! I am still thinking about mine!

Diane said...

The perfect word!

You hit the nail on the head with all the ways to declutter. In particular with quilting - I have decided the same thing. Life's too short, time too limited.

Happy decluttering in 2012!

Nedra said...

Hurrah! I actually went through that process in 2011 with our move, and trust me, it feels liberating. I haven't missed all the "stuff" and found out that I can now de-clutter even more.

regan said...

Great post! Sounds like 2012 is going to be strong, beautiful, busy, and fun! I'm liking that combo A LOT!

Cheryl said...

This is a very timely post for me..I can definitely relate to much of what you said. Wishing you and your family all the best for 2012.

Janet O. said...

Wise words, Carol. I wish you well this coming year in your decluttering journey, both physically and emotionally.

Kate said...

Good luck! I think the only way Ill ever declutter is if I move out of home :-0

QuiltSue said...

Hear, hear! I'm can so relate to the emotional clutter we cart around with us. I think I need to do something about some of that stuff too.

Josie McRazie said...

I think we chould hall have that in goal every day of our lives. and sad to say we do not. good goal anyway! Best of luck with it!

Passionate Quilter said...

Great word Carol..in more ways than one. De-cluttering your heart is so important. How inspiring you are! Here's hoping for the best for you and your family this year.

Julie in the Barn said...

Teriffic choice, Carol. My word is Simplify. Same concept.

Melanie said...

I loved this post....

Deanna said...

Decluttering one's soul is probably at least as important as decluttering a drawer, and a lot more difficult. But, like drawers, it happens a little at a time. I am certain you will have a successful 2012 and end it with a lighter heart, whether you can sing or not. :)

Colleen G said...

Your word choice is perfect. It is a word that labels the action I need to embrace as well. There are some things that have happened in my llife that still can make my hands shake, my blood pressure rise and the feelings of loss are overwhelming. It is time to let go of that kind of stuff because it takes too much time and emotion out of my life. Thank you for the label that has spurred me to let go.

Sandra said...

Being 60 or over definitely puts a different spin on our thinking. We have more life behind us than ahead of us. I so agree with you that your time should be spent only on those projects you are truly enjoying.

suemac said...

As we get older stuff seems to matter less and less. Relationships are what matter. Family matters. Have a great start to 2012.

Carrie said...

Good for you! I love the word "decluttering". I also love the idea of "clean slate".

Both have become part of my vocabulary this past year, and both are going to play major roles for me in 2012. I hope you enjoy the process ~ and the result ~ as much as I have.

Good wishes to you on your journey!

Libby said...

Great word! Happy New Year!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I love your word: declutter. What an awesome way to look at it. I think we've all heard those voices at one time or another saying those things or worse. Sometimes it's our own voice we hear. Let's remember that we were made by God and He never makes mistakes. There are people smarter than me, but that doesn't mean I'm not smart too. I raised good kids, keep a clean home, balance my checkbook, and face it, you gotta' be sorta smart to do those things! There are women prettier than me, but that doesn't mean I'm not pretty too. Oh I know not everyone will think so but not everyone has as good taste as me. :) Love, love, love your post! blessings, marlene

Anonymous said...

Decluttering is a wonderful word and I will use it too. You have inspired me to do the same. For me, this may take some time and will certainly require a bit of effort but I need to clear it all out of my mind and heart as well.

Thank you for this post Carol! Best wishes for a 'clutter free' 2012 and I'll be right here with you.

Blessings,
Jeanna

Me and My Stitches said...

Amen! Sometimes it's really hard to write off those people (why is that?!) but it needs to be done. I've found that when I'm around negative people, I too, become negative. Much better to be around happy people and have a good time! Happy New Year to you - I hope your year of decluttering is a great one!

suz said...

You've set yourself a very worthy goal. Good luck! Congratulations on your new family member - he's beautiful!

Kim said...

This is a good exercise in cleaning up and organizing "life". I spent last year doing just this very thing, truly letting go of stuff and clearing it out of the house - gone and nearly forgotten. I find myself thinking I have something, can't find it and then remember that it went the way of the rummage sale. Being choosy as to how you spend your time is a very wise thing to do. This morning I choose to spend some time reading a few of my favorite blogs. This brings me joy. :-D Happy New Year, Carol.

Megan said...

Best of luck to you in your decluttering! For the past month or so, I've been trying to put one item per day in either the trash or donation box. It's kind of scary how easy it's been for me to part with all of the stuff. I look forward to seeing what you decide to accomplish in 2012!

Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...

What a great word Carol - something we could all do a lot more of - such great wisdom here in your post. I'm wishing you all the best in your decluttering and still more enjoying in the year to come!! Hugs!!

Jennifer said...

I chose "Simplify" as my word of 2012, but for many of the same reasons.

I wish you a wonderful 2012!

Thimbleanna said...

Happy New Year Carol! A wonderful post -- I love your new word. At the rate you're moving through your drawers and closets, you'll soon be done -- then could you come up and get rid of my junk -- I'm not too successful with the clean out!

Oh! And Congrats on that new Grandbaby!!!

Teresa said...

A good post and a good word for us all for the new year.

Michele said...

I love this post! Decluttering something I need to do also. How inspirational! I like Hampton's words! Something to keep in mind when dealing with baggage. I'm sure we all have some to get rid of. Thanks for being so open.

Barb said...

Happy 2012
I have the same idea, simplicity in all things in my home this year....

Rose said...

I need to declutter both in the physical sense and the mental sense...

Jean said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jean said...

Decluttering is a great idea!

Jean said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maddy said...

Great post! Have decluttered before we moved and about to do it again before storing things into our new shed, when ever it is finished. So will take about another 4-6 months to sort. Should have thrown it all away and started fresh. You have motivated me once again. Thank You.