| image courtesy of lesley austin |

Every year around this time I start thinking about my New Year's Resolution for the next year.  Not because I want to rush through the end of the year, but because I love resolutions and the fresh start they signify.  Part of the process is always to reflect on the prior year's resolution and do some soul searching about how it served me. 

cat sitting in the window

| photography by @dagmarachw |

For 2020 my resolution was to pursue simplicity (read more about it here).  I started out the year not quite clear on what that meant to me, but at peace with the idea that the meaning would reveal itself as the year went on. 

I did not understand when I made that resolution how simple my life would become.  As our world became smaller and smaller, I learned to appreciate the small joys that I hadn't found time for in recent years:  sharing a Netflix binge or a long talk with my children, walking to the top of the hill behind my house, meditating, mailing cards to friends, making home made pizza.   We saw it all over our social media feeds with friends making sourdough and learning new languages.   

glass of wine in window in tuscany

| image courtesy of petite suitcase |

Like most years, my resolution has served me in some ways, and hampered me in others.  And has taught me some things about myself.  It was rewarding to realize my resolution so fully, but also frustrating to be so bored by it at times.  

english cottage kitchen

| image courtesy of architectural digest / photography by luke white |

I am looking forward to traveling again, meeting friends for dinner, exploring museums, and attending live performances.  But I hope to strike a fine balance by holding on to some of the simple pleasures I've learned to appreciate these last several months. 

See our resolutions from years past
Laurie Furber
Tagged: inspiration