2024 Word of the Year...

 

I spent some time contemplating what I wanted to select as my word for 2024, and finally landed on this. While there are many interpretations for the word, I'm seeking to manifest abundance in a number of ways this year.

First, I want to increase my spiritual abundance, seeking to carve time every day to reflect on His Word and my desire to live more closely aligned with it. I have a few study resources that I'll use to help me achieve that goal. I've always known that all the gifts in my life are because of my faith, and I want to show more gratitude through being a better follower.

Next, I want to concentrate more of my efforts on a schedule that will move me toward publishing a few things that I've been putting off for too long. I have some patterns I want to write to list in my shop, as well as a book or two - that will also be available - by the end of June this year. I want to better manage my time so that I'm not always "last minuting" my efforts, too.

As a component of all of this, I've come to realize that abundance is not to be found in "stuff", so I'll get even more discerning about just what I want to have in our home and life. I want to concentrate more on experiences and interactions with loved ones, and I want to be more available and present for my family. Boiled down to its essence: in the words of architect Mies van der Rohe, "Less is more". My goal is to keep the things that have the most meaning, are the most useful, and bring the most joy, therefore giving them more impact in our environs. Also, by having less stuff, we won't need to spend as much time cleaning, managing and shifting as we do now.

My studio has more things than I'll ever be able to use - and it takes up valuable real estate that could be better used. I have three shows this year, and my goal is to sew my way out of a number of things that currently occupy that space. By the end of the year, I'm planning to completely move away from the cork creations (handbags, wallets, totes, etc.) and the majority of my quilting endeavors. I'll hold on to a few projects that I have wanted to do for a long time, as well as the materials I need to continue my embroidered birds wall hanging series, but I'm going to let most of the rest go so I can again focus on my first love - needlework. In the process, I hope to free up one of the rooms upstairs to become a restful retreat for guests.

Handsome and I are planning a larger garden this year, so that we can be more responsible for growing and preserving the food we eat. He even suggested that we create a summer kitchen in our large outbuilding. That way we can have all our supplies at ground level, instead of lugging things up from the basement all the time. Climbing the steep stairs in this farmhouse becomes more difficult at our ages, and being at ground level would make for a much more efficient setup. It really will be garden-to-table (to-preservation) and we can appreciate the abundant fruits of our labor through the summer and to the next growing season.

As you can see, this year's word will require a certain dedication and commitment from me if I'm going to be successful. I think I'm up to it, and I promise to keep you informed as I make my way through the coming months.

Have you chosen a word for 2024? If so, I'd love to have you share it with me. Perhaps we can motivate each other to reach our goals? I'm excited to begin and am optimistic for the year ahead. I'm so glad you're here to be a part of this new year with me.