My 12 Word New Year’s Resolution for 2012
Resolutions are dumb, sometimes. Or, at least I used to think so. At the beginning of each year we make a bunch of promises to ourselves with no plan on how we can actually accomplish them. So a few years ago I made a resolution to stop making resolutions. Well, oddly enough, 2011 was nothing but a year of resolution. I resolved one step at a time to work toward better health.
I truly had no idea the journey we would take and we owe so much, to so many, who, through our blog, Facebook and even in real life (imagine that) encouraged us and challenged us along the way. The wonderful thing is that it is a journey — 2012 is not a destination — it is a new part of the journey.
A few years ago we started simplifying our lives, last we started improving our lives, this year I want to combine the two to make a simpler, better life. So here are is my 12 Word New Year’s Resolution:
Want Less
Need Less
Take Less
Use Less
Grow More
Save More
Any one of these on its own seems to be quite an undertaking, but my goal is really simpler than the words. When I am faced with a choice, how can I … Want less, need less, take less, use less, grow more or save more?
This will be a journey and I think each pair of words will ultimately earn its own blog post but for now I am satisfied in knowing what my goals are … and peeling back my life even further, like an onion to reveal something better and more satisfying than a life of ill health and over consumption.
As you ring out the old and bring in the new my wish for you is a SIMPLER, yet more PROSPEROUS year ahead than the year that has past.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!!!!!
New Years Resolution for 2012
I thought of you when we were on vacation. My sister’s children toured the gift shop wanting just about everything they saw. My children walked though and Sawyer literally said “I don’t need any of this stuff.” I was so proud. It tells me that we are doing a good job of modeling our behaviors and beliefs. If only more of the next generation could see us making the types of resolutions you’re making and see the beauty in them.
Personally to be surrounded with things that were no more than “stuff” was such a liberating experience.
Thank you for being the type of friend who supports what it is we are trying to do and teach. Can I admit that I wouldn’t mind a few MORE friends like you? Is that selfish?!
Happy 2012 my friend. It will be happy and prosperous.
You are doing an EXCELLENT job! And they can see it – but these pretty words on a ladybug background are only that – pretty words. It’s in the daily living, sharing, and welcoming others into our lives that we really make the difference, and that’s how we get more friends that are of like-mind. I don’t thing it’s selfish, I think its synergistic. Happy 2012 to you and your TEAM WONDERFUL (aka R,S, & B)!
I LOVE THIS!
I have already started simplifying and wanting less, learning to use what I have in more ways instead of buying something new. I do need to use that “take less” theme at the table!
THANK YOU! I really hope to “grow” into it this year. The WANT LESS is probably the hardest at the moment. I am working on continuing to break my addiction to consumerism. There are so many things we have that we can use, instead of just buying one more thing. The TAKE LESS is a funny one, to me, too. I can definitely apply that at the table
. It’s the small things that we do that ultimately have the greatest impact. Just because napkins are “free” do I need to take 5, use 3 and toss 2 when I am at a restaurant? So I’ll try to take 1 and use it up – and then if I need another, take another. 
Thanks Michelle and Toi for sharing your lives and changes with all of us. I have learned much and for myself 2012 is going to be a year of change, follow through, and commitments to myself. Its time to want less, save more, inspire others, and grow from within and give more to others. I was excited this past week to share your story of a healthier twist with family. You truly are real people, sharing real life, and making real changes… Thanks for allowing us to be a part of it!
We are so honored to be allowed to share with you … thank you for being on this journey with us!
My 2012 mantra: Live and eat below my means…live and eat within my needs.
The above is my 2012 twelve word mantra