Happy #thinkingoutloud Thursday! No idea what I’m going on about? Click here!
1. Happy, happy New Year‘s Eve!! ? Who’s got big plans for ringing in 2016 tonight? I haven’t done any crazy NYE partying in a good handful of years, but I’m hoping to head downtown to watch the fireworks if it’s not too cold out (should be -12ºC/10ºF?). I just need to make sure I’m out of the house by 8pm so that I don’t fall asleep on the couch at 10 and wake up at 12:05… which may or may not have happened on a few occasions in the past ? Other than that, I’ll probably spend most of the day deep cleaning my home (#cleanslate) and really ironing out what I want to focus on in the upcoming year. I’m not a huge fan of resolutions since I don’t think you need a new calendar to start making positive changes (you can do that any SECOND), but there are definitely some [work, blog, life, fitness] things I want to see happen in 2016, so I want to finalize my plan of action for those… and when I actually finish doing that, I’ll share more deets ?
2. One thing I have figured out for next year is my One Word. Have you heard of it? It’s where, instead of making resolutions, you choose one word to be the main inspiration and driving force behind all your thoughts and actions. You envision the kind of person you want to become, or the kind of life you want to live, and try to figure out the main trait or attitude that will get you there. I couldn’t decide between two words, so I cheated and went with both ? The first one is:
There’s so much hate and negativity in the world — I want to do my best to contribute as little as possible. And I say “as little as possible” because I’m only human and prone to the occasional bad attitude, but I do want to make a conscious effort to approach every person and every situation with kindness. And this includes myself as well. I’m sure we all know how much easier it is to be kinder to others than it is to be kind to ourselves; and how easy it is to say things to ourselves that we would never even dream of saying to our friends. That sh*t needs to stop.
3. Word #2 is:
This all comes down to the whole idea that “the happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have.” I started consciously practicing gratitude a few years back, and it completely changed my outlook on life, and in turn, my level of happiness. Expectations can lead to disappointments, and constantly focusing on our “have-nots” can make us completely overlook our “haves.” It only takes a couple of minutes every day to think up and write down a blessing or two, and while it might seem a little gimmicky and forced at first, I promise that it makes a huge difference in the long run. I definitely haven’t always been Ms. Positivity, but after making more of an effort to consciously practice gratitude, I can honestly say that it’s gotten to the point where I naturally gravitate towards seeing the good in things rather than the bad. Unless I’m extremely tired or hungry. Then the world feels like it’s falling apart around me ?
4. On that note, allow me to introduce you to my handy dandy 2016 gratitude journal…
It’s actually just the perpetual calendar that came with my Erin Condren Life Planner, but I’ve repurposed it as a gratitude journal because: a) it conveniently has one small line for each day of the year, meaning there’s no pressure to sit down and write a tonne, b) you see just how much you have to be grateful for when the pages start to fill up, and c) I couldn’t figure out what else to do with the extra little thing that came with my beloved planner. Interested in getting your own? Check out my 2016 ECLP review!
5. So let’s talk blogging goals. Or blogging direction, I guess. Basically, where Spoons is going in 2016 ? On the surface, not a lot will change. I… NOPE. Hold up. I lied. On the surface, a lot will change. I know I’ve tossed around the idea of a redesign before, but what held me back was not really knowing what I wanted and not knowing what designer I wanted to go with. Well, I’ve finally found one that I feel really comfortable with, so now it’s just a matter of playing the waiting game. Hopefully we’ll see things moving along in that area in the earlier part of the year!
6.Content wise, not a lot will change. I feel like I’m in a pretty good place right now as far as my posting schedule goes, so I really just want to keep the ball rolling by pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and improve a little bit each day, whether that be through my photography, styling, networking, vlogging (!!!), social media-ing, etc. That means another year of healthy recipes with [hopefully] a little more personal stuff on the side.
7. Oh, and I may or may not be working on a very exciting project that I seriously can’t WAIT to tell you guys about, but mum’s gotta be the word for now ? As soon as I get all the details nailed down, you better believe I’ll be telling you all about it!
8. And I think that’s that! I normally try to keep these ToL posts on the shorter side, but there was a lot that I wanted to talk to you guys about before the New Year, and no other time to really do it (if you made it this far, you’re a champion). This’ll probably be my last post of 2015 (omg! ?), so I hope you guys have an amazing NYE (stay safe!!), and I’ll see your friendly faces next year from this place right here…
No questions… just tell me whatever comes to your mind! 😀
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Wow, I really like the idea of one word. I think my word would be “Passion” – to continue to pursue my passion and live a passionate life. I watched a video the other day talking about how you should be passionate about everything you do – even the dishes 🙂
Passion is an awesome one! And it attracts such good energy as well. Happy New Year, Jessie!
I can’t wait to hear about your side project. I totally love the idea of “one word.” I’m not a big believer in resolutions because it portrays the thought that we are inadequate as we are and have to change so much about our lifestyles to try to become perfect. I like setting goals, and I really like having a word to remind you of your intentions. I hope you have fun at your fireworks tonight!
Yes! Love that way of thinking about resolutions. We should do things to improve because we deserve it — not because we think we’re inadequate without it. Happy New Year, Sarah!
Happy New Year! 🙂 Cant wait to see what’s happening for the blog in 2016!
Thanks, Heather! Happy New Year to you as well!
You picked 2 great words for 2016 and what a great idea! I think that is a much better idea than resolutions that get forgotten
I did it last year as well and really loved it. Happy New Year, Rachael!
A very exciting project, eh?? Tease. haha I love that you picked “kindness.” That’s a great one. I want this to be the year I give back more. We don’t have much $ to spread, especially since today was my last day with the company. Good bye paychecks! (Eeeeek!) But there are so many other ways to give, and the easiest one is just giving a smile.
Genuinely smiling at a stranger is such a great way to make someone’s day. Happy New Year, Tiff! I hope 2016 is an amazing one for you and your family.
Love your words for the new year. I think that is such a great idea to focus on one aspect of your life and set with intentions. You chose strong words as well! I’m a huge believe in gratitude.
Thank you for sharing your life with us here on the blog! It has been such a pleasure to watch you grow and thrive in 2015, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for you as we enter 2016! Happy New Year, Amanda!
Thanks so much, Julia <3 I hope to share a little bit more in 2016, and you've been a big inspiration in that with how open you are on your own blog. Wishing you all the best in 2016!
Happy NYE! Thanks for always hosting a great link up and for posting amazing, healthy recipes for us 🙂 On your review, I’m ordering an EC life planner as soon possible – the site was giving me fits last night! And the gratitude journal was a resolution for last year that never got off the ground – oops! New Year, right?? 🙂 Love your One Word resolution -I think mine will be Peace. In my heart, in my family, in my life.
Happy New Year!
Peace is beautiful, Brandi! Wishing you all that and MORE in 2016 😀
I am also going to start a gratitude journal next year. This is my only goal for 2016. For 365 days I will write down three things I am grateful for. I am hoping to change my outlook on life by this time next year. I need this because 2015 ended in such a negative way for me. I just feel like there is a grey cloud and I need for it to go away. So tomorrow begins my new outlook on life!
That’s a really wonderful goal, Daisy, and I really hope that it does for you what it did for me, because it really did make a huge difference. Wishing you all the best for 2016!!
Thanks for the reminder about ONE WORD. I do it every year. Last year, it was Believe. This year, I picked Gratitude. Great minds think alike.
I’m going to dinner & a movie and then home to watch TV til midnight. Have a race tomorrow but not until noon.
Happy New Year! Love your blog!
Great choice, Darlene 😉 Happy New Year! And I hope your race went well!
Happy New Years Amanda! I love the two words you chose for 2016. We could all use a little more kindess & gratitude in our lives.
Happy New Year, Jen!
No plans for me this NYE. I don’t really care about staying up until midnight so it’s a night to just relax and unwind. I’m not big on resolutions or goals just because I forget I made them and it ends up being pointless. I hate that added pressure and just like to live without too many self-imposed expectations. I do like the idea of a word though. I’ve seen others do the same thing and I think it’s more powerful than any resolutions about “eating healthier” or “doing x thing every single day.” Happy New Year!
Staying in is actually the way I prefer to ring in the new year as well, especially if good friends and board games are involved. But what can ya do 😆 Happy New Year, Sarah!
My best friend is in town for NYE but neither of us were wanting to be social, so we have a pajama party planned. Just her and I, my husband and her boyfriend. I can’t wait! There’s also a solid possibility that I will fall asleep before midnight, but that’s ok! Can’t wait to see what 2016 brings, but I love your focus on kindness and gratitude. I think that is something ALL of us could benefit from!
That actually sounds like a perfect NYE, Sarah! Staying in is my favourite as well. Happy New Year!
I love the one word thing. It seems much more conducive to helping live the whole life you want and not just targeting one area. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too, Ellen!
I’m alllll about that one word thing. I also love the idea of vlogging, DOOO IT. I want to do some too it’s fun, but I have no video skillzzz.
You probably have more than I do! And your post-dentist one was hilarious 😉 Happy New Year, Britt!
Seeing the fireworks in NYC sounds like a lot of fun! I’ve always wanted to experience NYC during the holiday season. I love the One Word idea as I too am not a huge fan of resolutions and would rather start right away working towards a goal instead of waiting for a specific calendar day. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Alyssa!
Happy New Year’s Eve Amanda!
Here’s hoping you get to catch the fireworks tonight!
I love the whole focusing on a word dealio – and your two are two of my favs! Whenever my daughter and I get stuck in bad traffic (Atlanta is notorious for it) we play the “Three Things” game where we share three things at that very moment that we are grateful for – somehow that ends up making the traffic not too bad after all!
Happy 2016 – I cannot wait to see what you have in store! xoxo
Ohhhh you’re a saint, Shashi! Traffic is something I struggle with BIG time. Happy New Year to you and your daughter!!
Wow, I love the word gratitude. The blog is such a wonderful way to sit down and just journal God’s faithfulness. It causes me to stop and think about all God’s many blessings and lessons. And I would LOVE to see Vlogs from you! :)))
Eeee! I would love to do them! Hopefully I can figure it all out in this year. Happy New Year, Emily!
Focusing on a single word (or two :)) is a wonderful notion. It can be so easy to get overwhelmed with lists and pages of goals and hopes… but one single word can envelope all the same thoughts in a much more grounded way. Gratitude journal is something I have tried but often fall off the wagon – I’d like to give it another go though. Thanks for the inspiration. Can’t wait to continue reading your posts and I’m excited for whatever projects that may be coming around the corner. Happy New Years Amanda!!
Happy New Year to you as well, Cora! If you have trouble keeping up with a gratitude journal, try keeping it short and simple. Just a sentence or two a day. Nothing too elaborate and overwhelming.
I loooooove the idea of One Word. Definietly need to think something up for myself!! As for next year, I’m so excited to see what you’ve got planned!! You know I’m sticking around 😉
I hope so <3 Happy New Year, love!! 😀
I would love to be in NYC when the fireworks go off! However, I usually don’t do much for New Years eve I am not one for parties and lately I love curling up on my couch and reading. I like the idea of having single words for a new years resolution and I have already picked mine out – Strength. Happy New Years Eve!
XO
Happy New Year, Katerina!
Happy New Years!! I love the two words you chose. I really need to sit down and think about my goals for the new year. I feel like I’ve just been hanging on and ant to nail down a routine and make some changes. This past year taught me a lot about myself, but I also didn’t feel like myself for a bit of it (hello being pregnant!) I’m ready for a new year and changing focuses a bit.
To be completely honest, I was totally over 2015 as well. Here’s to 2016 being an amazing one for both of us 😀 Happy New Year, Heather!
You have some great goals for 2016! I really like the one-word thing and might use it. I also need to refine some of my goals today.
My 2015 blog goal was a redesign and it helped so much. I’m excited to see what you will do!
It’s so nice to have a space that feels/looks the way you want it, eh?! Happy New Year, Julie!
I really like that idea of choosing one word to live 2016 by! I think I might have to try it!
I did it last year too and definitely recommend it! Happy New Year, Hilary!
Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing what 2016 brings for your blog:)
Happy New Year, Lisa!
New years just feel so exciting adn full of purpose! I agree that you don’t need a whole new year to start something new, but I think in general, with millions of people also trying to start a new, it makes new goals more exciting and you have some support! Anyway, I hope you have a great New Year’s Eve (stay warm!) regardless of what you end up doing!
You’re totally right about it being nice to have everyone on the same page with goals and what not. I always get a warm and fuzzy “fresh start” feeling, which I totally love. Happy New Year, Morgan!!
Happy New Year to you! I’m excited to hear what you have happening behind the scenes! I was finally able to share my “secret” project the other day (a new website with daily journaling prompts – dailyaspire.com) and it just felt so freeing to finally be able to share. Now it launches TOMORROW and I’m a nervous wreck (which includes a boat load of excitement). Cheers to 2016 and all that it will bring us! 🙂
That’s such an amazing project, Katie! Love the idea of journaling prompts, especially on those days where it’s hard to think of something to write. Happy New Year!
I haven’t gone out on NYE in a few years. It’s just too many people and TOO cold! I have been trying to think of my one word for a couple weeks now but nothing in particular has stuck out at me. I may have to borrow one of yours!
By all means! Happy New Year, Megan!
I still don’t what I am doing tonight, oh well! Anyways have a happy new year and see ya in 2016 😉
Happy New Year, Rachel! Wishing you all the best 🙂
Festivities have started here already so wish me luck to make it through the next 2 days! Excited for your redesign! I have that sort of thing on my mind but no real plans or solid ideas yet.
That was me for -so- long. Sometimes you just need someone to talk you into it 😉 Happy New Year, Michele!
I think of my blog as a gratitude journal in many ways (I know that our blogs are quite different, though, with regards to their their structure). Any way that we can engender a more kind and grateful world is a go for me!
Very excited to see what you come up with for your redesign and your new project! I’ve no doubt that it will bring the blogging world to its knees and make it beg for mercy 😀
As for New Years, we are going to DC to visit with Alex’s family. That means crutching through airports and staying in a split level house… ruh roh! Happy New Year, Amanda!
Pft. Airports and stairs got nothing on you. Wishing you all the best in 2016, Susie!
I think the gratitude journal is a great idea especially because everyone can do it with whatever resource they have! I’m so excited to see the redesign and everything you have in store for this next year! I would love love some vlogs!
Thanks, Margaret! Happy New Year’s!!
I hope that last picture means you’ll be going to the mountains this weekend for a little R&R. I love the one word thing and I can really get down with kindness, especially towards yourself which can mean pushing yourself to do better, yet also adjusting your expectations when necessary. It also means scheduling in Spoons self care time which shouldn’t involve any work. The more you practice that one, the easier it becomes to relax and truly enjoy it. 🙂
I like the idea of using the perpetual calendar as a gratitude list instead. I think I’ll do that with mine.
The Hubby and I have reservations tonight at 9 p.m. at new/old restaurant we’ve been wanting to try. It should be fun….if I get out of work in time. Also no promises on whether I’ll make it to midnight. 🙂
I was happy to see you made it 😉 And you should totally do that with yours (which I hope shipped out by now!). I didn’t end up using mine last year, so it’ll be nice to put this one to good use. Especially since it’s basically always with me.
I’ve been doing a word for quite a few yrs now . . . that’s tomorrow’s post. 🙂
I don’t even try to stay up to midnight! My poor husband (although he rarely does anymore either because he figures what’s the point if you’re alone). Also I do a race New Year’s Day (doesn’t start til noon thankfully) & Chester gets me up at all hours of the night anyway.
Here’s to a healthy, happy new year.
Happy New Year, Judy! I hope you had a great race.
I never really do much on New Year’s Eve, but fireworks sound fun! Fingers crossed that you don’t fall asleep! 🙂
Have a great day, and thank you for your happy and positive and yummy blog! 🙂
Thank you for your sweet words, Courtney! Happy New Year’s 😀
Oh gosh I hear you on the falling asleep to early thing. A constant struggle. For sure I’ll have a nap later to make sure I’ll make it past midnight 😛
I love that you chose kindness as one of your words – and cheating is totally acceptable in this case 😉 Especially focusing on yourself as well as on others. It’s so important to be kind to yourself as well. And easier said than done.
Happy New Year to you! I am excited to see all the changes and reading of your new project.
Happy New Year, Juli! Wishing you all the best in 2016 <3
Normally I’m doing exactly the same thing as you on New Year Eve Amanda, falling asleep on the couch at 10 and waking up at 12.05! It’s Lynne that manages to stay up all night.
This year, though we’re in a cottage in the Scottish highlands, with friends, so hopefully it’ll be all nice and snowy, like in your snow boarding pictures and I’ll actually want to stay awake! 😀
Have a fantastic New Year. I’m looking forward to all that Spoons brings us in 2016. And thanks as always for this wonderful opportunity to share our own blog posts in your weekly thinking out loud. 😀
That sounds like an absolutely perfect way to ring in the New Year, Neil! I hope it was a great one for you! Wishing you all the best in 2016 🙂