This year I want to pick a word each month to focus on. A word that falls within my goals for the year. I think having one to focus on each month will serve as a good reminder, and allow me to be more intentional with each goal. I so easily and often overload myself with things I want to do, but that is not how real change happens. It takes time and practice, two things my monthly focus will give me.

For January, I feel the best word to start with is SIMPLIFY. One of my biggest goals this year is to finally be a minimalist, or at least as minimalist as I can be. I want to declutter. I have accumulated so much stuff over the years that I just don’t need, a good portion of which was given to me, so I feel a sense of guilt for no longer wanting it. I am working on getting passed these feelings though. Items in your home should not cause more stress than joy.

I have started the clean out process and feel so motivated by it. Thinking of the end result, an organized house through every room, closet, and cupboard, brings me so much excitement. Not only will getting rid of unneeded/unwanted items be a physical weight gone, but it will also be such a mental weight lifted. With less clutter and items to make a mess with, there will be less stress of having to clean, and find or make up homes for things. Less stress cleaning means more time with my family actually enjoying our house.

It is my intention to have all parts of my house decluttered by the end of January. I think that will be a great set up for the rest of the year. What better way to start than with a fresh and clean house? There will be a lot of trips to the Goodwill and posts on my Poshmark over the next few weeks, but I am ready for it!

Follow along for progress and for next month’s word.

Happy January!