When you address the first question, ask yourself, "What did you make happen?" It can big or small. "What did you do that made you feel fulfilled?" We can be very critical in our self-talk. Telling ourselves that we have not accomplished enough. There is no time for that way of thinking in this exercise. "What made you feel happy this past year?" Focus on the answer to that question.

For me, the answer came quickly for it was the year that I finally purchased my house in France. One of my answers from last year allowed me to let go of purchasing a grand property with multiple investors. Not being able to bring that goal to fruition despite years of trying and a global pandemic, allowed me to rethink a new plan. The decision to buy something small and scale back my business plan to something more manageable is proving to be a wise one. I’d be lying if I said I don’t think about those properties that held the possibility of a grand art studio. But I feel I’m on the right path. Besides, The Little House at Glandines grows on me every day, despite the fact that we keep taking her apart.

I’ll carry this project into the New Year with a sense of possibility and optimism. The goal is to create a space that is filled with warmth and creativity. You can follow our progress on our YouTube channel as Tim and I document the renovation - or is it restoration? We still haven’t decided.

What did I learn this year? Oh my goodness. My head is a whirl when considering this question. Hand tools, ways of supporting stone walls, or refinishing floorboards are quick to come to the front of my mind. But those things came late in the year.

What mistakes did I make that have something to teach me before October? With a bit of distance, we can often find an answer to that question. What didn’t go as well for me this past year was embracing a bit of faith that everything works out for the best. As a self-employed individual, I have a bit of anxiety over the monthly budget. I pour over my ledger and let out a heavy sigh sometimes. But you know what? It always works out. What you think might happen often doesn't and then you worry over nothing. I make this mistake often. This year, I'm going to find a better balance between being proactive and letting go of things outside my control. Worry never serves us well.

One commitment I made last year that has served me well is to live simply. If I keep my monthly expenses small, I find I can live comfortably. I’m fortunate that fancy meals in fancy restaurants wearing fancy things is not . . . well . . . my thing. I am content foraging for color in the nearby countryside. I have enough fiber and yarn to keep me spinning and knitting for a very long time. I’m good at repurposing things I have into things I desire. Throw in good health and a loving family, and it all comes together to create a happy life. I'm very grateful.

Still, I do desire a lot of things these days. I have a house to restore and my "wish list" is filled with "needs" such as a refrigerator, heating, and yes . . . for those who watch our YouTube videos . . . an expensive Esse cookstove. That last one is pretty fancy. But I learned that I can solve most problems with a bit of flexibility. Those issues I cannot solve will somehow lead to a more manageable outcome.

Embrace it. Do your best. And let the rest go. Great advice as we begin our new year.

Last question: "What are you willing to let go of?" This is an easy one for me. I love to declutter externally and internally. Each year, I reflect on projects that aren’t working. Sometimes it’s something small like a shawl I have been knitting for years. I hate the pattern. So I decided this year to make it a scarf and with the help of my daughter’s talent in the knitting department, we figured out the pattern and I have found that with a bit of practice I can read a chart. Old dog. New tricks. I let go of having this project be one particular way.

You can do this will larger commitments. Ask yourself, "What doesn’t fit with your goals anymore? What doesn’t serve you?" When you come to a conclusion, snip and let it go.

This works for feelings as well. "What stories are no longer serving you? What guilt or anger are you hanging on to that needs to be given the boot along with the old year?" Review your year and let go of the clutter. My big answer to this question this year is to let go of much of my personal collection of vintage things. I have way too much for this little house and I’m ok parting with objects I love so that others can embrace them and create a new story for their home.

One such recent object I packed for its new home was a set of small French copper molds. I adored them. The entire time I was lovingly wrapping them for their new owner, I thought, “It’s ok. You are going to lovely people in a lovely new space. Thank you for helping me with our restoration project.”

Give thanks and let it go.

For this New Year, peace, purpose, and productivity are my words to guide my thoughts and actions. I will focus on my important tasks for 2022: Creating a home, growing a business, and caring for close relationships. Small goals include improving my French and finding ways to serve our tiny community. They have welcomed us with open arms this past year. Surely I have a gift I can give.

Lastly, let go of the old vision of productivity. It's no longer about completing more tasks. It is about doing the most important things well. Be clear in your actions. Practice gratitude. Embrace peace and purpose in your everyday life.
 

For this New Year, invest your time and talents
in what you decide is life’s most important work.

À bientôt mon amie,
Karen 🇫🇷