So I love the end of the year, and subsequently the beginning of a new one. (It wasn’t always this way). Is there anyone else out there who feels the way I do?
I know it is maybe a little cliche, and I am fully aware of the many out there who might point out that this time of year should be no different from any other time of year. A time to maybe set some goals, a time to reflect on the year that past, a time to plan your triumph, and all too familiar for many, a time to fall short on some of those well-meaning goals we set for ourselves.
To them I say, they are all 100% right.
I was recently reminded of how each new second is a completely clean & brand new one, one that has never happened before. A simple thought for sure. There really is no time like right now to look around, count our blessings, and think critically about what is working for us and what is not. Why wait for a certain time of year?
As I get older, I realize that the start of each new year does represent certain things to me, and that the power that a clean slate brings is quite wonderful to embrace. I often choose a word or two that will represent what I’d like to focus on (I already have mine for the year).
3 years ago I was struggling with a deep dissatisfaction that I couldn’t put a finger on, I had a compulsion that was out of control and desires that could never be filled (I wrote about it here and here). It was insane and unreasonable, but all too true. Things needed to change.
Two years ago I knew changes were coming, and I was excited. The search had begun, and I had no idea how or when I would find my next project. I owe huge gratitude to those who helped bring it on!
One year ago I had started on the journey. It was exhilarating and completely terrifying all at the same time.
This year, more than ever before, I feel so thankful and hopeful for both this past year AND the coming year.
This year brought this blog, sharing good food with those who have less & a re-ignited connection to the food that fuels us. It also brought a super warm and satisfying connection with ALL OF YOU. Truly, it has been so much fun, so thank you to each and every one of you for making this year truly special! 
Whether you have commented, emailed, called, texted, spoken to me, (perhaps the best) passed me a sly comment at the dinner table about a recipe you’ve tried, or made a generous donation or volunteered your time, you’ve all made it a year to remember!
- What are your thoughts on creating goals for a New Year? Do you do it?
- Is there anything you accomplished in the past year that you are especially proud of?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, and best wishes to all for a safe & happy start to 2013! I owe you guys a cookie recipe I promised, but I am thinking that might have to wait until next Christmas….what do you think? Something more to look forward to is always a good thing!
Yours in Less,
Happy New Year! It’s fun to read about someone else who has a word or two for the year. Mine is surrender. I am not sure how it will play out, yet, but I guess that’s the point? I get to learn how to go with the flow and relax or something along those lines. I am not really looking forward to it, which is how I know it’s the perfect word for me! Here’s to life and growth. Cheers!
Wonderful, thank you for sharing that! One of the phrases a friend shared with me this past week really resonated – very much like surrender – is ‘lean into it’….like a surfer on a big wave. Amazing. Happy New Year!
You helped make my first vegan Thanksgiving possible. Thank you! And blessings to you in 2013.
Wow, thank you Shannon – I am so glad it was a success! Blessings to you and yours as well!
I have to join in the conversation with Shannon. Your cashew loaf (as you know) was our centerpiece. Nearly all my guests asked for the recipe. I sent a lot of email links around that night.
I am also looking forward very much to this new year, the first year of my retirement, with lots of new things to come!
Wonderful, congrats to you on your retirement Joan! XO
Congrats on all the change you have experienced and I wish for it to continue for you! I can’t believe you just started this blog in 2012, it has grown so fast! Congrats Shira!
Thank you Anna – and thank you for all of your support this past year! Here’s to a great year ahead for all!
Your posts never fail to inspire me – I love your perspective on life! I am not one for resolutions, however at the start of each New Year I create a Life List – there are two sides to my list; Long Term Goals & Short Term Goals; I think about what I want to accomplish this year along with goals that I would like to reach in the future – it can be 5, 10, 20 years away. Throughout the year I look forward to crossing off my goals for the year and I absolutely love looking back and reading the past lists and goals, it is fun to see how my long term goals change from year to year and what goals remain steadfast.
I for one can’t wait to read about your adventures in 2013!xo
Amazing Heather, this is an inspiring take on life planning for sure – thank you for sharing this!
Many thanks to you for all of your support this past year, Happy New Year! XO
Richa, thank you for sharing your story about living in Chicago – I had no idea! I hope 2013 IS the year of you after all you deserve it..and healing has to start with the self love that we all deserve. Wishing you all the best! XO
Yes, me too! Happy 2013 to you as well!
Thank you Michelle – you as well – here is to a fabulous year!
Thank you John, right back at you!
A fabulous resolution, I think I might just join you on that quest
Thank you for all of the support this past year!
Thanks Marina – happy New Year!
XO
Thank you Kristy! If you learn any new tricks on staying organized, dole them out will you?! I’d love to improve in that regard as well … BIG hugs to you too my friend! XO
YES! A great goal to run faster (though really that is no slouchy time girl) – I am with you on the cleanly…we could all do better I am certain! Hows it going so far?
Very good perspective – and best of luck to you on your upcoming blog adventures!
Thanks for sharing this Annie, and I wish you all the best in putting away all the pain that you had to endure this past year – you handled it all with such grace & honesty – it was a gift to share it with you along the way
Thank you for all of your wonderful support & kindness this past year as well – looking forward to another fantastic year! XO
Thank you for sharing this with us Janet – I had no idea you had to endure such a painful experience with your husband (I think I do remember you mentioned it at some point actually). Best to you and your loved ones for a great year and thank you for all of the support and kindness you shared with me – congrats also on your first year of successful blogging! XO
I love this Nick – thank you for sharing with us! I love when you take the time for long comments
Can’t wait for the blog news! If it involves self hosting we need to talk…. 
Best of luck on the upcoming move Heidi! Your farmhouse sounds idyllic and once again you have me pining for a slower life in the country..Happy New Year to you too, and thank you for all of your support this past year!
XO
Thank you LuAnn! And thank you to you for all of your support and encouragement
Blessings to you and yours!
Thank you Terri for sharing this, and I couldn’t agree with you more about carrying on mindfully – the new year offers a wonderful time to carry on with intent on whatever it is we desire to fulfill – Happy New Year!
Love the honest and generous sharing of good cheer! Best to all of us in 2013!
Shira, it’s been pure joy getting to know you. You’ve created a very special place here – and though the food you present is wonderful, and it’s front and center, I love that food isn’t All we find here. Yours is also a place of emotional and spiritual nourishment. It’s a place we come to for inspiration. You’re doing wonderful, valuable things with your life and it’s an honor and such a pleasure to call you Friend! Happy New year to you Shira m’ Deara! xxo
Dear Spree, Thank you thank you thank you! I’ve got to tell you you are one of the bright lights of my blogging life and I appreciate from the heart every single one of your comments. You have become a true friend and I feel blessed and lucky to know you
Thank you for this from the bottom of my heart, and happy new year to you as well! Many blessings for a truly amazing year! XO
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