Can you believe that it is almost the end of the first month in the new year- and I am just now getting around to sharing my reflections and goals post? Sometimes I am more on the ball and get it up the first week of January- and others? Well, a bit later in the month.
A new year is a fresh start – lots of blank pages and a new book of adventures waiting to happen. The change of the year is a perfect time to focus or re-focus energy on your goals and dreams. It is also a time to look back at the year that was and reflect.
2021 Reflections
I have shared this tidbit that my daughters favorite teacher Coral would say when there was a hiccup for her 1st grade students before- but it is worth talking about again.
She would say ‘This is just a pebble in your path.’
I have thought about that so many times when it comes to times that feel like a slower road or ones that are a bit more ‘pebbly’ than usual. I think that Coral might say the past 2 years have looked more like a boulder in the path. But as I look back at the year that was every year- I try to look for the bright and good. Which can admittedly be harder sometimes.
I know I am not alone in feeling like 2020 just kept on going in some ways last year through 2021. I know so many of you have shared feeling overwhelmed emotionally and mentally tired at times the past couple of years- and I hear you. But you know what? 2021 as rocky as it was in some ways, brought a lot of good too.
Grateful
Every year I marvel at how much this blog and little place on the internet has once again supported me in many ways. For those of you who are new here- I started this blog when I was at a place where I was struggling. And it has been a blessing to me in so many ways. It created a place to focus my creative energy, find myself and help me navigate some of life harder changes. It is such a blessing to be able to do what I love and also gives me a place to connect with you and hopefully bring some sunshine to you as well.
2021 Projects – Looking back
With overseas travel on hold most of the year again, we focused on creating inspirations and ‘destinations’ to get away to right in our own backyard.
Some of my favorites? We added the potting shed and English cottage garden and enjoyed summer dinners in the greenhouse garden.
The courtyard patio project behind the cottage is where we hosted Christmas in July- also we tackled those antique pieces of furniture we found on marketplace and after treating them for beetles- left them with their ‘raw’ finish.
Engagements & a Baby
My oldest son and his fiancé Katt moved back to the area last year. Ryan had moved out of the area and then out of California years ago so it has been such a treat to have him close to home again.
My son Cullan and his girlfriend Diem got engaged in Hawaii. They are planning an elopement & also a traditional Vietnamese ceremony this year and we are looking forward to officially making Diem a part of our family very soon.
You might remember that my daughter and her fiancé got engaged last year and they came home & stayed in the cottage in summer for a few weeks – which was so much fun. Ansley also started officially working with me which is not only fun – it is such a treat to be able to work with her.
And 2021 brought becoming grandparents. I started my family when when I was quite young -and knew that becoming a ‘young’ grandmother was a possibility but had no idea how much it would change everything and how fun it would it be. Little Juliette joined our family in May and she is an absolute treasure.
We took Sweet Pea on lots of walks, let the goats wander in the yard and enjoyed our silkie chickens. As you probably know if you have any pets- spending time holding our furry friends brings all kinds of wonderful to the day.
Opportunities & Possibilities
Every year I start out feeling excited about what the year can be and the opportunities to achieve dreams and all the new possibilities it brings. I am hopeful that plans for travel, adventures, gatherings, etc. might get back on the right track for everyone in 2022 again.
Personal goals and work goals: I find I connect more with things when I write them down by hand. So I am over here with a pencil in hand writing down dreams & steps to work towards them- even if some are baby steps. Being more intentional with time and finding that balance in work and play is a focus this year and am excited to be starting on some bigger creative projects that I will share more about here and there as well.
Connections: I would love to invite you to join the groups on Facebook that we recently created. Our French Country Cottage Facebook group for Christmas and holiday all year long and we just opened a French Country Cottage Everyday decorating group -which is a place for sharing your designs, asking questions and connecting with others who love home and decor. Please come join if it feels like a good fit for you – would love to have you!
What about you? Do you look back at the year that was and also set some intentions & goals and dreams about the possibilities? I would love to hear what you are grateful for and what you dream about for the new year. Whatever is on your heart – I hope that you find what you would like to this year.
Of course there is much more to chat about but I will save some for another post- this one is rambling a bit already.
I hope that it is a year full of health, opportunities and dreams coming true for all. Here is to welcoming 2022 and an AMAZING year ahead. I am so excited for the possibilities and wonderful adventures just waiting to happen.
Coming your Way
See you tomorrow for the next post in our Slow Living Series and how to create a home that nurtures you.
Diana says
Thank you Cortney, Interesting take and I really liked theSlow living series. I’m sick of ” hurry Up and Wait” life. Moving forward I’m going to try and take in all the little things. We will see 🙂
franki Parde says
Your writing AND PHOTOS are how I “start up” my day!! A deep breath and…away we go!! franki
Kym Morello says
Me too, Franki! It feels so much better than scrolling the latest headlines or Facebook! And you walk away with your heart filled with beauty!
Michelle says
Hi Courtney! I am grateful for YOU! Your posts are truly a gift and a blessing to me always (even when I don’t comment). You are such a magical person from your soul to your talents! You have a beautiful heart and it’s such a treat to hear what’s on your mind. Sharing your decorating ideas and resources has helped me tremendously to achieve my English/French Cottage home in a way that makes me smile! Thank you! 😊
Renae says
Great post. Isn bei a grandparent the best Gift ever? Blessings to you.
Kelly Simmons says
Sending you so much love and gratitude.
Jody B says
Hi Courtney, My mornings begin quietly, then onto smails, etc. I am thankful my mornings are SLOW, PRE-RETIREMENT found me running constantly, crazy work hours and trying to get some “normal” on the homefront.
I am grateful for each day, realizing each is a gift some do not have. Slowing down is not something only geared for us retired, but for everyone.in the craziness of today’s world, all of us need to take time, breath in the goodness of nature, spend quality time with family and be thankful for all we have.
thank you for your blog, sharing your home and family. your home is so beautiful. Looking forward to the new facebook groups and more on your blog.
Aussie Jo says
Oh how I like yoiur posts
PARSIMONIOUS DéCOR DARLING says
Congratulations on the little one! How exciting that must be. Thank you for continuing to share and inspire. Happiest 2022 to you!