Happy New Year! For many personal reasons, 2016 was a blessing. Jared and I grew in our marriage, and our little family spent wonderful time together and with family and friends. But, I am ready for this new year, as is much of the world, I daresay.

I came across this blessing for the New Year through a friend of mine:

“The clouds above us join and separate,
The breeze in the courtyard leaves and returns.
Life is like that, so why not relax?
Who can stop us from celebrating?” – Lao Tsu

Isn’t is perfect?

Yes,  I love the fresh start feeling and the return to simplicity after the abundance of the holidays. This year, I’m focusing on three (very hygge, if I do say so myself) things: simplicity; authenticity; connection.

It’s going to be a year of buying less but investing more in friendships and family time, a year of doing fewer things but devoting time and energy to the things that truly bring me (us) joy and meaning,  a year of unplugging more from the digital world  but connecting  with others in real time.

We celebrated New Year’s Eve by sharing a dark beer with friends and then making some shrimp, pouring some bubbly, and toasting with the people we love. The evening was not glamorous, and we fell asleep far before midnight, but it was cozy and perfect nonetheless.

We kicked off the New Year, hygge style. We got up early and took a family hike at Lapham Peak. The sun was shining, and we tromped around outside for a few hours before tucking into a pub we happened onto on the way home.

In the afternoon, we put out some simple snacks – almonds, grapefruit, and homemade popcorn seasoned with applewood smoked salt and a bright, lemony citrus cake – and invited our neighbors over for some games and wine and cheer.

2017, I’ve got a good feeling about you.