I must admit, I feel like I’ve gotten off to a slow start around here. The funny thing is, I’ve actually been super busy with projects behind the scenes and I just haven’t had the chance to photograph and blog about them. But don’t worry, this week I’m finally getting my groove back and on a normal schedule.
I’ve sat down to write this post several times over the past few weeks. It’s been more difficult for me to write than I expected and I just can’t seem to put everything into words… for once.
I’m not really one to make New Year’s Resolutions but I have really enjoyed taking part in picking a word for the year. For some reason they really seem to stick and help me focus through the year. Last year, my word was FINISH, it was the motivation I needed to help finish all the remodel jobs on our old house and stay focused on finishing each project before I started a new one. I guess it worked because I finished all our ongoing projects and we sold our house in July!
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my ‘word of the year’ this year. I really wanted it to be something that reflects how I’m feeling about this year. This year we are finally in a new home that we bought together, as a family, as one. This year is all about making our house a home, building more memories with our kids, exploring nature, getting used to living in the country and getting to know our new community. In a way, I feel like this year is one big fresh start. I feel settled. I am more relaxed than ever, happier than ever and I’m ready to start stretching myself as a person and professionally.
My word for 2015 is GIVE.
Most importantly, I want to GIVE more time to helping others. Whether it be bringing meals to friends and families during hard times, donating items to the homeless shelters or volunteering. I really want to work on showing my kids the importance of giving more to others.
I want to give back through my business. When I first started blogging it was a mere hobby and somehow or another it has now turned into a full time job. It has been an absolute dream come true, it’s still hard for me to believe. Now that I’ve gotten to this point, I want to use this platform to give back. I’m not exactly sure what that means right now, but it’s been something heavy on my heart over the past few months and something I’ve been trying to brainstorm.
I know this may sound silly, but I want to be more thoughtful with gift giving. I want to take more time to pick out meaningful gifts and also give spontaneous ones. This all goes with wanting to show my friends and family how much I care about them more often. Life is precious and way too short and I want the people close to me to feel loved.
And lastly, as a mom. I am realizing more and more how we all just need to give ourselves a break sometimes. The mom guilt is real. And I think we are all too hard on ourselves. I love that quote going around Facebook that says, “Behind Every Good Kid Is A Parent Who Thinks They are Screwing It All Up”. That is how I feel a lot of the time with a 3 and 1 year old. So moms, join me on this one and cut yourself some slack. It’s ok if you didn’t do all the dishes, or make all the beds or if you still have piles of laundry to fold.
I’m really excited about this year. The past few years will be tough to beat with our first baby in 2011, second baby in 2013, and moving into our dream home in 2014, and in 2015…. I truly believe the best is yet to come.
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
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