2010 was exciting, filled with goodness, new friendships and many surprises. I learned to shoot high and expect good things…and not be a scaredy cat about it all, ha haaa. Like any full year, it also had its share of challenges. The challenges presented to me, although at times uncomfortable, were beautiful in the sense that they grew a strength inside of me that I didn’t know I had. And for that I’m thankful. I feel a little wiser. And far happier and more relaxed.
Looking ahead, I have to say I feel good about 2011.
When I sat down to make a few notes about the new year, something different happened. Words started popping in my head. Positive words. Words such as these guide positive thoughts which we all know leads to positive action. Oddly enough, all of my words started with the same letter. I didn’t label my new year thoughts “resolutions” because it felt too conforming this time…and one of my freeing thoughts from last year is that it’s okay to not conform. A little bit of rebellion here and there keeps the blood flowing.
Here are a few of my words for 2011. These are listed in no particular order.
1. Positive.
No double about it, this will be the YES year. I’m already feeling it!
2. Playful.
Somewhere along the way I learned to forget taking things too seriously and just have fun. It’s an approach I plan to do a lot more of this year.
3. Preppy.
I’m feeling a preppy vibe for this year. Stripes, plaids, girly pieces. Oh ya.
I love the idea of reducing the content inside my closet and working with classic pieces that I already have. I plan to buy less and enjoy the things I already have more. That idea intrigues me. A lot.
You may know I’m weak in the knees for wearing ties. Weird? Maybe. But I’ve built up quite a collection and plan to wear more of them this year.
I love nothing more than white with a good pair of jeans. Yes, basic CAN be beautiful.
4. Progress.
Perfectionism can be a grim reeper that sometimes tries to cast its dark shadow into certain areas of our lives. It’s okay when you give it boundaries. After learning a few times the hard way, I now allow perfection to have a place in certain situations [hello organized sock drawer], but do not allow it to be an uninvited guest in day to day life. A while back, I came up with an effective saying and it’s now my MOTTO:
“Progress over Perfection.”
Way healthier. And far more compatible with point # 2.
5. Prayerful. Patient. Peaceful.
I put these three words together because each one leads to the next. And I need to be better about practicing patience because I can easily get caught up in the maddening pace of day to day life. This year I’m committed to honoring a regular quiet time to focus my thoughts on gratitude and all things authentic. Helps keep the right perspective.
6. Paris.
It’s a dream so I may as well write it down, right?! I might add that it’s a big anniversary year for Peter and me. Hmmm, we’ll see where this idea goes…
[photo sources 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5]
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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What a lovely motto! “Progress over perfection”. Not to get caught up in the tiny details if and when they overshadow bigger goals.
I think everyone is looking at 2011 as being a much better year than last year – me included. I love that all the words began with the same letter. I may take on some of your positive words to help me this year.
Happy New Year Seleta.
a happy new year hug to you and your list!
please pop over today for a special hug….
pve
Progress over Perfection….. I love it! Perfect saying for me…. I get so caught up in the details that sometimes I get nowhere! Thanks for sharing!
Happy New Year to you!
Jennifer
What a beautiful, inspirational post, Seleta! Here’s to a most blessed and inspired 2011.
Jill
Agree with the above progress over perfection…can I add paint to the “P” list?? As in pick a paint?? Chat soon.
I have a feeling it’s going to be an incredible year for you… and the rest of us too! Happy New Year, Seleta!
P.S. I really hope you make it to Paris!
I think these are great goals for 2011 – very inspiring! Happy New Year!
looks like we have similar lists although paris is not on mine, but I am thinking it should be :) Looks like we will be going to disney this year. would love some tips!
Seleta, You are positively off to a great start! Happy New Year! We are trying to promote think happy be happy in our home :) I love Paris!!!! It is 20 years for husband and me this year <3 ,we could use a sweet little get a way too.
Seleta, I love your words for 2011. They are spot on to how I am feeling these days. 2011 will be a big year for our family and these thoughts were so much appreciated. Happy New Year!
seleta, i love your motto!! it is so easy to get caught up in perfectionism. i’m guilty. this is the perfect reminder for me. happy new year! pam
Beautifully written.
Love this list. I look forward to rooting you on.
jbhat
ah, love your list. thanks for sharing. you’ve already started your year in a special way. xo
Great perspectives! Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing your list. I share a lot of your feelings for the new year. I have a pile of fabulous vintage things that I need to have altered and that will be my “new” wardrobe.
You are beautiful inside and out…so refreshing! Blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
The good part about a new year is, that we can have a fresh start every January 1,
and we always have good intentions to keep the resolutions – well, at least for a while
anyway. I hope you do get to go to Paris, it’s such a lovely city, you’d enjoy it tremendously.
Catching up after a week away from all things wired. Loving your list….in fact, I think it’s Perfect and Prompting.
Here’s to making progress on your list….especially that trip to Paris!
Happy 2011!! xo Elizabeth
Love your attitude for this next year!
I don’t know if the hotel in that picture really exists in Paris – but if so.. please pass the information along… l-o-v-e.
happy 2011!
xo,
Beth
Beautifully written, postitive and inspirational, Seleta! What a great way to start out 2011! I zeroed in a positive, playful and Paris! I am often guilty of taking things too seriously so I am taking note of “playful” and attempting to be more that way. Your post was perfect for me in many ways. My husband and I also were just talking about Paris this last weekend as a possibility for our upcoming anniversary. We’ll see…..I adored that photo you posted. I wish you a happy, healthy and adventure filled 2011!
Love the list and accompanying photos!
Go to Paris..My husband surprised me on my 50th birthday. We also have four children so it took a while. I would hope it does not take you that long!. My 3 daughters have been w/ husbands and my son took his wife there for Christmas!! Pure Magic. Need to take my grandaughter & grandson!! Put it on your short list…..xo C
I’m using #5 this year. Perfect!
Hi there,
Gorgeous blog! Stumbled in here from http://www.starfishblog.com. This August, my husband and I are celebrating our 10th Anniversary and booked a trip to…. YES! Paris! That photo you posted is incredible! Can you please share the name of hotel from where this photo was taken? I apologize if this information is on the blog, but I couldn’t find it.
Sorry for resurrecting an old post!
Michelle
Hi Seleta,
Sorry to be responding so late in the game, I’m catching up on some LONG OVERDUE blog reading! Just wanted to say that I live in Paris (with my French husband and two kiddos), and if you do end up coming, I’d be more than happy to point out some good spots, fun things to do, yummy foodie places, etc.
Let me know,
Laura