A year of living slowly

Well hello! Happy New Year! Yes I know we're a week in already and that I've been really quiet for several months, but I'm back!

Have you made any resolutions for 2024? I haven't, I think I'm going to wait until after Imbolc to even think about resolutions this year. Sounds weird, right? But I've started to tune into the seasons and the Wheel of the Year a lot more over those silent months and one of the things I've discovered is that it makes more sense to me to use winter as a time to rest, reflect and rebuild my energy so that I can plant seeds on the Spring Equinox, that way with the returning of the Sun and warmth those seeds will have a better chance of germinating and growing strong and healthy.

One of the things I know I am going to be doing this year is living slowly, and with more intention. I've worked two jobs consistently for a decade now, paying off almost $45,000 in debt. At one point, I also went back to school to become a phlebotomist. Now I'm working at a local hospital as an in-patient phlebotomist/team lead and picking up overtime because I have a huge goal to achieve and I want to work really hard towards that end.

I know that doesn't sound like I'm going to be living a slow, intentional life, but there's a second part to me that likes to make things and doing all the work I've been doing for 10 years has interfered with that side of me. Yes, I will still have a crazy schedule, but on the days when I don't have to be somewhere doing things for other folks, I intend to be in my craft room or on my sofa making things with my hands. Most of you already know that I am a crocheter and how much I love that art, but in 2023, I also discovered quilting and sashiko embroidery and have fallen in love with those as well. So my down time will be just that, my down time to do what brings me joy and satisfaction.

Living slowly also means setting boundaries for myself. I can't keep showing up for other people if I'm not showing up for myself, now can I? Boundaries sound daunting, especially in a world where we're always expected to be accessible and available to everyone at all times. I will be the first to admit that I do have a phone addiction that I need to break and living slowly and with intention will help me break that.

As 2024 progresses, I've decided to share my own progress with you here on my blog. I hope you'll join me and together we can build a community with intention, peace and joy over the coming months. After years of tumult around the world - which is only going to continue and get worse, I feel - we need a place where we can come together and share our projects, progress and wins (no matter how big or small!)

I finished my Tunisian crochet cardigan over the weekend. At the moment the stitch lock is drying on the seams and woven-in ends. I can't wait to wear it!

My next project is going to be bigger, though. I made an Etsy registry for Yule and one of the things on it was a whole cloth quilt kit and a chatelaine with tools. My husband, Danny, got both of those things for me!!! So that's my next project!

Like I said, I hope you'll join me in this year of living slowly!