what was your best choice this year?

[forestdale]

Our lives are all about choices, some are good and some are not so good. Now that we can see with the benefit of hindsight, which one of your choices this year has been the best one for you?

For me, it was my decision to keep my life focused on simple living and being frugal. I've not been a saint, but I have tried my best, and now that I look back, I realise that what was difficult for me at the beginning of my simplicity journey is now "normal" and easy for me.

I have re-discovered the part of myself that found joy in small things. I'm happy that I can now knit, cook all manner of goodies from scratch, don't use many chemicals in my home, have fashioned my life to include my family and friends much more than I ever did before and I am proud that I've cultivated a generous spirit.

So at the end of 2004 I feel blessed and I can't remember any other year when I felt like that.

Tell me about your best 2004 choice and how it's made you the person you are on this day.

[kimmee]

In 2004 , I have decided to really "attend" to things - feel, see and experience - no more auto-pilot. I am "into" my kids social development and their relationship with Bob and his family, I am "into" my homesteading and creating a home that willo work for as well as with me. I have always tried to understand what makes people tick and why they do what they do - but this year I am more in tune with privately ranting about it (unfortunately to you guys) but being more compassionate and understanding in real life interactions with them. I am pleased with my attentiveness and feel that I am living much more purposefully. Alot of this I attribute to my relationship and interactions with you all.

[Mom23boys]

I think my best choice this year was to spend more time with my family and to live life more simple. We had to learn to survive with a big loss in our income this year and we managed by using our simple lifestyle. We did more things as a family too.

[QuilterMom]

Moving to our homestead. Even though it stretched our finances to the brink, we made a wise move at the right time because prices have shot up greatly. We are not fully happy here (as those of you in the homesteading forum know), but being on our homestead has enabled me to start gardening and has given me the ability to have fruit trees - both are things I've been aching to do for quite some time (we couldn't grow any food items at our last house due to the water in the sprinkler system). Moving here also enabled me to lose 14.5 lbs. so far just by being outside and working hard! I have wanted this weight off for 5 years and finally it has happened! Moving here has encouraged me in other aspects as well....... stepping up my bread making efforts, encouraged me in quilting again, I'm more committed to non-toxic living, etc.

[forestdale]

Congratulations Kimmee, Michelle and Kim for making life changing choices. We could go either way, we could make bad choices, but the fact that we've all focused on what we needed or wanted to do and it worked out for us is something to be proud of.

[DaisyLady]

My best choice this year was to take a really hard look at our finances and realize that we were harming ourselves with the lifestyle we had somehow adopted. Contrary to my upbringing and all my beliefs. It is such a relief to be back on track even though I know it is going to take years of hard work to completely dig out of this hole.

I am grateful that there is a new year almost upon us and I can leave the past and it's mistakes behind having learned many valuable lessons from them.

[forestdale]

chriss, isn't it satisfying knowing you've made a good decision and that by sticking with it, it will change your life. congratulations, my friend.

It always amazes me that such small things can change lives. The implementation of a life-changing decision is huge but the initial decision to change is a tiny thing that can be done by anyone.

[rebecca]

My best choice this year was to read the "Total Money Makeover", by Dave Ramsey. Although I might not follow his advice to the "T" I love his advice on money. By following his program I have an EF, paid off the girls braces, my root canal, and going to pay my car off a year early. Signed up for 401 (k) that is to start next year. Also, this year I have done alot of decluttering. I hate any kind of clutter. Next year in spring I'm going to attack my garage and get rid of all the junk I have in my gargage. It's a pigsty! Reminds me of my girls rooms. Renee

[guest2]

My best choice this year was to cut off some toxic relationships that have caused me ongoing health problems and my family undo amounts of stress. I'm not going to put up with people's lies and anymore.