Jan 5, 2017

I was struggling a bit on how to welcome this New Year.  Last year I knew exactly what I wanted out of 2016 and that was less stuff, more living.  And while that is a goal I think I’ll forever strive towards, I also want to allow myself to grow and not keep the exact same word or even the same mindset from year to year.

Really, I just felt a lot more insecure about 2017.

It seems to be a year of question marks and possible dreams coming true.. but also maybe not coming true.  It’s even a weird growing year where many of my loved ones are continuing their families with weddings, new born blessings and others, just like me, seem to be in the spot.  2017, for my life, is a year that seems to underline that life can often be a big question mark.

With a year of so many question marks and underlying differences, a list of goals just didn’t seem to fit.  And while my word of the year for 2016 was a hit for me (and hopefully my readers), I was a bit nervous to assume that every year needed a word.  Especially a year that will maybe not be as predictable.

C’est la vie.

Rather than force the issue I simply spent the New Year’s in a super laid back and somewhat of a quarantine manner. (L and his roommates came down with what can most accurately be described as mumps, so we are all trying to get as few people sick as possible.) Letting the new year unfold as it would. And whilst shuffling around my home for the last few days in my new slippers, sipping hot tea trying to soothe my sore jaw I decided to heck with it – I want another word.

With “less” I didn’t think it would totally change my way of looking at my world or how I live my day to day life.  With “less” I simply saw a need and filled it.  I needed less.  Less clothes, less makeup, less junk and more life.  So while I was trying so hard to force my 2017 to be something I thought it should be or needed to be at this time in my life, the answer was really right in front of me.

Intention.

I don’t know what is coming in this year.  I have no idea if it will be bad, good, wonderful, or terrifying.  And I have no idea if I need to be bold, fearless, or strong for it.  Maybe I’ll have to be more reserved and thoughtful,  and perhaps think a little bit more before I open my mouth.  Really, I’m just not sure what to expect out of my 2017.

E x c e p t… to have intention.  With everything that comes my way.

I want to intentionally welcome any challenge that comes my way, plan on sitting by a friend’s side in need, aim to use my planner rather than making haphazard lists, and be more purposeful with my everyday life away from social media.  I want intention in everything that comes with 2017.  I want to keep pushing myself to make thoughtful purchases, rather than unneeded spending.

I want intention.

My 2016 was learning the art of less, but I think my 2017 needs to be learning the art of purpose.

SO what does that mean for you and me and abp? Well hopefully a lot of really well planned out posts and topics.  Not just a flatlay because it’s ‘pretty,’ but makeup bits that are going to get you the most bang for your buck or hairstyles that you can do in a flash because you want to look cute, but you also don’t have all day.  Also a bit more ‘real life.’ And perhaps a little more consistency in posts.

B u t  let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.  None of us have the answers for 2017, but we do have each other and our own intentions.  So, let’s give it a go.

Cheers!

xo Kelsey

DRESS: Francesca’s  || SWEATER: Francesca’s || BOOTS: Modcloth (old, but similar) || Hat: Gigpip

PS These photos are a collaboration with Megan Lee Photography