The end of a year and the beginning of a new carries with it the promise of change—a chance to start over, ditch our bad habits and hang ups, and start fresh.
Over the years with SemiDomesticated, I have written similar statements many times. This project has been a companion through thick and thin, it has followed the ups and downs, highs and lows of my life, and everyone else who’ve been involved. It’s taken the main seat at times, and has been forced to the sideline at others.
As I shared with you a few months ago, this year has been one of the most turbulent to date; my entire life has been turned upside down, for better and for worse. It was the intention to kick off October with a rejuvenated publishing schedule and keep posting regularly. But again, life got in the way. Through all the peaks and valleys in the past, it has never crossed my mind to leave the project behind—but suddenly this changed: On a rainy walk in November, contemplating the way that I was balancing life, work, free time and finances—and not to mention, the time with my daughter, I realized that in so many ways, I wasn’t walking the walk, by living at odds with the slow, mindful lifestyle that I was posting and talking about. Suddenly, the thought of letting go—or at least indefinitely putting to rest—a few of my many projects, to gain some much needed focus, felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
With the last year giving rise to a plethora of new interests and inspiration along with different challenges and responsibilities, I saw my limitations, and realized that I’m simply trying to do too much at once. I visualized standing on top of a giant mound, attempting to dig my way to the bottom, all while the mound kept growing. It was then, that the visual of leveling said mound to the ground and clearing the land became the most comforting visual I’d had in a long time.
For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.― T.S. Eliot
In order to allow the new to grow and flourish, I’m taking my own advise and clearing the closet—wiping the slate clean—closing the door on one long, fruitful, beautiful chapter, in order to allow myself to walk through the ones that are opening before me. Therefore, it is with this message, and many mixed feelings, that I—on behalf of SemiDomesticated—wish all of you a happy holiday and a beautiful new year!
With love,
Anette K Hansen
