As we prepare to move into a new year and anticipate what’s to come, it’s important to spend a little time looking back. My natural tendency is to move quickly to the next calendar page, to peek around the corner, to squint my eyes into the clean future of 2016 to see what might come.
And so this practice slows me down, holds me still, and gives me permission to linger in 2015 for just a little bit longer.
There is plenty of time to plan 2016. Perhaps reflecting on this past year will help your soul to discern what might be next. What have we learned along the way?
At the end of this post, I’ll invite you to link up your own list – and that link will remain open for about five days to give you some time to create your own. I’ll use these categories: Habits + Rhythms, Finds + Favorites, Work + Ministry, Soul + Spirit.
Habits + Rhythms
1. Writing Monday prayers helps my whole week.
After starting this new practice in November, I’m beginning to notice how it is starting to frame the week. I’m thankful for those of you praying along with me.
2. Audio books make the drive to and from school a fun event rather than a chore.
The girls and I finished one book this semester and I listened to three more on my own after I dropped them off and while driving around town. I checked these out at the library:
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Zero to One: Notes on Startups, Or How to Build the Future by Peter Theil with Blake Masters
- Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (with the girls on the way to and from school)
3. Walking around the block counts.
I tend to make movement hard and laden with expectations. But I’m learning the importance of a walk around the block to clear my head and loosen me up. This is a habit I hope to continue into the new year.
Finds + Favorites
4. Voxer is the phone for the introvert.
Lisa-Jo told me about this one for years and I resisted. But I finally tried it out and now it’s one of my favorite ways to connect with long-distance friends. And local ones. And also sisters.
5. Layout from Instagram is the best for grids.
This year brought the discovery of the layout app – right there in instagram. It’s the easiest way to make collages, something I do every week.
6. Slack is a friend for teams.
My assistant Traci is so lovely and organized and with this app she’s teaching me how to be that way, too!
7. Light and funny TV is good for the soul.
Maybe it’s true every year, but 2015 felt like a hard and heavy year in the world and in the United States, didn’t it? Looking back at my TV watching this year, I see less news and drama shows and more comfort and funny: Less Mer and Der (RIP), more Chip and Joanna, Rory and Lorelai, Stewart and Dean.
(I will write a separate post in January sharing more favorites from 2015, including books I’ve read and podcasts I’m listening to!)
Work + Ministry
2015 was a year of new beginnings for us as a family and in ministry. Here is what I learned from these new beginnings so far:
Images collected from #itssimplytuesday.
8. Life truly is lived in the small moments.
It’s been one year since I first used the hashtag #itssimplytuesday on Instagram, sharing the everyday moments of Tuesday and choosing to celebrate them no matter how small. Since then, we have a stunning collection of over 15,000 images that represent our regular lives.
9. Gathering a team of people who are willing to do their own thing well help me do my own thing better.
The Simply Tuesday book launch taught me this. More than any other book launch I’ve had, this one was probably the most fun. And the most stressful. Can those two things both be true?
I’m thankful I didn’t do this one alone, surrounded this time with a team of people who believed in me and the message of this beloved book, including a fantastic launch team 400 strong. Thank you!
10. God’s work is never rushed. Though his provision may take shapes we never expected, he always will provide.
After several years of waiting and listening, this was the year John finally launched his non-profit ministry Grace Discipleship, offering soul care and spiritual direction to people in our community. What a gift it has been to our family and our local community.
11. I love to talk with writers about writing.
I’m thrilled I finally have a place to do that.In November, we finally launched our new membership site called hope*writers to help writers stay healthy and write words that matter. This is my favorite project going into 2016. Also pretty much my only major project so that’s a good thing!
Soul + Spirit
12. Playing the piano is good for my soul.
I found some old piano books in the garage and ever since, I’ve been playing ever day again. I can be sloppy and hasty and I don’t have a lot of patience for pieces with a lot of sharps and flats. But I’ve played a lot more this year and it’s reminded me how in many ways, piano was one of my first loves.
13. There is freedom in competing with no one, including myself.
This year I’ve recognized a strong pull to unhealthy competition. Until now, I haven’t realized how deep that thread runs within me.
I’ve seen that quote around about competing with others makes you bitter but competing with yourself makes you better.
In my experience, that’s nonsense. I don’t want to be my own competitor. I’m learning to be my own friend. It’s way harder than it sounds, as it turns out.
14. Instead of a map, our Father offers his hand.
This year more than any other, I’ve learned that God is not a great travel agent but he’s a fantastic traveling companion.
And finally, the 15th thing I learned in 2015 that has no category but must be said:
15. Instagram is the best!
I hope I never stop geeking out over Instagram. This year brought a renewed love for my current favorite online platform. To commemorate the year, here are the nine photos that got the most likes this year:
Images from my instagram: @emilypfreeman
- John marrying some young friends of ours.
- The cul-de-sac benches in Narnia.
- I kon-mari’d my makeup drawer.
- Home.
- The Washington Monument from an airplane at sunrise.
- Our neighborhood.
- John and me.
- My Dove chocolate message on book release day: “Treat Tuesday like Friday.” BEST.
- Luke in a tux. Going to school. What is happening you guys.
It’s been a gift to spend another year online with you, friends. Here’s to another year of learning to create space for our souls to breathe.
Victoria says
December 30, 2015 at 3:51 PMSuch a great list. Here are my top 5 lessons: http://asubtlerevelry.com/5-things-i-learned-about-blogging-in-2015
Susan Shipe says
December 30, 2015 at 4:41 PMMy teachers always told me I didn’t read the instructions and sure enough…I prepared a “what I learned in december” post rather than “in 2015”. Always late to the party – but I’m here with grace! The best companion!
jharrison41 says
December 30, 2015 at 5:34 PMPlease have mercy on me and REMOVE the link I just posted…clearly I am not yet focused lol after all the recent busyness..I would be so thankful..I tried unsuccessfully to delete it. I shall return w more focus and clarity
Dawn says
December 30, 2015 at 6:38 PMI loved being a part of your book launch team. It wasn’t hard to promote a book that I believed so strongly in. The message of it resonated so deeply with me.
I have enjoyed these What I Learned link ups this year! Thank you for hosting them.
Peggy says
December 30, 2015 at 8:38 PMjust a few 1.) It really is ok to just breathe. 2.) there is always some good to be found even in the hard places. 3.) spending more time counting blessings in the ordinary every day, makes my heart full.4.) taking even a small step in the right direction counts..
LisaAppelo@Trueandfaithful.net says
December 30, 2015 at 8:54 PMWe ♡ audio books as well! After years of reading aloud, we’re getting in more stories than ever in the car. And your book….such an affirmation of appreciating the small places. This year for me has been a huge arc from parenting my kiddos and and olders, Bible teaching, ministering to women and continued healing from deep grief. More than ever, I can envision a Chapter 2 in life.
Southern Gal says
December 30, 2015 at 9:37 PMI can see your growth in all this. I’m thankful for you and your inspiring blog, Emily. Thank you!
Meema says
December 31, 2015 at 11:30 AMI have to add my 2 cents on the ‘competing with oneself’ point.
That I am fiercely non-competitive forced me to establish my life strategy early on. You see, I knew I couldn’t compete but that didn’t mean I had to give up or not try. It meant I would have to do my own thing, with no expectations other than satisfying myself. I likened it to realizing I could never make a perfect red apple but I could make a unique purple orange that could in no way be categorized or compared to anything else.
Thus my lifelong policy for growing has been to not just compete with myself but to compete with my own personal best–ever seeking to improve, if only inside my own head. 🙂
I truly have enjoyed and appreciated your perspectives and your shares, and your books. May this coming year be blessed and exceedingly fruitful!
Caroline Starr Rose says
December 31, 2015 at 12:16 PMSince early this year I’ve been processing what it means to write smart and not scared (using a Brenda Uleand quote as my starting place). I still have a lot to learn and put into practice. It’s been a theme at my blog all year. Here’s the first post, if you’re interested: http://carolinestarrrose.com/5-ways-im-learning-write-smart-not-scared/
This place of yours is such a lovely spot for me to land. Thank you, Emily, for creating it and feeling like a friend. Happy New Year to you. xo
Melody says
December 31, 2015 at 1:29 PMThank you for influencing me in the area of looking back. Your posts are rich and you have definitely been a person of influence in my life for 2015. I look forward to jumping in more fully in 2016 with your posts.
Amanda says
December 31, 2015 at 1:32 PMI love linking up to the “What I Learned” series! Thanks Emily, for being a consistent place that helps my soul breathe!
http://www.amandamichelleblog.com/?p=186
Happy New Year!
Bonnie Jean says
December 31, 2015 at 2:30 PMWhat I learned in 2015 … 1) God still had a whole lot to teach me ! 2) Going with His timing is so much less stressful and so much smoother. 3) I am uniquely made and I have a unique job to do and a unique group of people to reach… my work/life/day will not look like everyone else’s and I do not have to be on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram to make an impact. God makes the impact. (This is not meant to say anything bad about those who are on social media… just that it is not my platform for a variety of reasons God keeps saying no). 4) The number of people you reach does not matter. God has a plan and His plan matters. Also, He can reach people in ways we cannot imagine with our message… we think too small and as if we have to do it all. 5) Having trusted friends and a support network (whatever that is to you) is great. 6) Maintaining friendships, family relationships, and a relationship with God are all very important and require time and effort. But the number one relationship is with God and when I put Him first every day (and I love your Monday idea cause Monday’s are usually my worst day !!!) my whole day goes better. When I spend the day walking with Him … all is well no matter what happens. 7) Choosing a word, a phrase, and a verse for the year really do help me focus. I pray that all of you out there are richly blessed in 2015 and I love your instagram pictures… your house and Narnia benches being my favorites !
Joy @ Jumbled Up Joy says
December 31, 2015 at 10:23 PMI love #14!! That is such a comforting thought as I face the changes I know this year will bring, even though I don’t have a clue right now which way they will take me.
Also, regarding #1, I plan to start doing that too — except on Sunday evenings, because Mondays are completely bonkers from the get-go. I like to write prayers every day, but I always end up not having all the time I want to write it all down. Once a week, though. I can do that.
Tara says
January 1, 2016 at 3:46 PMVoxer for the Introvert–YES, YES! What a great list.
Rachel says
January 2, 2016 at 10:24 AMGod has taught us similar things this year in a revolving theme. Love Moon Over Manifest, Audio book to Harry Potter—-than man reading it is amazing! Did you know he won a Grammy for that work? Also love Fixer Upper and I’m learning a walk around my field clears my head and does wonders for me in many ways! Thanks for the wrap-up and link-up! Happy New Year to you and yours!
Dolly@Soulstops says
January 2, 2016 at 6:06 PMEmily,
I loved reading your list and several of your points resonated with what God has been teaching me, too. Appreciate your monthly link ups and your heart. And yes, to being more of a friend to one’s self…like Andrew Peterson’s song, “Be Kind to Yourself.”
Blessings to you and your family,
Dolly
Kristin S says
January 2, 2016 at 7:53 PMYour #13 made me think about one of our Encounter speakers (that was you a few years ago!) Heather Holleman. I felt like exhaling all through her talk. If you have 45 minutes, I think you’ll enjoy it. Find it at youtube.com/cruencounter – the December 30th morning meeting.
Rosanna says
January 4, 2016 at 10:27 PMThat is such a lovely list. I especially relate to the playing the piano. It is one of my most favorite things to do. Sometimes it’s hard for me to sit down and actually play because there isn’t really a reason for it. (I practice singing because I do it on the worship team, but not piano) However, God spoke to me a couple of years ago and reminded me that I am worshiper and a worshiper needs to worship. Connecting with him in worship is the most awesome feeling in the whole world. I have had to be incredibly intentional to fit it in-it’s actually on my to-do list for several times a week, but I never regret that time spent.
Beth williams says
January 5, 2016 at 4:48 PMEmily,
Here’s what I learned in 2015. Some years are hard, very hard and end up kind of sad. I love walking/running to Christian music. It seems to help clear my head! I need to get some audio books to listen to. I don’t like reading much, but could listen to them while walking in my basement or driving around town!
I love Fixer Upper and House Hunters/House Hunters Virgins. Sometimes you just need to veg out with good TV even some comedies!
I watched War Room with my church group and my hubby and I watched it New Years Eve. It is powerful movie and I’m reading FerVent by Priscilla Schirer-the companion book to movie! Love powerful Christian movies.
Life has many many twists and turns. You never know where God will lead you! Prayer is powerful.
Blessings 🙂
Anita Ojeda says
January 5, 2016 at 11:18 PMMy mindless TV favorites are Downton Abby and Survivor (I classify Amazing Race as educational–it’s a geography lesson, right? 😉 ). #14 struck me–I’m all about mapping things out–thanks for reminding me that it’s about a relationship where growth and travel happen organically–not me mapping my life out for God to bless!
Maria says
January 7, 2016 at 12:26 PMThank you so much for your blog. It is one of less than a half-dozen that I make time to read regularly, and it’s such an encouragement. I really like the “What I learned” link-ups too, and this one is especially fun. Just wanted to let you know that your work is appreciated!