I have started and stopped this post multiple times over the last month. It’s been hard to put my reflections from 2016 into words, because for many things that happened last year there were just no words.

In the almost five years that Frank and I have been together, there hasn’t been a time that we weren’t undertaking a huge project (like starting a business, renovating our fixer upper) or undergoing a big life event (like marriage, buying a house, moving, changing jobs). We are no strangers to change….or unexpected adventures…or opportunities to stretch and grow. But even with all that “training” we weren’t prepared for how challenging this past year turned out to be. We were stretched to capacity in every way imaginable. It was hard, and it seemed impossible at times.

I don’t think I’ve ever been more thankful to usher in a new year and a fresh start as when that ball dropped on New Year’s Eve. I stood there next to Frank, took in a deep breath and just felt the weight lift off my shoulders as a wave of hope came over me. Sigh. It was finally a new year.

For those of you who were with us last year, you may remember this post highlighting our process for reflection and goal setting each year. Reflection was difficult this year, but in being able to look back through the lifted fog, we realized that last year’s challenges actually taught us a lot.

Looking back on the goals we started out the year with, it’s comforting to know that we were still able to accomplish a lot in spite of the unforeseen circumstances along the way. On the business side, we launched our new website and blog and have been thrilled with the end result. In my efforts to step up my blogging game, I have been working very hard to bring you more engaging content and fuller galleries (this is an on-going process that I will continue to work on in the new year). I read one of the two business books I had hoped to finish last year and while we made some progress with the Academy coursework, we still aren’t anywhere near finished. Above all, we were blessed with amazing clients, new industry friendships and had so much fun celebrating alongside all of our 2016 couples! Seriously, you guys are the best!

On the personal side, our external home renovations were completed with huge success (check back next week for a blog update on that)! Our plans for two mini trips and one larger trip came to fruition (click here to see our adventures in Arizona, Nashville, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons). And while our plans for an organic garden were delayed, we’ve got big things in mind for this spring! But above all, and certainly the most important personal reflection of all, Frank and I were given an incredible gift – to have our eyes opened wide to what really matters. In the midst of hardship, we were given this gift and as a result our priorities were set straight. And that my friends, is what will be driving everything we do this year.

So with our newfound focus on what really matters, we have come up with one word to describe our goal for 2017. SIMPLICITY.

What does this mean for us? If we are being honest, we are still trying to figure it all out. At it’s core, we know that for us it means scaling back to what is most important and finding ways to enjoy all the simple pleasures this life has to offer. To not overload our schedules and find ways to enjoy more adventures….together and with our loved ones. And to put our whole hearts into everything we do provided what we do has purpose for God, for good and will bring joy to our lives and the lives of those around us.

So here’s to the new year. To enjoying the simple pleasures. To getting back to what truly matters and enjoying every moment of this happy little life! What are some of your simple pleasures? I’d love to hear about what matters most for you in 2017? Comment below.