I still have so many boxes squirreled away that still need unpacking. And I still have lots and lots of stuff in storage, which some day I will need to sort through again.
And I still have clutter piling up in corners and on counter tops, and I still have the daily challenge of keeping the chaos and disorder at bay.
And I still get too stressed about things that don’t really matter in the present moment, and I still hold onto hurt feelings, and resentments, and anxieties longer than I should.
But still, but still….
There is always today to practice one small act of simple living. There is always today for one, simple experiment in living deliberately.
And there is always this moment, just to be still.
I can’t imagine writing this last blog entry without also taking this moment to express my gratitude to those of you who have shared with me in this journey. Back in January, I didn’t think I would end up with more than 200 followers, almost 500 comments, and over 6,500 views….
Those numbers are overwhelming, but they are just numbers, after all. It’s you who have made a difference, taking the time to read these words, right now.
Some of you I’ve never met in person, but in reading and responding to your comments–and in reading and commenting on your blogs–I’ve felt a connection develop over the past 365 days. That means you, Revdarkwater, and you, Theresea–and Living Not Wanting, and Anne, and Julie, and Kellie, and Lauren… and others too, off and on, over the past year.
And an extra special thanks to those of you who I knew before this blog began, and who have followed along since the beginning. I feel that you’ve come to know me better, and in ways that I don’t always share in public settings. Your comments and our conversations, here and by email, on the phone and in person, have made this experience much more of a dialogue than a solitary reflection. So thanks Rex, my first blog follower, and thanks Jay, and thanks Liz, and thanks upon thanks to you, Tamara.
And a final thanks to my wife and my children, of course. We’ve all been through this year together. And it has been quite a year of change. I love you all.
And now–how to end? Would it be too self-indulgent to quote Whitman (“I depart as air”) or Emerson (“Every end is a beginning”) or good, old Thoreau (“Let us spend one day as deliberately as Nature”)?
Or do I end with just a simple acknowledgement that from Day One I’ve always realized that this blog is more scaffolding than anything else, and that the time has come to move on?
Or do I end, like this–with more questions than answers, and accepting that I am still OK with that?
Happy New Year, all. And may your coming year be filled with wonder and joy, one moment at a time.
365 Simplify 
Oh, this feels kind of sad! If you ever start anything new, please let me know. I wish you all the best!!
På återseende (see you again).
I will! And keep on with your blog as well! Happy trails….
Thanks so much for your blog; I shall miss it! I bet you didn’t know it was going to be such an amazing year when you began this blog a year ago. My best wishes to you and your family and whatever the future holds for you all, I hope it will be everything you want – including less clutter!
And my best to you as well! Thanks for joining me on this journey.
You have made me all teary eyed! It has been a pleasure reading your blog and interacting with you. You should consider a new blog. do a new blog about all the beautiful sights in your new found community! I would drool over the pictures of your mountain paradise. Its amazing the connection that you can make with people you have never met. Thats the beauty of the internet. I wish you the best of luck! Be happy because in the end nothing else matters 🙂
Thank you so much! And I hope you will find your way to your own mountain paradise soon. I am starting a new project that, coincidentally, involves photography–but it’s a little odd: just the same view, every morning, at about the same time. Not sure exactly why the idea resonated with me, but we’ll see!
Bet it will be cool!
I wish you well in the years to come! I have enjoyed your writing tremendesly, and it makes me sad this blog is coming to its end. Like wih Theresa, please let me know if you start up something new. And I agree with Living Not Wanting, you should consider a new blog.. maybe with your new project? Thank you for making an impact in my life. Be happy in your future endeavours… I hope our paths will cross again, so I wont say good bye.. Take care, and I’ll catch you later 😉
Thanks so much for following along, Anne! I wish you the best in the coming year.
Congratuations, Mark! It takes a lot of tenacity to do what you’ve done this year, to post on a daily basis and remain diligent and open. Thank you for sharing your heart and your experiences — and thank you for your fine example of persistence. Wishing you and your family a life full of nature, harmony and gentle simplicity. 🙂
Thank, Julie! And here’s hoping that this year offers you much joy, and wonder, and peace.
Oh no! I have been absent from WP a few weeks and things have changed, but then again I think you’ve said before, new things are good right! Sad to see the end of your blog, I really enjoyed it. Congrats on completing the year, I’m in awe of your persistence 🙂
Hey Kellie–thanks for joining me along the way (of course the journey continues!)
Here from Anne Lenne Minimalist Sometimes.
I just found you and you’re over?
Rats.
Melinda