It would seem that I do some of my best thinking after a few glasses of Jack & Coke, or at least I do some of my best notebook rambling, writing so freely that I didn't remember writing anything until I woke up a few hours ago with a pen tangled in my hair. This is partly a letter to you, January, and partly a letter to a future version of myself. Bit odd, I know, but I guess this is what whiskey does to me. The first version of my letter to you had some resolutions in it, but I think this one is more important.
As I stumbled up the stairs last night in one fuzzy owl slipper and one penguin sock, spilling my cup of water as the hallway swayed to and fro, I realised that what's really important is being. Being lucky enough to be here, to live this life, with the people who are here with me and the opportunities I have. So we may not live the the best neighbourhood, or have achieved all the things we would have liked to by now. But we are here. And we have so much. Our health, a warm house (apart from the bathroom, but we're saving for that), enough food. Enough everything. We have enough and it's so important that we make the very best of all those things. Being gracious and thankful brings with it so much happiness.
We can be whoever we want to be, and do whatever we want to do. We hold the power to make things happen, providing we don't lose faith in that power. We'll make it through.
A single word has the ability to make someone's day or to shatter their confidence. Always be kinder than is necessary. Do things because they make your heart happy, or proud, or because it will make someone smile. Even if you don't know them. Acts of kindness towards strangers hold their own special magic. Be able to make changes, even if they're difficult, if you know that they feel right. Be open, and honest, and true. Your integrity is worth more than any amount of money. Remember that if criticism hurts it's probably because, at least deep down, you know that whatever that thing is, it doesn't sit in line with your heart and your soul. You hold the power to provoke change.
Be, be aware, be gracious, be true, be kind, be brave.
Be you, always.
All my love,
Jennie
xoxo






Happy New Year Jennie! I hope 2015 brings lots of great opportunities for you! <3 xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet, you too! xo
DeleteI try to remind myself to be kinder than I feel. It's important. Happy new year!:)
ReplyDeleteTara x
That's a wonderful sentiment, one I will adopt too! xo
DeleteWhat a beautiful post Jennie! This is my favourite post I've read on welcoming in the New Year.
ReplyDelete"Be You" is something I constantly try to live by and work at which i will still be doing this year. To me, this is such big part in true self-happiness.
Have a wonderful 2015.
Chloe
X
Thank you so much, Chloe! I completely agree, there's only one you, you should always be yourself because you're wonderful <3
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie,
ReplyDeleteVictoria x
FlorenceandMary.com
Happy New Year, Victoria! <3
DeleteLove the way you write, it's so beautiful! You're right, we are so lucky to even just be existing, it's time to be grateful for every minute of the day :)
ReplyDeletehappy new year xx
Thank you so much! Happy New Year! Xo
DeleteThis is such a lovely post, this year I'm going to make it my aim to do random acts of kindness towards strangers - you never know what difference it could make to someones life! Happy New Year! x
ReplyDeleteBeauty & Lifestyle Blog // lifeislovelyjubbly.com
It could make their entire year! Happy New Year <3
Delete'Be you' :) A beautiful post to start of the year with x Happy New Year x
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! <3
DeleteThis is such a lovely post, Jennie :) I agree, being thankful for what you have is the key to a happy life.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! xx
Telina | Love, Telina
Thank you lovely! xo
DeleteSuch beautiful words Jennie. Sometimes it's important to remind ourselves of what we already have and be grateful for that. Happy 2015! xo
ReplyDeletewww.lovedbylaura.com
Thank you, Laura! Happy New Year <3
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie!! This was so lovely, honest and open to read. It's certainly a good time to just strip things down to the bare essentials and be grateful for the smallest of things (:
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Michelle! <3
DeleteSuch a beautiful post. Best wishes for 2015 xx
ReplyDeleteBethan Likes
Thank you sweet, you too <3
DeleteI just love this post Jennie! So beautiful, it's all so true that we're lucky to be here and it's so important to be kind. Also, Jack & Coke is my drink too haha! Happy 2015 x
ReplyDeleteJosie’s Journal
Hehe it's so good! Happy New Year lovely <3
DeleteThank you for such a warming and inspirational post and you are totally right, we do forget how lucky we are just for being here :) We need to live more!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Jennie xx
Happy New Year! Being grateful brings with it so much happiness <3
DeleteA lovely read, happy new year to you x
ReplyDeleteAbbie|Thoughtsandthunder
Happy New Year, Abbie! xo
DeleteWhat a beautiful, heart warming post. I really enjoyed reading every part of it. You'v made my first day in the New Year very eye opening, these little things often go unnoticed. Thank you for sharing this lovely! I hope that 2015 is magical for you! ♥
ReplyDeleteSharna
xo
www.theperksofbeingsharna.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for reading, Sharna! I hope that 2015 is wonderful for you too <3
DeleteWell said Jennie and in such a lovely way! You have a lovely way with words! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much <3 xo
DeleteSuch a nice way of reminding us to be grateful.
ReplyDeleteHttp://fishnetsxd.blogspot.ie
Happy New Year, Ellen! xo
DeleteHappy New Year Jennie. This letter is beautifully written and you are spot on. xx
ReplyDeleteIoanna | Hearting.co.uk | Check out my 100 follower GIVEAWAY
Thank you so much, Ioanna! Happy New Year <3 xo
DeleteBeautiful :) xx
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteHappy New Year! xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Laura! xo
DeleteIntegrity is always important! Love this post, it's written beautifully. Hope your hangover wasn't too bad ;)
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Thank you, Corinne! I slept it off haha ;)
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful words Jennie. I think we all need to have some perspective on life, and midnight inspiration is always the most honest kind!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Beth x
Thank you, Beth! Happy New Year <3 xo
DeleteLost of love and best wishes for 2015! "Be You" - such a lovely sentiment xx
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely! Wishing you all the happiness for 2015 <3
DeleteHappy New Year lovely!!! You are always fabulous!!! <3
ReplyDeleteMartina
Happy New Year, Martina! <3
DeleteSuch a great post! Full of LIFE!!!!
ReplyDeletexo
Stacy
http://tastyrumors.blogspot.com/
Thank you lovely! xo
DeleteHappy new year! I hope your year is full of love, laughter and happiness. x
ReplyDeleteyecrad.com
Thank you so much, you too! xo
DeleteThis is so beautiful, honest and inspiring. I hope you have a wonderful 2015, and I can't wait to read more of your fantastic posts <3
ReplyDeleteMilly // Mini Adventures
Thank you so much lovely! I hope you have a wonderful 2015 too <3
DeleteThis is so pretty. Happy new year. Stay real and have fun :)
ReplyDeleteDotty ∞
<3
DeleteI absolutely love this post, Jennie, you have a gorgeous way with words.
ReplyDeleteI hope 2015 brings you everything that you wish for and more xxx
Laura | elelibee
Thank you so much, Laura! You too <3
DeleteSuch lovely words and thoughts, as always! Happy new year!
ReplyDeletenueyork.blogspot.com
Thank you! Happy new year <3 xo
DeleteThis letter is so wonderful -- I love the message in it! So often we are too busy thinking about what we want the end result to be that we forget to live in the now. Cheers to 2015!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! <3 xo
Deletegreat post! really, as long as we have enough food to eat and a roof over our head any hopefully a small handful of people who care about us that's all it takes to have enough and anything else is an added bonus and we should appreciate everything we have and the best way to do that is to be mindful, be present and to give freely with every part of ourselves. :)
ReplyDeletejessica - littlehenrylee.com
Thank you, Jessica! Happy New Year <3 xo
DeleteThis is so true, we are so lucky to have enough, too many people are struggling for the basics. Also we are so lucky to live in a part of the world where if we're unhappy the only thing standing in our way of changing it is ourselves! Happy new year :) x
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! Happy New Year lovely <3 xo
DeleteWe are all so lucky x
ReplyDeletewww.lizzieroseblogger.blogspot.com
We are <3
DeleteWhy is it that these existential moments always happen in the early hours of the morning? Haha anyways, so glad you were able to keep track of it and share with us your stream of consciousness :) There can never be too much kindness to give and there is always something to be grateful for. May this be an awesome month! To January and new beginnings! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
ReplyDeleteHehe I'm not sure, but they do! I have to keep a notebook on my bedside table all the time. Happy New Year lovely! xo
DeleteWonderful! :D
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteHappy New Year wonderful girl! I'm so with you on this- life doesn't have to have much to be good, and things can be hard but still good. I hope 2015 brings you peace and happiness, it'll be great to follow along with you as it goes
ReplyDeletexxx
Chambray & Curls
Happy New Year sweet lady! <3 xo
DeleteA lovely post Jennie, what a beautiful way to start the new year! Hoping 2015 brings you and your family lots of health and happiness :)
ReplyDeleteJess xo
http://just-jesss.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much, Jess! I'm hoping the same for you! <3 xo
Delete