Something amazing happened to me between December 31st and today and it’s directly related to the 190+ comments left here listing your ‘08 goals. I plan to read through them again tonight, one by one, because I want to see if there are any that I can help you with on decor8 this year. That’s my New Year’s goal, one of the first on my list anyway.

Your responses touched me, your resolve to reach your goals may be important to you, but they’re also to me because I want all of us to be a successful bunch. I want decor8 to motivate and impact your life in a positive way. Your happiness matters to me. I love blogging daily, if I didn’t care about you and all those whom I feature, I wouldn’t be here. I’ll never get rich blogging and I’m fine with that because success isn’t about money to me, in this lifetime I’m shooting for spreading joy and making a difference, which includes being a good wife and friend to others, my online friends included. That means you.

Through decor8, I will continue to show you that one person (me) can make a difference and impact others in a positive way. Not that decor8 will bring world peace (ha!), but a blogger can make an impact, positive or negative, and I’m pushing towards positive again for ‘08. The power of blogging, the strength of our community, the value in having work reviewed and posted here from my heart means something to the business owner, to me, and to all of you. Blogging is huge and making a noticeable difference for us all. People are looking to blogs more and more for products and advice, but I’m finding that friendship and partnering up is another rapidly growing need in the blog community. Sure, we love beautiful things, but we want to make connections and take some of these into the real world. We go to our favorite blogs to become motivated, to learn, and to reach out.

I read many blogs each week just like you do, and they’ve all impacted me. Some I’ve had to stop reading because they weren’t making me a better person, I don’t need to elaborate on this point, I’m sure you’ve run into this yourself. I’ll just tactfully say that I could tell by my behavior after reading them that they drained me or gave me this “I Suck” feeling, like I wasn’t good enough, or that I wasn’t nearly as talented. I wouldn’t associate with these people in real life so why was I reading their blogs? I really thought about this question and cut my blog reading by about 10 blogs per week. But those I do read each week make a difference. They inspire me and help me to keep my personal goals in view. They motivate me to action. I’m more creative than I ever thought possible, I see things differently when I travel or just take a walk in the orchards behind my house. I see positive results in my personal life due to the association I’m having with others online through these blogs and I’m happier because of it. You must relate.

With all that being said, my goals for the new year include most of the basics, to love more, eat less, read more, sew more, we always want more, don’t we?! But mostly I want to connect with you and help you to embrace your unique beauty, your value in this world, to help you push through fears, to push ahead, and to realize the impact that just one person can make – only that person is YOU and what YOU can do to make a difference. I will continue to write here on decor8 and you can extract what you need and leave the rest for others. I’ll work on giving more tips and reminders, and I plan to spend more time working on special posts that will discuss topics I’m pretty keen on, like small business, setting up shop, attracting customers, blogging, saying goodbye to fear, making your home more about “you” and less about “everyone else”, and moving forward with your goals, decorating and otherwise. I’ve had a lot of experience in these areas and I’m always working on ways to become more productive and to live a more creative life, so I think sharing these things with you from time to time may be just what you need to hear.

With that, next week will begin the 3rd year for decor8, two amazing years are behind me now, over 3,800 posts completed, and I can only promise you that many more will follow — I can’t wait to get started. So for today, I’m going for coffee with my girlfriend, who just relocated from NYC to here in Hollis, New Hampshire (yeah, culture shock), but I will resume posting tomorrow, so see you then!

Oh and that “amazing thing” that happened to me today, well it’s more like a feeling I had as I read through your comments. It hit me how many of us are striving to reach the same goals and how I can encourage and help through decor8. I realized that together we’re going to kick our fears in the butt and make this a year to remember. I know we can accomplish many great things standing together. All I have to say to 2008 is this: Bring it!

(image by holly becker for decor8)

55 Responses to “2008, Bring it!”

1 Cheryl commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:25 am

I am enjoying catching up on your posts while you are away and looking forward to seeing more in 2008!
P.S. Can you please let me know if you hear when Rachel Ashwell’s DVD are available for purchase.
2 Ez commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:32 am

This was such a beautiful and moving post Holly! Thank you for sharing with us so openly.
It is hard to remember what impact we can potentially have with the world around us when such a large portion of time is spent in front of a computer screen. But you’re right, we have a privilege and an obligation (all of us, bloggers or not) to make this world a better and brighter place. Big things can happen with just one determined person… imagine what we could accomplish together!!!
You are a true treasure, dear blog friend!
xo
Ez
3 Courtier Events commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:33 am

I love reading you blog. You have been my first introduction to the wild world of blog, oh and Etsy.
You have given me back my focus on making my home and life around me beautiful.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to more of your posts.
Edel
4 Melissa @ The Inspired Room commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:38 am

Hi Holly, just got your blog on my Google Reader so I can find out what is going on over here! Your post for today sounded so much like me I was drawn in! Sounds like some fun things in store, I look forward to reading!

Much success and happiness in 2008!

Melissa
5 All Things Bright and Beautiful... commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:28 am

Dear holly – you go get em girl! I’m liking that you care for your readers :-) good on you.

I am also amazed – 3800 posts and your third year and probably over a million hits! You are an inspiration for all fledgling bloggers like myself :-)
6 beachgrl commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:54 am

What a wonderful post!
7 pondbluebird commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:24 am

super cool entry to your blog!
i love your thoughts and your knowledge that you can effect people with positive/creative energy.

i love reading your blog and look forward to the pretty-looking in 08. much love sent up north!
8 simplesong commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:35 am

this posting is great — inspiring in itself + sounds like lots of great + inspiring stuff to come via decor8 in 08. looking forward to it.

and btw, you articulated perfectly the not-so-good/”i suck” feeling re: certain blogs. there are a few i need to stop reading myself.

happy 2008!
9 Beruska commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 am

Thank you Holly for your positive energy and encouragement! You are definitely a blogger in your own unique class, yet always supportive, honest and open to us “newbies”. That is one of the reasons you are so succesfull – it’s the Good Karma, good energy or whatever….. You deserve it! So yeah, Bring it 2008, I’m ready!
10 JJsMama commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:20 am

I think you rock.

Of the hundreds of blogs I’ve read and gone through, decor8 is the only one that actually inspired me to comment.

Know what? One of my goals was to make my home totally reflect my personality and today I went out and bought a lamp that is SO me! Yay!

Thank you Holly.

* Amnah
11 Heather Moore commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:28 am

You’re an amazing woman, and that was an amazing post. I love the way you embrace all the fabulous things blogging can do. I sometimes get worried that the generous spirit I’ve encountered in my 18 months of blogging is going to erode as it becomes noticed by the commercial interests, but with someone like you inspiring the rest of us, I have hope.
Have a fantastic 2008!
Heather
12 volksfaden commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:07 am

Dear Holly,
In this whole blogging landscape your voice is quite unique and you are sincerely inspiring! Loved the whole feeling of this post. All I can say is….. GO GIRL!
Linda
13 modmom commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 am

happy new year holly :0)
190+!!! that’s amazing + a lot of reading.
that was a great idea to ask for goals. i still don’t have my list together.
14 kis commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:04 am

I wish more people would realize they have so much to contribute, and that their existence makes a difference to someone somewhere.

I wish *I* realized that lol since it’s one of my ‘08 goals. :)

This site is the first thing I open up each day, because it brings me happiness. In the world we live in.. that’s all you can ask for. So.. thank YOU for realizing that you make a positive impact.
15 Lobster and swan commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:18 am

Such a beautiful and inspiring post. Perfect start to 2008.
16 Clare commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 am

Great post, thank you Holly. Happy New Year! Clare :)
17 Lisa commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm

Hollis! That’s where I live…..it is beautiful and snowy and cold today. I grew up in the bay area so I can appreciate your friends culture shock. NH is beautifull though and I loved raising my children in one small New England town.

I really enjoy your posts Holly, very inspiratonal.

Best to you in 2008.

Lisa at Lisa Teague Studios
18 UGodwin commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm

Dear Holly,
I ment to leave a comment on your blog for a long time. Now seems to be a good moment.
Last August you wrote a lovely entry about our home exchange site http://www.JewettStreet.com. Many of your readers visited our site and became members. Thank you very much.
I wish you continued success and joy with your blog!
Ursula
19 Sara commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:54 pm

what a beautiful post…

i visit decor8 daily because you manage to provide me with the two things that i need most as an artist: inspiration and encouragement.
it’s a very competitive world out there, so it’s great to be so gently reminded that the largest battle is really only with myself, my worries, self-consciousness, and hesitations.

i read your blog not only because of your great style and spot-on tips, but because of the readers that you attract! they’re coming from the same place, and that is the biggest comfort of all. this blog gives me that “i’m not alone” feeling, and it’s so very important.
20 Pina commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm

Thank you, Holly, for all the good things you brought to us in 2007 – lots of inspiration and lots of little smiles on our faces. Well, at least I can say this for myself.
Happy 2008!
21 Mary Richmond commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm

Great contemplative post to start off the new year. So many of us just want to start out on the right foot, don’t you think? We see an opportunity to start over, to make things right, to finally get our butts in the right gear…and most importantly it is the time of year when hope and courage seem to shine most brightly. Here’s to a great and growthful year for all of us.
22 Anonymous commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:35 pm

Great post! I really loved! Made me feel really inspired to start 2008 with a positive attitude to reach for my dreams and goals in life. Thanks :)
23 Leanne commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:47 pm

Holly – Thank you.
24 Melissa de la Fuente commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm

Sweet Holly..
You are an inspiration and it is an honor to be one of the recipients of your kindness and talent. I am right there with you in trying to support one another and reflect the positive. Here is to all of us in 2008 and to another wonderful year for Decor8! I look forward to the fabulous journey! Thank you.
xo
Melissa
25 Judit Gueth commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm

Hi Holly,

These are very nice thoughts! You ARE definitely making a difference, helping like-minded people connect thought your blog, and form a community.

I had a very sad Christmas. We lost our beloved dog, Rusty, my friend and companion of almost 14 years. After losing him, I promised, that I’ll be a better person and create more design work, study languages, exercise more, read more.

Wish you all the best for the new year! Hope you help and inspire many people though your blog!
Judit
26 kat commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm

Happy 2nd Birthday to decor8! Holly I really enjoy your candor and also the ‘responsibility’ with which you run your blog. It really does feel personal – not the easiest thing to convey through a computer screen. I wish you continued success.
27 Amy commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm

You have summed up how I feel about blogging but have not been able to out into words! Thanks for your courage :)
28 Catherine commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm

I’m printing out “bring it” in big bold letters and putting it right on my desk!!! I love it, thanks for the inspiration….
29 decor8 commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm

It’s great to know you feel the same and yes, we’ll all be accomplishing great things this year, I can feel the energy and it’s great. :)

Catherine – If you’d like a large size version of this image, go to:

http://flickr.com/photos/decor8/2159964669/

and click on “All Sizes” above the image and select which one you like (I have several sizes there) and then just download it or drag and drop it to your desktop and print it out from there.

Enjoy!
30 Anna at D16 commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm

Oh, Holly!! This post completely sums up exactly why I love Decor8, and why I’m here every day (multiple times…) looking for the latest you have to offer. What you have going on here is more than just a decor or home design blog. Thank you for that, and best wishes for your continued (and growing) success.
31 Uncle Beefy commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm

I realize that I’m essentially going to reiterate the same sentiment expressed by others before me but…

This post, Holly, sums up why decor8 is my number1. When I read other blogs, not that I don’t enjoy them, but it’s like flipping through a magazine or watching Martha or Fine Living Network. With your blog, I feel like I’m having coffee and chatting with a friend. You have such a great way of expressing a real humanity. And I greatly appreciate it.

Plus, your “new year’s goals” post really got my brain thinking and, more important, my butt moving!

Always an inspiration! Looking forward to sharing 2008 with you!

Thanks!
32 Abbey commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:20 pm

Holly,

What a wonderful post! When people ask me the daily blogs I read, yours is always the first one I mention. You have created a unique community on decor8 and i really look forward to your upcoming posts in 2008. and i can’t wait to see the success of so many designers and business owners this year because of you!
33 LIBERTY POST EDITOR commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:23 pm

Holly, Thanks goes to you for your efforts, impact, creativity and sharing. You are an amazing individual.
34 Valerie Parizeault commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm

Thanks for this motivational post, it’s a great way to kick off 2008! Also, Holly, thank you for your constant efforts to bring us beauty and wittiness into our lives; you are one of my blogging role model and it’s always a pleasure to read your blog each day.

Best wishes of success and hapiness for 2008!
35 Rachel commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:45 pm

Holly,
you rock.
36 Laura commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:47 pm

Holly, I am a huge huge fan of yours and this post explains why. I am absolutely a more creative person as a result of your work. I’ve started a blog of my own and am well on the road to becoming a designer myself. I have you and other bloggers like Grace at design*sponge to thank for giving me the courage to go for it. Bring it, indeed. :)
37 cartolina commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm

Holly, beautifully written as usual. THIS is why you inspire me. Not only do you have immpecable taste but you also take the time to write intelligent commentary to go with your picks. Thanks for sharing your goals and inspiration for the new year with all of us – I will certainly come along for the ride!
38 Uncle Beefy commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm

Hi Holly….me again. Thought I’d just share that I posted a video on my blog that I feel is a great addition to what you’ve talked about here. I think it’s a fine source of inspiration for the New Year.

Just wanted to share.

Thanks again. :)
39 Jules commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm

I needed to read that you are sometimes discouraged by other blogs, too. Sometimes I wonder, why do I even bother? Who on earth wants to read what I have to say? Now I know that maybe I should pull away from those blogs that make me feel my life is somehow insignificant or less glamorous. Thanks, Holly! :-)
40 Erin T commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Holly, what an inspiring post! I read through the New Year’s goals too and felt so many kindred spirits. You are an inspiration to so many people, myself included, and I look forward to what the new year brings at Decor8.
41 lizzyl commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm

this is exactly why I love reading your blog–it’s positive and inspiring! thank you!
42 Molly commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:55 pm

You are so inspiring, Holly!

Thanks for another wonderful post, and a great start to 2008!
43 Marisa and Creative Thursday commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:15 pm

This is beautiful Holly. You’re the best. And I embrace your goals in my own blog, as your friend, as a fellow creative spirit and internet colleague to everyone out there, and simply said I’m standing right beside you in 2008 ~ so go ahead and bring it!
44 patricia commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Great post! The way you share your inspiring ideas and thoughts with us all is what keep me coming back for more. Thank you Holly. It’s going to be a great year!
45 jmburton commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:12 pm

Thank you. I need some positivity and some inspiration to get me moving! I appreciate your posts and will continue to read throughout the new year.
46 jaime commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Right on Holly!!!
47 Tobey commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:43 pm

Inspiring post!
I, too, was amazed by how many of us have similar goals for the new year.
I was really surprised by how many want to open up a shop! What a great place for ideas and support…….I don’t feel so alone in the “small business start-up” now.
48 Cindy Ann Ganaden commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm

Holly-

Thank You! Your note was really inspiring. Decor8 in my top 5 blogs that I read daily. You are always on top of the latest treads. I love seeing what you have to say/show. Bring on the posts:)
49 Aloutka commented:
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 pm

Touching post, actually, I shed a tear reading it – it’s so heart warming to read your words of online community, and – let’s not fear the word – bonds. I believe 2008 to be the year of growing feminine power and your blog (that I’m almost daily reader of) is for me one of the best examples of this power.
And as I share your love for bohemian chic and apprieciate your taste very much it’s also inspiring. I’m planning to relocate very soon together with my daughter and actually to start life at new, and I’m browsing your flickr photos collection too(I just LOVE white collection!), searching which of your suggestions would fit me the most. Living in Poland, not in USA makes some things a bit more difficult, but the thing is to have your own style, isn’t it?

All the best wishes for you, your family, and readers – and thank you for all your work at decor8
50 (an)drea commented:
January 4th, 2008 at 4:37 am

thanks for the inspiration and being such a wonderful role model!
51 (an)drea commented:
January 4th, 2008 at 4:41 am

thanks for the inspiration and being a wonderful role model!
52 Magpie Designs commented:
January 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm

Boo – rah! I agree whole heartedly. Bring it on 08, bring it on! (And I especially loved your note about making your home more about you and less about others… a project I am currently undertaking.)
53 Anonymous commented:
January 6th, 2008 at 6:04 am

Your words have truly inspired me and I love your passion! Your blog is my go-to, the first I read every morning. Thank you for your inspiration! Here’s to a creative 2008!
54 bowie style commented:
January 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm

this post is what makes decor8 so special in the blog world. it has a very special vibe thanks to holly.
and thats why i love it.
55 Redcrow Quality Goods commented:
January 8th, 2008 at 8:36 pm

I have to say is thank you for your positive and creative spirit!
You and your blog are an inspiration! You are the type of person I hope to be like. Again Thank you.

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