As 2021 drew to an end, I had only one thought in my mind: “Well, good riddance.”
To say that 2021 was a horrible year sometimes felt like an understatement. And yet… I couldn’t bring myself to totally hate the year that was. Despite Alistair’s diagnosis and the rollercoaster that ensued, we still had good memories.
- We got our very own camper trailer – Peggy the Minion. It’s truly our home away from home, and the kids love it so much.
- We embarked on several fun and memorable camping trips (tent and camper trailer), including our very first trip away on our own without our camping buddies.
- I changed jobs! After three years at a digital agency, I decided it was time to look for a new opportunity. By God’s grace, I got not one but two job offers. It was a difficult decision as both companies were amazing – but I finally decided to go to a premium copywriting and content strategy agency.
- I completed the 100 Day Project again, and as usual, I gained so much from it. I will definitely do it again this year. And if you’ve never done the 100 Day Project, I highly recommend that you try. It’s an amazing way to get you committed to creativity again.
- I achieved my reading challenge of 70 books.
- I picked up a new skill – crocheting! I’m quite obsessed with it at the moment, so you’ll probably see it all over my blog and Instagram soon…
- I didn’t manage to write a novel, but I had lots of ideas. And even though I’m disappointed I still have not written the story, I’m happy I kept working on my craft.
- After more than a year of not going for workout sessions, I recently signed up for Pilates again. And this time, my trainer is just about 15 minutes away from my home, so it’s a win!
And in between these were the smaller moments that had big impacts. The cuddles. The board games. The silly dances. The tears. The laughs. The quiet moments. The grieving moments. The celebrations of small victories.
2021. So much packed into those four digits.
Yet despite the darkness, there were lots of lights and rainbows to be grateful for.
But now, it’s time to go forward and onwards.
2022. I’m entering it with equal parts fear, caution, fatigue, excitement, hope and faith.
This poem probably most accurately sums up my thoughts and feelings as I stand at the edge of the in-betweens, staring down at the new year:
There is freedom waiting for you
On the breezes of the sky
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling, what if you fly?
– Erin Hanson
I’ve never been one to have a word for the year. But I guess for this new year, I do. And not just one word, but two:
HEAL. COURAGE.
I have lots of broken pieces that need to be picked up and rejoined. But at the same time, I don’t want to stop there. I want to get up, up, up.
There are still goals to reach, dreams to achieve, lives to live. May hope lead us, faith sustain us, and God be with us.
Happy New Year, my dear friend. May your 2022 be filled with beautiful moments.
Love,
Natalie