This time two years ago we could not have imagined what lay before us. Although there was some chatter about a virus besieging those on the other side of the world, most of us were complacent. The notion of lockdowns, compulsory mask-wearing and daily reports on case numbers beyond our comprehension.
I can only assume this will all be behind us one day and we’ll talk of it as generations before us did of world wars and plagues.
It’s easy to identify the negatives of the past couple of years and it’s something I’m well-versed at doing – as a cynical pessimist (or pessimistic cynic). Of course I realise I’m ridiculously fortunate and been far less impacted than many so… as I’ve seen others do I thought I’d do a 2021 wrap-up with a focus on the good. Rather than the bad.
1. I got a job!
Well, I got several in fact. I had a couple of freelance contract gigs I enjoyed and gave me a sense of worth. I very much enjoyed a temp job I had for almost six weeks mid year. Although I wasn’t really keen for a full-time office-based job it was good to get out and about each day and I realised how insular my life had become. I then started doing some casual work at a government agency and at a second-hand bookshop and was reminded how nice it is to have to be pleasant to people. And finally, just before the year’s end I got a full-time job. It’s work-from-home which I thought I’d appreciate, but I do miss ‘seeing’ colleagues. I suspect some happy medium of working from home and an office would be ideal.
2. I refocussed on my health
I’d started exercising in 2020 – particularly after having some heart-related issues – but had a couple of injuries that put everything on hold. Combined with being at home all day, constantly opening the fridge seeking fulfilment and something to numb my sense of purposelessness meant I started feeling very unhealthy. It was particularly frustrating given the success I’d had after my weightloss surgery.
However, the mid-year office-based gig shocked me out of that routine and I made some changes. It’d taken five months but I eventually recovered from my back injury and restarted exercise. I still have a long way to go but am relieved I reined in some of that unhealthy behaviour before it skyrocketed out of control and (again) became hopeless.
3. I rediscovered the joy of television!
I did less reading and reviewing, though still read 118 books during the year. Instead I watched a lot of television. TV (as well as reading) has always been a vice for me but something I’ve done less of over the nine years since making my seachange. I prefer series to movies and this year particularly loved Halt and Catch Fire, Schitt’s Creek and Ted Lasso… to name but a few.*
4. I had a holiday
My niece turned 25 during the year and my brother and SIL shouted us a weekend away at the Sunshine Coast, where my SIL’s parents live. I was reminded what it was like to go away, stay somewhere nice and have no commitments; just fun and frivolity on the agenda and though just three days, it was so so special.
Job security and budget permitting I would like to ‘book’ something away (ie. a holiday) this year.
Speaking of 2022…
I have no goals or ‘word of the year’. I’d like to finish one of my several partially-written novels but wondering if perhaps it’s just not something I’m fated to do. I would like to work (properly) on issues I have around self-worth / worthiness because it feels like time is running out and I don’t want to live my entire life as a disappointment to myself.
Did 2021 offer some positives for you? Any goals for 2022, words of the year?
* All I can remember at the moment, but I might add more…
NB. First pic from Instagram @PeacefulMindPeacefulLife – click on image to go to the account.
January 3, 2022
Hi Deb, I enjoyed reading your year in review and I think, like you I was pleasantly surprised to find positives throughout my year, despite the dreaded ‘cloud’ that was finally resolved just before Christmas. It was an Estate issue so enought said! I can see a change in you over the last year – more positive and upbeat, despite describing yourself as a cynical pessimist. I think it is due to you having the various jobs (being unemployed had played on your mind), getting back to exercise, despite a hiccup with injury and getting away from a break. I wish you every happiness for 2022 and I think the quote you’ve included is exactly how we should be thinking. ‘Where you are is where you are meant to be’. #lifethisweek
January 3, 2022
Oh yes Sue, when I had the ankle injury closely followed by the back injury it was frustrating. I hate the feeling when you can’t remember what it’s like to feel okay. And of course it makes everything difficult and life feels miserable.
I guess it’s a reminder how important good health really is!!! (And of course, a positive mindset!!!)
January 3, 2022
Hi Deb – I’m so glad you chose to focus on the positives of 2021. I keep thinking how lucky we are to live in a country that has kept covid pretty much under control……but eventually it’s creeping in everywhere and I think we have to accept that and learn how to live with it in our own way (it seems to be different for each of us). I chose a WOTY that was simple and fun and a bit frivilous because I needed a bit of a boost and a proactive approach to being in my 60’s (I still find that hard to grasp!) So I’m planning on focusing on the good stuff in the year ahead and riding out the rest. Congrats on the job again and staying healthy and may the year ahead be a fabulous one for you xx
January 3, 2022
Thanks Leanne. I love your choice of word – it’s like you’re setting the tone for the year, or for your outlook of everything which is really positive!
January 3, 2022
Hi, Deb – You have an incredible power to reflect. I am honoured by the raw honesty that you share with us.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful 2022.
January 4, 2022
Ha! I worry about my overthinking and overanalysis. I mean, I think it’s good to be self-aware but I’m not sure I learn from my ponderings….
January 3, 2022
One of my goals for 2022 is to definitely read more and watch a little less TV, however, I don’t know if I’ll succeed in this. I get so tired so easily nowadays and once I hit a wall in terms of tiredness, reading becomes impossible so I turn to TV. We’ll see.
January 4, 2022
My reading is very much linked to my baths at the moment. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours in the evening but lately I’ve just wanted to sit and vege in front of the TV as well.
January 4, 2022
I’ve never been one for baths! I do like lounging on my sunbed on my back deck with a book for a few hours though, probably the equivalent.
January 3, 2022
Hi Deb it’s so good that your able to focus in the good things in such a negative year. Also it’s difficult to stay upbeat when you have injuries. I didn’t know you were writing a novel. I’m in awe of anyone who can write. Happy New Year and here’s hoping it is a happy one.
January 4, 2022
Jennifer, I’ve actually got 3 started (and a smidge of another). I’ve got 50,000 words written for a thriller that I’ve sat on since 2014 and 30,000 words of a young adult novel that’s over a decade old!
January 3, 2022
What a great review of the year and your focus on the good things Deb! You sound like you’re in a good place and i wish you well for 2022. I have chosen Gift as my WOTY, a bit different to my Bold of last year but I’ll see how I go with it! I like the focus it gives me.
January 4, 2022
I remember years ago doing some life coaching and the coach suggested rather than outcome-based goals, that I should set goals related to how I want to feel. And I think the WOTY is a bit like that – it’s more of a state of being or sense than things like: lose x kilograms, run x kilometres etc…
January 3, 2022
There were plenty of positives in there and I for one was glad to have been able to spend some time with you last year. I get the concept of time feeling like it’s running out though…
January 4, 2022
Yes, I thought about including catch ups with friends and time with family etc but decided they weren’t really turning points…. if that makes sense!
January 3, 2022
I’m pleased to see you found lots of positives to 2021. You’ve done well on the work front this year which is fabulous to see. Like you I don’t do the word of the year thing. I just kinda have intentions – usually the same thing which is to have an open mind, keep on learning, try and be the best me I can and then occasionally I toss in something else. This year I’m adding acceptance, faith and belief that I have the strength within to face hard things that life throws at us. My highlight of 2021 was discovering art and that I’m actually ok at it and find it enjoyable to do. So I hope I can do some of it during 2022. Happy New Year to you and I hope 2022 is a really great year for you! xo
January 4, 2022
I loved your art projects this past year Min!
And yes, it’s ironic – or just a shame – that I’d finally found some freelance / temp / contract work stability when this full-time job came up. I think knowing I was assured a certain amount of time or hours would have been a nice balance… but of course I couldn’t say no to a full time gig.
January 3, 2022
So glad to hear about your positives of 2021! Sadly my 2021 was terrible and kept throwing ***** at me but I had good times too. I lost my photography mojo during the spring but when I got it back, I was stronger and with a better mindset and more confidence. I also started taking walks with a lady in the camera club and she has now become a very good friend. I kept doing good things with music and the highlight actually was to start working on my singing skills. Other than that we had lots of good times in the garden because the weather during the summer was the best since we moved here. At the end of the year I started understanding what my problem with blogging is – and I’m beginning this year with bringing my personal blog back to what it used to be and to write for my own enjoyment and nothing else.
I wish you a very good start of 2022, let’s make this a good year despite the “thing” out there.
January 4, 2022
Oh Susanne, definitely some positives there. And I particularly like that you’ve been rethinking your blogging. I think I’ve done that by default… cut back on my book reviewing a little and balancing that with personal posts (like this) which I enjoy writing and find cathartic.
January 4, 2022
Hi Deb, I’m glad to hear about your positives in 2021. 2021 was a very good year for me aside from the global pandemic that affects everyone. 2022 is off to a good start so far. Wishing you a healthy and happy 2022.
January 4, 2022
Ah yes, the pandemic has changed everything hasn’t it? I wonder if things will return to pre-2020 days or if the world will be forever changed.
January 5, 2022
So that was a pleasure to read and I would say “go Deb”….and hand out a medal..because by gosh, you have overcome some tough times. The mental ones are the worst aren’t they? I am so happy for you to have come over the hump so to speak, and for work to be a new focus and adding back your healthy regime. Great post..really loved it. Thank you for linking up for the first Life This Week in 2022 at Denyse Whelan Blogs.
Thank you too for sharing your post with our community and commenting on mine.
See you next week for 2/51 Life This Week,
Warm wishes
Denyse
January 7, 2022
Thanks Denyse. Yes… I know ‘I’ (or at least my mind / thinking / behaviour) am my own worst enemy. I’m not sure if I’ve always been like this or that events of the last few years (unemployment predominantly) have made me less resilient etc?