2021: A Year In Review

This yearly reflection on the blog is turning into a little tradition for myself, with this post being the third one in a row! 2021 was the year I dove deeper into my mental health and really pursued my dreams. Ultimately, the blog was a bit neglected as I focused more on myself and social media growth, but I definitely want to be more active on the blog.

So much has happened this year, it almost feels like a distant memory. Currently, I’m recovering from a cold so everything feels a bit hazy in general. But, whenever I do look back, it just doesn’t even feel like the same year. Working from home became a permanent part of my routine. Healing and mental health took priority, which is still an ongoing journey. And I started to push myself to do things that I was always hesitant about.

Before I continue, I want to quickly review how I’ve applied last year’s lessons:

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Like I mentioned earlier, my mental health was a priority this year. Overall, I’ve been less stressed and anxious, but I’m also applying my coping mechanisms more diligently while trying new tactics as well.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Rest is so important. I no longer push myself to the point of exhaustion and burning-out. Whenever I need rest, I take the time to rest even if it’s just a short break. It’s led to a healthier lifestyle overall. 

ENJOY THE PRESENT

I have found a lot more joy this year. Slowing down has definitely helped. But with how hectic this last couple months have been, it's definitely been neglected. I still want to work on this as my brain is constantly filled with a bunch of noise at times.

A JOB DOESN'T DEFINE YOU

Do what makes you happy. Period. You don't ever have to overwork yourself. I've been finding balance and I try to keep work as it's own separate thing so I can truly enjoy and relax during my evenings and weekends.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

It doesn't matter the situation, speaking up and communicating your thoughts will open so many doors you never thought would ever open up. I still hesitate at times, but I'm learning to put myself out there more.

HEALING TAKES TIME

I still have a long way to go, but I have made significant progress this year dealing with my inner turmoil. One day I will share my story in order to take that final step.

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

My creative side was more present this year which made photography enjoyable again.  It's been a lot of trial and error, but I've narrowed down what exactly I like to create and am focusing on what brings me the most inspiration and happinesses.

What 2021 Has Taught Me

You Are Capable

This year I only have one overall encompassing lesson. It applies to everything because I never actually believed I was capable of so many things. I had a huge list of goals this year compared to any other year and to know that I’ve actually worked on every single one is proof that I have the ability to accomplish anything.

A bit of a story here. I'm not the most enthusiastic student. I never got a traditional education or was given the "proper" tools for success. I never understood how to get from Point A to Point B, so instead I zigzagged through the whole alphabet learning step by step where I actually wanted to be in life.

From the beginning all I ever knew was that I wanted to create, especially with photography. I didn't know how to profit from it in a way where I could keep my passion alive because every step I took seemed to diminish my initial goals.

Social media has been my most powerful tool in achieving the ability to work for myself and enjoy simply creating. It feels like the only place where I can  truly express myself and not have to live up to anyone’s standards or obey any type of rules. I always thought I had to follow the corporate pathway, but even that was just as confusing as I always set my own schedule and broke the 9-5 with each job I had. 

Learning to make an income from social media was a whole other process. Marketing had never held my interest before, but it slowly became one of my strengths. From outreach, to negotiations, finances and more, it all became another tool in the creative process.

It's always been a dream to work for myself and in a way I have accomplished that in multiple ways. I'm doing well on social media and have been slowly growing my own business. It can be overwhelming at times all of this on one person, but I'm enjoying what I'm able to do.

My timid and anxious nature is slowly fading, although it is still a struggle. However, knowing that I am capable of this independence and all sorts of different work tasks has pushed me to do better. I have given myself the confidence and motivation that was never nurtured at home, school, or work.

Earlier this year, I heard an amazing explanation that really stuck with me. The famous quote "Jack of all trades, master of none." It's often seen as a negative and I remember a co-worker using it to describe his "incompetence."

However, I want to share the complete, original saying that I heard, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." 

Being versatile and adept in many skills is a strength. Never doubt your abilities, because all those skills are the things that are going to help you achieve your goals. You are capable of anything as long as you believe. 

Even though that whole chunk was dedicated to my own personal career path, that has been a huge part of my year and life in general. Landing a stable job was always a goal given to me, but I never knew what would make me truly happy. And I never really had time to sort through my own thoughts and feelings about everything.

My mental health had been severely affected due to societal pressures of what was considered the "correct" pathway. Along with other traumas, I never thought I'd be able to heal. It all intertwines, whether I want it to or not.

I love to create. Simple as that. Whether it's photography, crafting a new latte, or sculpture projects— I put my all into it. I want to share it with the world, I want to be able to provide for my family, and I want to enjoy the journey. 

I know I am capable of all of this. I've had a lot of healing and discovery to do before I could see this clearly, but it’s just all part of the process. 

2022 Goals

Personally, I love setting long-term goals rather than resolutions, simply because the word “resolution” always seems to have a specific deadline. Yearly goals give you the ability to breathe, learn, and grow along the way. 

There’s only a few main topics I want to focus on this time around. Here’s a broad overview of what I’d like to accomplish in 2022: 

Significant Career Growth

Continue Working On Mental Health

Healthy Meals & Habits

Now, for the next few days I think I’m just going to rest and recover from whatever bug I caught before I jump back into things! Wishing everyone an amazing new year!