Looking back on 2021 my feelings are mixed, and that is putting it lightly. The past year was filled with a ton of positives for my family including lots of travel, the girls starting high school, out professional lives remaining strong, fun home improvement projects, and lots of time with friends. There were also many challenges including issues in our extended family that are yet to be resolved, lingering covid drama, and learning to live with things that are uncertain.
If you know me well, you know that I do not like things that do not make sense and/or that are inconsistent. If I can’t put it in my planner, it can’t happen. Insert Covid and everything that goes with it. You get the picture. These past few years have been challenging for some one like me. The rules seem to change on a dime, people are at odds over vaccinations and covid protocols, the list goes on…. I have thought a lot about so many things that I never imagined I would be stressing over. My patience for people and situations has become much shorter but I do not necessarily consider that a bad thing. I feel much more confidant and secure in my decisions and what and who I am willing to spend my time and energy on. Here is what I “learned” in 2021 and the advice that I would offer myself if I could go back in time. It may not be for everyone and I am ok with that ❤️ I hope that at least one of these things hits home with someone who is struggling.
- People do not change to their core. I believe that people will change their behaviors based on what they think you want to see, but in the end, they are who they are. You cannot change anyone.
- Think hard about who you spend the very little free time that exists with. Spend time with people who increase the value of your life. Do the same for others.
- Stay TRUE to your beliefs and opinions. Say them out loud even if you know someone will disagree. If someone does not like it, that is ok. If you do not like someone else’s opinion on a touchy subject, that is okay too. No one is right, no one is wrong, they are just opinions, but decide where you stand.
- TAKE the trip. You won’t regret it, ever.
- Treat your friends and your kids friends like family. You never know what goes on in other peoples households. Have an open door policy.
- Get rid of “stuff”. Decluttering gives a sense of freshness and calmness. Do not hold onto “things”. Out with the old and in with the new.
- Work hard. Nothing comes from hoping, wishing, or praying that it will happen. Decide on the path to get you to where your want to be and do the work. Hard work always pays off in the end.
- Find a life/work balance. When you figure out how to do this, let me know.
- Make an effort to keep the people that have been in your life forever in your life. Make the call, send the message, take trip to see your old friends. It will be like no time has passed. Old friends are the best friends time and time again, hands down.
- Respect is earned. Decide what you will and will not tolerate and be clear about it. Decide where your boundaries lie and stick to them. Don’t be wishy washy. If you want to earn respect at work or with your friends and family, be clear as to what you expect and what you are willing to give and just.do.it.
I do not make big resolutions for the new year but I always try and start out fresh on a few fronts. A new planner, less wine and more veggies, making professional goals, planning family vacations, and decluttering always make the upcoming months seem more do-able.
Yearly Top 10
Let’s take a look at the top 10 sellers for readers in 2021! I think it is fair to say that 2021 was the year of comfort and practical clothing and shoes and I couldn’t love it more!
10. Wireless Bra: your tatas will thank you
9. Nike Court Sneakers: the perfect shoe for everyone
8. Flocked Tree: we now won 4 of these, the perfect affordable decor
7. Shacket: lined in the softest tee short material and a fall and winter classic
6. Bliss Plush Throw: the softest blanket around town
5. Studded Booties: the slip on booties with the perfect amount of detail
4. Ab-Solution Raw Edge Slim Denim: elastic waist, booty lifting technology
3. Ugg McKay Booties: now 65% off and a winter must have
2. Zella Shooting Star Cardigan: now on crazy sale and a cozy favorite
- Lululemon Align High Rise Jogger: on sale with a cult following
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this and have supported my little corder of the internet this year. I am looking forward to a year filled with family, friends, food, fitness and fashion. In the great words of Carrie Bradshaw, “And just like that, a new year has begun.”
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