2021 Reflections – Things I learned about myself this year
- I STILL love cozy outfits. I’ve been working from home since covid and I’ve realized lounge sets are the new power suits. My count of matching sets is up from 15 last year to 25+ this year.
- I’m finally back at the gym after taking a long hiatus mostly due to covid and have learned I get my best workouts in during lunch time. I realized I’m too exhausted (and comfy) at the end of the workday to want to leave my house and workout. And if you know me at all, we know I am NOT a morning person so working out first thing is disastrous. Getting a workout in when I have the most energy and fuel really helped me see a significant difference in my strength and endurance.
- I STILL really love coffee. More and more with each sip! I officially have a favorite or go to coffee drink – a lavender latte. I love coffee so much it’s inspired me to write two coffee blog series next year. 1. Insta-Worthy Coffee Shops in SD which I’ve sorta started on Reels and TikTok. Sometimes these coffee shops are so cute and aesthetically pleasing but they miss the mark on food and drinks. 2. My Favorite Coffee Shops in San Diego focusing on my recommendations on what drinks and food to order when you visit. This series will be less focused on décor and ambiance and more about quality and taste.
- I have a hard time making BIG decisions. I stress myself out with the potential outcomes of my decision before I even make a decision. Something, I definitely I need to work on next year. My advice to myself is to trust my gut even if my heart doesn’t agree.
- I miss traveling, a lot! I did have a few trips in the books this year, I visited Tulum, Washington/Oregon, and Nashville. But I miss international travel. Something about an exotic trip with new food, friends and memories has me longing for a 10+ hour flight to anywhere. But, I’ll likely focus on domestic travel again this year. In fact I already have some weekend trips booked early in 2022. Including a few bucket lists places. Stay tuned!!!
- I have little to no patience. Some would argue I have zero patience. Which leads me into 2022 My Word of The Year.
2022 – My Word of The Year
Similar to last year, I’m skipping the new year resolutions and I am continuing to focus on one word to live by and really hold myself accountable to the goals I’ve set.
After thinking about what I wanted for my life and future I chose the word patience. The exact definition is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset”.
My goals for actively choosing to live by and learning to have patience are:
- Make better decisions
- Enjoy more happiness and feel better i.e. less anxious, angry, annoyed, stressed
- Lessen the need for instant gratification
- Reclaim my time and priorities
- Respond to life with a grounded sense of who I am
- Improve my physical and mental health
- Become a better listener i.e. a better daughter, friend, coworker, partner
A special person in my life has subtlety reminded me the lack of patience I have. As I was doing research for a word to live by this year, the word patience jumped out at me. I quickly realized patience to some may appear to be as simple as having patience over daily hassles like a long line at Trader Joe’s, San Diego traffic or slow internet connection.
Next year I’d like to handle daily hassles with more grace and patience but really look at these scenarios through a different lens to help me be more satisfied with life and the little moments I may have missed.
This year I’ve realized I’m an awful listener. I tend to assume the endings to stories people are sharing, or cut them off to immediately tell them my thoughts before they’ve even finished their sentence. I’d like to learn to listen, digest and reflect while others are speaking before I share my two cents. I’d love to strengthen relationships both professional and personal by shifting my mindset and applying the art of patience.
I’ve been patiently waiting for God’s timing to harmoniously fit motherhood into my life. I’ve come to the realization it may never happen. I think having patience and waiting out my life’s hardship will lead me to hope and happiness on my journey.
I’ve shared a few scenarios in my life where the art of patience can tremendously benefit me. Now it’s time to put in the work and hopefully reap the benefits. Creating inner peace and deepening my relationships are the core of my word for 2022. I’m excited to see the change in my life based on the word I am choosing to live by.
What is your word for the year?
Like last year I’ve purchased a ring with my word of the year, patience, to help me manifest and remind myself of my mantra for this year.
SHOP my exact ring along with few others all under $25 below.
