Finishing Strong

 

Alrighty, so today is the last day of 2021. My goodness, it has been a year! It started with the loss of close family members and ended with a day of reflection.

As I write this I hope that the New Year brings with it some brightness and good energy. Many have faced hardship this year and the collective mental health drain has been immense. Around the world, every one of us is exhausted mentally.

I am not going to write any resolutions, well not in a way that these are normally written as to-do lists But rather as what I learnt this year and want to apply next year and beyond.

The Husband and I endeavoured to give Widget and Smudge new experiences because that's what parents do for their children. So they went on three mini holidays that adhered to strict COVID-19 protocols and had no one besides us staying there, mostly:
1. Ons see Huisie
2. Wildberry Farm
3. Afrika

Three very different experiences for the two woofs, meeting other dogs and animals especially horses and cows, frolicking among the hay, hiking to waterfalls and swimming for the first time, attacking various cars and playing survivor with perks.

They both had small Puppy Parties in conjunction with our birthdays and the backyard is now a haven for them. For us too but mostly for them.

I also got to spend Mother's Day with my mum after years which was very special with the addition of family. After not being with your family for so long, this was needed. It reminded me of how important special days are.

It has been the first year that my parents didn't stay at my home but thankfully I could call them often and video call. Technology is wonderful!

The Husband surprised me for my birthday this year, the last of my 30s buy getting me 39 gifts and a stay in Riebeek Kasteel for a night and a day of eating at my favourite restaurant- La Parrilla. Do yourself a favour and go because I am drooling typing and thinking of the amazing food there.

I started freelance writing, a dream of mine for years and started this blog. Both pushed me to get out of my shell and write. I am far from an expert but I did get promoted at work and aim to branch out with different types of writing projects next year. It's all about increasing my portfolio to continue the book I started writing last year.

I became ARMY this year and my love for BTS just continues to grow and grow. I love how happy the music and the members make me. So 2022 is when I start learning Korean.

My succulent business became a reality this year as well, I managed to get all my creations sold and learnt a lot about social media and marketing. Next year I aim to get better at promoting and making some amazing things!

The Husband and I took the family on two types of holidays - beach and mountain. It was a joy to spend that kind of time with my creators, nephew, The Husband and my brother. Precious memories and a promise to do this as often as we can, when all is safe of course!

So 2022 for me will be a year of continuing to figure who I am whilst applying the good I have learned. It's about staying focused and being kind and not forgetting to love yourself warts and all. I aim to continue to have a growth mindset so that I continue to learn and grow and live life.

This last post for 2021 is about finishing strong but what I consider that phrase to mean to me. It is enough that you have made it to the end and have done your best. We are all in this together and we have all finished strong in our own way. 

See you next year...








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