Here I am writing a post I didn’t think I would this year. Not because I don’t like planning, because I very much do, but because the last several years did not pan out in any way like I had planned at the beginning of the year and frankly, I was tired of failing. I know they were my own expectations, but once you put them out into the world for others to see it feels even worse not to succeed at them.
I had no plan in place for the beginning of this year. After the shit show of 2020 and finishing it off being sick with Covid-19, it wasn’t even on my radar. But after finding myself up all night long unable to sleep I started catching up with my Twitter friends and fellow bloggers and thought I’d give it a go. I needed something to do besides watching YouTube and Instagram videos all night. One of my issues with writing/blogging was not finding the time. Well, there is plenty of time when you are up all night and everything else is sleeping.
I decided to try Violet’s January Jumpstart, without mentioning it to anyone. No pressure, post when I could, don’t stress out when I can’t. That sounded good to me. I still don’t really have much of a plan but sometimes it works out better that way. So far I’m four for four (now five for five!).
There is one thing I do have planned though. I have a new guest who’s Lunch Date story I will be posting over the next several weeks for Wicked Wednesday. She is a long time personal friend of mine who isn’t on social media. Maybe we can get her to give it a try now with this story of hers being posted. Maybe, but I doubt it.
One thing I have decided to do this year is focus on me and what I want. To make myself a priority and not feel bad when my decisions aren’t what others want or expect. I think my first two card of the year support this journey for me.
~ I don’t have to like the actions of others in order to love my journey. ~
~ Only I have to feel good about my choices. ~
They were good cards. I am sure there will be many more that resonate with me throughout the year as well. All I need to do is be quiet and listen.
Even though I don’t have any big plans, I do have a fancy new planner arriving tomorrow. It has pages for me to write my goals and sections to track habits I want to start, or continue. There are some colouring pages too for when I just need to take some time to quiet and centre myself. It is a pretty little book full of unwritten possibilities for the year ahead.
New planners are the best, and doing things for yourself, and not being hard on yourself, is always a good thing. Like the quote says: only you have to feel good about your choices. I’m excited to read your friend’s story!
I said it before but will say it again: it’s good to see you back, Stella!
~ Marie xox
As odd as it may sound, it feels good to have control over something and it helps keep me calm. Being sick with this fucking virus in a new hell every day and I feel I’ve lost control of so much.
I agree with your no plans plan! Be free, be organic, no pressure but celebrate each time you achieve something (like posting). I am one who believes if I “put it out there” I wont feel I can back out, so I only “put it out there” if I really want to motivate myself, because my guilt will be horrible – I do this only when my own procrastination is driving me crazy.
Be kind to yourself. I am sorry you have caught the virus and I heartily wish you better very soon.
Wheeee! love new stationery and this planner sounds gorgeous. I love scrapbooks and journals and can only dream of populating one with interesting musings and cute mementos – and colouring, yes very calming.