Shifting from 2021 to 2022
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Wasn’t it exciting to have the world open up for a while, allowing many gatherings that weren’t possible for most of 2020? I especially enjoyed overnight sister visits, attending my niece’s wedding, which had been rescheduled twice due to COVID, and celebrating Christmas with my kids and grandkids.
It was far from ideal, but 1000% better than 2020, when we did it virtually. Although I’m thankful for the technology that made this possible, it wasn’t very satisfying.
Lucky for me, I’m an introvert so I’ve had many ways to amuse myself even during lockdowns.
Reading
Instead of my usual summary of books I read during the past year, I invite you to explore My Year In Books on Goodreads, where I’ve posted reviews of each one. I rated more than 25% of them 5 stars, but I think my favourite was The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
I look forward to many more hours of pleasurable reading this year and would love to see your book recommendations in the comments.
Photography
I managed to post a photo to Instagram nearly every day! These were my most popular photos of the year.
When after 12+ months I needed some inspiration, I rejoined 52 Frames.Thousands of people from all over the world take part in this weekly challenge, so I don’t expect (or get) much engagement with other participants, but I like having something to give me structure and take me outside my comfort zone. It’s also fun and satisfying to see all my weekly submissions in one place.
Six of my ‘”top nine” for 2021 were 52 Frames submissions, so I think I’ll keep it up. Maybe I’ll even achieve Weekly Warrior status by entering 52 weeks in a row!
Family History
My long-time interest in family history has been piqued in recent years by reading Hazel Thornton’s blog, where she’s shared a number of old family photos, the stories behind them, and the process she went through to put them together. As a self-appointed family historian, I’ve wanted to organize what I have in a way that will be interesting to other family members, especially the younger generations, but I’ve had a hard time getting started. For that reason I was excited to learn that Hazel was writing What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy and especially to receive my copy when it was published.
The book has helped me understand that what I’m looking at isn’t a project to be completed, but a hobby to enjoy throughout my life. That awareness has removed some of the pressure I’d put on myself so I can just relax and enjoy the process.
If this interests you, read my full review on Your Organizing Business.
My Thoughts
I realize not everyone has been as fortunate, and my heart goes out to all who have suffered losses during these already challenging times.
For most of us, 2021 felt like a reboot of 2020, making it hard to embrace 2022 with the level of enthusiasm typically associated with a new year. For that reason, it seems even harder to plan ahead and assume we can just proceed than it did this time last year. But if nothing else, COVID has taught us to be more flexible. So I’ve decided to make the most of the year ahead, whatever it may bring! Will you join me?
For me, it means nurturing the relationships I have with family, friends, and clients, and nurturing myself by devoting quality time to my personal interests. To help me remember that, my focus word for the year is NURTURE.
What’s your vision for 2022?
Janet Barclay
I eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, cooking, watching movies, drinking tea, and spending time with my family.
I also loved The Midnight Library; I don’t read many novels (vs. non-fiction) but it was one of my top three for last year. And I wasn’t familiar with 52 Frames, so I appreciate you sharing! And of course, Hazel’s book is fab!
You already nurture so many of us, Janet, so I hope you’ll be nurturing yourself in 2022!
Thank you so much, Julie! I feel like I’ve coped pretty well through the last two years, but it doesn’t seem to get any easier, so self-care and good relationships are going to be even more important than ever.
I’m with you and Julie. I also LOVE The Midnight Library! I mostly read non-fiction, so it was unusual for me to read that one, but a dear friend recommended it, so I did. I could barely put it down.
Congratulations on posting so frequently on IG using 52 Frames as your accountability partner. I’m not familiar with it, but it sounds like you enjoyed the process enough so to try again this year.
I know what you mean about it feeling more challenging to plan or generate extreme enthusiasm, given all the uncertainty still. However, I’m still committed to trying new things and feeling my way forward. I am still working on reflecting and setting goals for 2022. I have selected my ‘word,’ along with an overall mantra. And those two will help me fill in the rest. My word is “Flourishing.” My mantra is “Manifest amazing sh*t.”
I love the word you picked…NURTURE! After all that we’ve been through these past two pandemic years, the word you chose feels like a beautiful way to thrive. I wish for you only the best for 2022 and beyond.
I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone reading The Midnight Library and NOT loving it! I really must go there again.
Through the Kickstarting Creativity course I completed since writing this, I’ve realized my daily posting to Instagram has turned my joy of photography into a task I needed to check off each day. So I may miss more days, but that will free my mind to be more creative.
I love that you have both a word and a mantra. I have a mantra too, but didn’t know that’s what it was. Whether it’s work or personal, I love everything I do, but sometimes I get bogged down. When that happens, I’ll remind myself that “It’s supposed to be fun.” If it isn’t, instead of wallowing in it, I’ll figure out what I need to do to make it fun again.
Reading is my lifesaver. Even during COVID, I look at my year as a year of possibilities because there are always great books to read. My favorites this year were Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby, Maybe You should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb and The Mothers by Brit Bennett.
I love your outlook on 2021. I will say that at times it felt like a was wading through a dense fog and that every step was an effort. But not being able to do certain things allowed me to concentrate on other items. So there’s that. My word of the year is “Maximize” since I am aiming to make use of all my apps and belongings as well as put more into my good relationships so I can reap the benefits.
Thanks for lending your insightful perspective on this past year and the year ahead.
Wishing you a great 2022!
Jill, thank you so much for your book recommendations and for connecting with me on Goodreads. I look forward to seeing what you read this year.
Thanks also for sharing your outlook on 2021. Day-to-day I feel like I’ve coped fairly well throughout the pandemic, but enough already!
Maximize was my word one year too! I’m sure I blogged about it, but I couldn’t find it right now to send you the link.
I am also using Hazel’s book to inspire me to add content to my ancestor scrapbook. This book was created in 2003 and now I want to recreate it for my children. It holds my ancestry family tree with over 12 pages of relatives. =) I started the original scrapbook when my parents’ passed and have added to it over the years. Good luck with your vision for 2022!
That is so exciting! A second cousin on my mother’s side has been doing research and gathering photos and stories for many years, so I’m focusing on my father’s side for now. It’s so interesting!
Okay first, I guess I need to read The Midnight Library. Putting it on my list right now. Maybe I’ll pick it when it is my turn with my book group!
I resonate with the emotion of this post. It’s just been hard to climb back on the horse, so to speak, because the horse still seems like he’s having trouble standing up! Yet, life is short, and should include joy, so I love your word NURTURE. I haven’t really picked a word this year. I’m still chewing on it. I think I’m okay, though, I can pick a word anytime, right?
Welcome Back!
You can’t go wrong suggesting it to your book group. We all loved it – and we don’t always agree on these things.
You can definitely pick a word any time! If you do, I’d love to know what you choose.