2021 Reflection and Birthday Thoughts

Oh 2021. What a year you were. Last year on my birthday, Nick came home from work early and told me someone in his office had tested positive for Covid-19. This was obviously pre-vaccines and we spent the first two weeks of 2021 in quarantine. Thankfully, he tested negative and I did as well but it was still a rocky start to the new year.

This year it’s going much smoother (so far) but the world is still suffering. When you’re birthday is at the end of the year, you end up feeling extra introspective as the world turns another year older along with you. I’ve put off writing this post because truthfully, I don’t know how I feel about this year.

SO much good happened amid the continued suffering and I’m having a hard time reconciling that. But 365 days is a long time so there’s bound to be some beautiful moments among the ugly days.

Moments That Stand Out:
1. We finally were able to get married and celebrate with our friends and family after being forced to postpone our 2020 wedding.

2. We brought our sweet puppy home.

3. We got to visit Lake Placid two times.

4. I hugged my brother for the first time in two years.

5. I was cast in my first show since February 2020.

What I Learned:

  1. I do not know anyone anything.

  2. The Block/Restrict Button is Your Friend

  3. Learning a new sport/skill is fun (golf)

  4. Everyone is going to have an opinion but that doesn’t invalidate yours

  5. Don’t count yourself out before you even try (NaNoWriMo, TikTok)

  6. It’s possible to forgive and know it’s still better to have someone not be a part of your life.

  7. Respond rather than react.

  8. Read what you want, not what you think you should.

  9. Don’t compare your journey to anyone elses.

  10. Advice you didn’t ask for shouldn’t change your thoughts/plans/desires.

What I’m Looking Forward To:

  1. Taking Our Honeymoon—We did a mini moon in 2021 but I’m hopeful we take our “real” honeymoon this coming year

  2. Writing More—I’m planning on starting the process to query my novels!

  3. Unplugging More—I want to utilize my email list more in 2022 and use my social media more intentionally in 2022. I’ve fallen into mindless scrolling that leaves me drained instead of inspired.

I don’t know if any of this makes sense or is interesting, but I want to thank you once again from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a small part of your lives. Whether it’s book recommendations, headbands, or candid anxiety talks, I’m so grateful to share this space with you.

Stay well, stay safe, and I’ll see you next year! Sorry, I had to.

LifestylePhoebe Wrightbirthday, reflection, new yearsComment