2021 Review and 2022 Goals

So it’s the last day of the year. I didn’t think we would be here again, having another COVID winter, but here we are. So below is my year-in-review. It was a really, really great one.

Highlights

• Turned 30 and had multiple celebrations, as a fire sign would.
• Got my own apartment, living alone for the first time (referenced in my goals from my post from last year!!) in a town that I LOVE!!!
• Finished all but one course in my graduate school program while working full time.
  • Note: I really love my Masters program. This year, during both semesters, I did super fulfilling projects focused on the LGBTQIA+ community and social justice.
• Started a new job as a consultant.
• Acquired two additional Salesforce certifications. (Shout out to Sam Shain for inspiring spontaneous exam-taking in)

Challenges

• Dealing with mixed messages, for instance:
  • “Ask for help” v. “Be self-sufficient”
  • “Help people” v. “Don’t do for people what they can’t do for yourself”
  • “Be assertive” v. “Be gentle”
• Decision fatigue, especially around technical debt at work and personal items when moving.
• Avoidance, and staying motivated to keep good habits

Most-Used Purchases

For me, this year was about paying for quality and not being ashamed to get rid of things that straight up don’t work (e.g. old vacuum cleaner). I want to celebrate this, because it feels like a move towards maturity, but I also realize my privilege that I am able to afford these things (even though I bought most on sale or secondhand). I’ve also focused a lot on sustainability this year.

So here’s my list, in case it helps inspire your next round of purchases (Note: These are NOT affiliate links)

1. iRobot Roomba Vacuum
2. Shark vacuum and steam mop
3. Flexispot sit-to-stand desk
4. Verilux HappyLight
5. Sheertex pantyhose
6. Keurig coffee maker
7. Vizio Soundbar
8. Quip Refillable Floss
9. Marley’s Monsters Reusable Paper Towels
10. Wake Up Light alarm clock (Shout out to Dee for this idea)

Goals for 2022

Below are my goals for 2022! I’ll be checking this post periodically and also have them written on a whiteboard next to my desk.

• Mess reduction –
  • Have a place for everything and put everything in its place
    • Invest in storage solutions
    • Get rid of stuff I don’t love
  • Do small maintenance tasks like sweeping and wiping down surfaces every day
  • Digital messes, too – regularly purge emails, phone contacts, photos
• Movement –
  • Move my body most days of the week
  • Focus on the way movement makes me feel rather than a strict schedule
• Music –
  • Pick up my instrument every day
• Mindfulness –
  • Active listening
  • Patience
  • Slower eating
  • Meditation and yoga

Thanks for reading! See ya in the new year!