Happy New Year - Welcome 2022!

It's officially January and the beginning of a brand new year. So many didn't make it past midnight on December 31, 2021, so I feel blessed to have made it. If you're reading this, it means you - too - made it. Congratulations are in order. Things have been so unsettling since 2020 that it feels like making it from one day to the next is a battle many of us are fighting, quietly. Anxiety is at an all-time high as people worry about their own well-being in addition to that of their loved ones. Without getting political or standing on my soap box (this is a fashion and lifestyle blog, after all), let's just say it's been a stressful couple of years marked by uncertainty and unpredictable life disruptions.

Personally, I feel like I navigated 2021 a lot better than 2020 and, therefore, feel as though I made forward progress, albeit not as much as I would have liked. But there was growth and movement in the right direction versus feeling stuck in time or taking steps sideways. Finding ways to persist with a goal when life gets in the way takes some mastering. I feel as though I've come quite a way in that regard. I mean, look at me. It's January 2nd and I have a "Happy New Year" post up. Go, Me! Typically, these types of posts don't see the light of day until February, but I'm doing my best to stay on top of things, despite whatever else life throws in my way. And as long as my health remains in good standing, my goal for 2022 is to continue taking strides forward, while dealing with distractions and continued life disruptions. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Both can co-exist with a little extra work, dedication and boundaries! Discipline was my word for 2021 and, although I honestly struggled sometimes, it served me well. I managed to upload lots of videos and create more blog posts last year than I ever have since beginning this content creator passion project of mine. For 2022, I'm adopting two words. Discipline and Persistence. It was discipline that allowed me to push through when I wanted to pause and I never regretted that decision. My hope is to become more disciplined in 2022 to push myself even further. Persistence is what should naturally occur as I master this art.

Based on the ending of 2021 I can already predict 2022 is setting itself up to be a challenge, but because of the progress I made last year, I feel more equipped to face it head on and to allow what will be, to just be. My creative juices are flowing more than ever before and while things are coming together more and more, it's inevitable that disruptions are to also rear their ugly little heads. But I shall persist! There will be even more blog posts and creative content in 2022 that I'm excited to share, with the hope my consistency will increase a following. Even though, right now, this blog and my content creation is at the lower end of engagement, each post and video upload is like building a portfolio. I can feel myself getting better at the video creating process and finding my voice in writing these posts. The list of things to do and topics I want to cover is long and I'm super excited to share it all in this blog and/or in the form of video content.

On a personal "life offline" note, having indulged in delectable foods - without regular exercise -for the past 60 days of 2 road trips and three holidays, I'm ready to get back to my fitness routine that was all but abandoned during these past 8 weeks. Between travel and the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there hasn't been an opportunity to get my sweat on. Shopping, sightseeing and commuting to and from my 9-5 felt like all the physical and mental cardio I could muster. However, I miss the endorphins you get from a workout as well as the strength and overall well-being it provides. I always feel uber-energized, organized and focused following a workout; like I can conquer anything. There's sanity to be found in a sweat and strength session. It truly keeps me sane in this crazy crazy world and fuels my discipline in other areas. Of course, new workout clothing is a great motivation and I'm itching to break in some new pieces. Overall, I'm just ready to get back to making healthier choices that make me feel at my best. Time to get back on the wagon and I'm actually looking forward to it.

Perhaps, instead of two words to outline my 2022, it should be three. Discipline, Persistence and Strength! What word(s) would you choose as your guide(s) for the new year?

Wishing you, dear reader, the best of health, wealth, growth, peace, love and happiness life has to offer this year!

So long, 2021! It was a wild and adventurous ride. There were more good times than regrets. ❤✌