We all thought 2021 would be a return to “normal”, helped along by vaccines and – at least in my case – lots of wine. Now, with Christmas around the corner and 2022 emerging on the horizon, I’m reflecting on how 2021 actually turned out for me: a bit messy, yet really insightful.
It’s been a year of growth and acceptance. I began working with a coach, started therapy, and launched this blog. I was diagnosed with ADHD, and just recently found out I have endometriosis. Both of these diagnoses have helped me learn more about myself, and for that I’m grateful.
I learned that it’s really easy to focus on what we used to have. It doesn’t help that the news gives us daily reminders of what COVID has taken from us. So, let’s focus on what we’ve worked hard to gain this year instead.
Here are my top three.
1. Professional confidence
2020 marked the first time I spoke in a virtual KM conference, which was pretty cool. But professional confidence doesn’t just come from things we say “yes” to – sometimes it’s the things we walk away from.
In March 2021, I turned down a job offer at a big firm. It was a great opportunity, but the numbers just didn’t make sense. I’m proud of myself for asking for what I was worth and saying no when it was clear things weren’t budging. It was a bit awkward and disappointing, but that experience gave me more confidence to challenge myself when it comes to what I want to do and what I will (and won’t) accept.
2. Physical strength
Last summer, my husband’s personal trainer took me on and trained us as a couple. We did the same workout splits, sometimes even with the same level of weight. But gyms kept closing due to COVID, and I also knew that I needed more tailored guidance if I was going to keep up my training in a non-weight centric way.
I started working with my coach in March 2021. Her “whole person” approach was the breath of fresh air I needed. I’m doing some of the hardest workouts I’ve ever done, but I feel built up, not torn down. I’m proud of the muscle I’ve put on this year, but I’m more impressed by other physical changes I’ve noticed. For example, I am far more balanced between the left and right sides of my body, and I’ve built stability in my left hip. I know this stability and balance gives me a critical foundation for maintaining my physical strength as I get older. And that’s important to me.
3. Respect for my mental health
I knew therapy was going to be a marathon, not a sprint – and that’s probably why I put it off for so long.
Starting therapy in August 2021 was a terrifyingly vulnerable thing. It has taken 6 months to get to a place where I feel like I can start contributing in my sessions, verses just taking in information and ranting and crying. My ADHD diagnosis this year put one more piece of the puzzle in place for me. By learning more about it, I’ve been able to see how it can help me unlock other things in my life (when I’m ready for that, of course!)
But beyond therapy, the most important thing I did for my mental health this year was start talking about it. I talked to friends and family about my anxiety. I shared my ADHD diagnosis with my boss. I’ve written numerous posts about my struggles on this blog for everyone to see. It is helping me break down my own walls and expand my views on being in control and being perfect. And I hope it is helping you feel less alone with whatever your struggles may be.
We can do hard things
We’ve all had to do hard things, but if there’s anything this pandemic has shown us, it’s that we can do hard things in spite of all the messy stuff. Whatever you’ve worked really hard to gain this year, I’m proud of you. My wish for you this season is that you can also be proud of yourself.
I wish you and yours a safe and healthy holiday season, wherever you are in the world.
See you in 2022!
