2020 has been a very interesting year to say the least. For most, it has been filled with lots of staying at home…A LOT of staying at home! For some, it has been a devastating year, filled with loss and grief. For others, it has been a year of self-progression or perhaps just a lot of baking!
For me, it has been a mixture. I have experienced loss but have also had time for reflection and I achieved a thing or two along the way.
So What Have I Achieved In 2020?
Well despite finding an incredibly delicious rocky road recipe in UK Lockdown Part 1, there have been a number of other real positives from 2020.
1. I successfully completed the Bar Course (BPTC) & LLM (Masters of Law)
I do not say this to gloat, but I often forget, without actively reminding myself, what I achieved this year whilst at home. Whilst many feel like 2020 has been a bit of a write off (and in many ways it has) I actually achieved the biggest achievement of my life (so far) – a whole post-graduate qualification and a distinction in my masters. Surely that is something to be pretty proud of and not just brush under the carpet?
I proved to myself that when faced with adversity, I can still take things in my stride and achieve. So even if you don’t take the accolade itself, try and think of something you had to overcome and how it has shaped you as a person. I bet you have actually achieved more than you think!
2. I started my Youtube channel
I actually started a Youtube channel. Quite unbelievable. And not only did I just start one, I post frequently every week and even achieved Vlogmas, uploading a video every day of December. To say Youtube has been a dream of mine for the longest time does not do my passion for Youtube justice. It is something I have always wanted to do, admired others for doing and never took the plunge myself. Most likely in fear of judgement.
If you take anything away from this blog post, please don’t be afraid to just ‘Go For It’. You don’t know where it might take you and if you don’t try, you will never know!
If you haven’t already checked my Youtube channel out you can click on the video below which will take you to my channel where you will find lots of beauty, fashion and lifestyle content.
3. I started a blog
In addition to my Youtube channel, I also started a blog (which you already know, because you’re reading it!). I am still a complete novice and I have not yet given this blog the love and time it needs, but I am learning. My aim in 2021 is to dedicate the time to this blog and make my tiny corner on the internet, other people’s little escapism. More on resolutions later…
4. I moved out!
For those of you who are new here or do not already follow me on my socials, won’t have heard me speak about my partner, Chester. Chester and I have been together for over 6 years and this year we finally moved out together! We’re renting a lovely apartment, perfect for the two of us, whilst we continue to search for our first home.
5. I made it through 2020
I think this is the biggest achievement of them all. 2020 has been a tough year! We have all heard it before but quite simply, it has been unprecedented (yawn, but it’s true!). We have all had to adapt in one way or another, make sacrifices and look out for one another. Unfortunately, we lost love ones along the way but if you’re reading this then just take comfort from the fact – you made it through 2020!
So What Are My Goals For 2021?
Let’s move away from reflection now and start looking to the future. As cliché as it sounds 2021 is the perfect time for a fresh start. I don’t want to be unrealistic with my goals, but I find having things to aim for keeps me more focused. I also love being able to look back and see what I wanted to achieve and what I actually achieved.
1. Devote Time To My Blog
I have briefly covered this one already but I want to invest more time in my blog. Writing, creating and sharing. Giving it the opportunity it deserves. Adding another string to my bow. As I said before, if you don’t try, you’ll never know!
That being said, if there is anything you would like to see from my blog please do let me know if the comment section below. From beauty, fashion, lifestyle or advice – I’m not limiting the scope of this blog.
2. Feel Healthier In Myself
This is probably the most cliché of them all. How many of us promise ourselves we will lose weight or tone up and then end up falling at the first hurdle. I’ve certainly been part of that group several times! Having said that, I’m the type of person that unless I really put my mind to something I struggle to have the motivation to achieve it.
My aim isn’t just to shed a few festive pounds, but also to continue teaching myself about healthy lifestyle habit. I would like to find some form of exercise I actually enjoy and maintain a healthy relationship with food. To loose a few pounds would be great, but my real aim is just to improve my health. I want to feel less sluggish and more motivated. I honestly think my food consumption has a huge bearing on my mood!
3. Learn To Love And Accept Myself
This probably sounds contradictory considering my previous resolution is to change a part of me. In my opinion, there is a difference between learning to love and accept yourself and feeling unhealthy in your current circumstance.
I think acceptance is a huge journey. I could speak about it for hours. The art of not comparing yourself or your life to others is terribly difficult and a real skill, particularly considering the height of social media in today’s society. One of my friends even removed herself from all social media because she found herself feeling continuously disappointed with her own life each day as she scrolled away. To be honest, I respect her hugely for that! It wouldn’t be something I would do, but I understand the rationale completely.
I aim to continue learning to accept me, for me. It won’t happen overnight. It might not even happen this year. But a little progress is better than none.
A Flower Does Not Think To Compare Itself To The Flower Next To It. It Just Blooms.
4. Continue To Make Time For Myself
In all honesty, I’m already quite good at this. I try to designate specific ‘me-time’. Whether that be a little pamper evening each week or take time to do something I enjoy. Like with everything, consistency is key! So I aim to continue making time for myself, even if my schedule becomes busier. There is no point burning out, it makes the time for focusing less effective.
Self-care Is A Priority And Necessity – Not A Luxury – In The Work We Do
Take 30 minutes a few times a week to:
- Apply a face mask;
- read a book;
- eat some chocolate;
- take a long, hot shower;
- wash your hair thoroughly;
- apply a hair mask;
- apply some luxurious body lotion; or
- do whatever makes YOU happy!
Some of my recommendations for my perfect self-care evening and relaxing unwind:
5. Start Practising Gratitude
I already consider myself quite a grateful person and try to show gratitude whenever I can. However, I feel actively practising gratitude brings a whole other meaning to gratefulness.
Not only will this be an excellent opportunity to take 5-minutes for myself in addition to practising gratitude but I also think it will make me more thankful for my life and reduce the ‘disease’ of comparison. Helping to achieve two of my other goals.
To do so, I have order myself a 6-Minute Diary from Amazon. The aim is that you spend 6-minutes per day to increase mindfulness, happiness and productivity.
So they are all my resolutions and intentions for 2021. I am not tying myself to too many goals because who knows what 2021 has in store for us. My intention is to take each month as it comes and set mini-goals for the month ahead. Perhaps take a few minutes today to think about what you would realistically like to achieve in 2021?
Whatever resolutions or intentions you choose to set, I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Lots of love, Clo x
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Love this Chloe. Well done on the blog x
Author
Thank you so much Beth! Happy New Year x