Most of my friends have been doing retrospectives on their 2021s. I’m no exception. This entry will be very short, but I’d rather reflect on the past year while it is still happening, rather than bring the theoretical baggage into the new.

And yes, I know this is only symbolic and tomorrow isn’t going to change anything just because a year on the calendar changed and whatever… but I’ve done retrospectives for the past several years and it didn’t seem right to not do another.

In 2021, I haven’t been the person I wanted to be. I haven’t been an overly reliable friend, checking in on those I love. I went inward a lot, both in my personal life, and on this blog. My running went to crap, due to a bunch of circumstances (some of which I could’ve changed, many of which I couldn’t have). I’d like the changing of the year to reflect a new commitment to myself and to others that I’m sorry, and I will do better.

I grieved a lot this year. I grieved for the loss of Annie, my first cat, who left us in April. I grieved the loss of a dear friend, even though she’s been gone for over a year. In quiet ways, I grieved the loss of some of the accomplishments I worked so hard for in 2018 and 2019. Maybe a piece of me grieves who I used to be and am not sure how to get her back?

But some interesting and fun things happened in 2021. I started a new job with people I like, and I’m growing and learning both personally and professionally. I’m getting back at the beading table, making pretty beaded things, and that makes me happy. I’m slowly but surely getting my running mojo back. I took up a challenge to write 31 blog posts in 31 days… AND I DID IT! I’m sure there’s more, but I think for now, it’s time to look ahead. I can take this past year, learn from its foibles and fumblings, and come back stronger in 2022.

However 2021 has treated you, I’m glad you’re here and have joined me on this journey. May 2022 bring you peace, joy, love, hope, growth, and sustinance.