A New Year: Here We Go Again...

Hello beautiful people, and welcome to 2021. How are we feeling about the new year? I am personally surrounded by other people's resolutions, thoughts, dreams, excitement, hopes... while feeling a little adrift of my own. After the whopper of a year that was 2020, I feel a little cautious in entering the new year. This time last year, I was planning a trip to Italy, going to an international camp, deciding which courses I would sit... this year, I'm planning which at-home workouts I want to stick to, how to improve language immersion without being able to travel, and preparing for more exams. Odd as the situation feels, I am nonetheless grateful I made it to 2021, when so many didn't- something my father reminded me of after the clock struck midnight. I realised how right he was, and how lucky I was to be able to stand with my family and sing Auld Lang Syne when so much of the population entered the year alone, and I won't forget him sitting next to me after my mum and sister went to bed, sharing that thought. My father is wiser than he would ever let on, and I'm always grateful for the support and acceptance he provides.

His words hit me in full force, though, as I spoke to a friend about how it doesn't quite feel like New Years. They had lost a friend of theirs just weeks before, and we talked about how strange- and, to an extent, wrong- it felt to be wishing people a happy new year. So please, hold your loved ones close. I have never been more grateful for the health of my family and friends. Check up on those around you. The year was a difficult one for so many reasons, and if you lost someone you love, my heart is with you and I wish you healing.

On another note, I've been thinking about resolutions. And, more specifically, the lack of mine. I haven't ever really been the sort of person to set loads and loads of resolutions, but I would usually have a few. This year, however, I've ditched the whole resolutions concept and settled on some non-official goals. Simple, easy things, like reading more, talking to friends more often, trying to be kinder to myself- things that require little effort, but can change the way I feel. If you are struggling with the idea of resolutions and can already feel pressure building up, please know that you aren't alone in feeling that way, and resolutions are not mandatory- but if you would like them for motivation, go for it! If not, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. If anything, this could be the year that you focus on yourself and your own happiness, because at the end of the day, that is what's most important. :)

In conclusion, I am hopeful for the incoming year, but not too hopeful. A little wariness won't hurt, but I don't think it ought to block out the light of hope that a new year can bring. I shall stay optimistic, and get on with some studying- online school starts up again on the 11th, and I want to be prepared! I hope you all have a good rest, and enjoy the rest of whatever festivities or break you are in just now. Jenny out.