2021: Year in Review
Hello Friends!
I cannot believe another year is almost behind us... how the heck did that happen?!
Looking back at where I was last year feels like a different lifetime - we were preparing our first home for the market as the foundation was being poured for our new home. I was working 3 jobs and stressing out over the holidays. COVID was on everyone's mind as news came out about a vaccine and opinions spread on how to continue to keep everyone safe while trying to get to a new normal. I didn't know what to expect from 2021, but it sure wasn't without its surprises.
I think it is safe to say 2021 left us all a little more tired, but also taught us a lot of lessons to carry through 2022. Here are a few things I am going to try harder to remember everyday:
Take time for yourself and schedule it if you have to. I found myself over-booked or over-worked many days because I wanted to keep busy and strive towards all of my goals. I realized throughout the year that everything could be accomplished with more quality by scheduling out down time for myself. Working 14-18 hours a day 5-7 days a week is just not sustainable for me. Granted it wasn't all massage/physical labor, but working at a computer can be just as draining. Not to mention life getting in the way here and there too...
Celebrate the small wins. I had huge goals for 2021 - starting my business, paying off all debts, building our house, and getting rid of COVID. All of these were overwhelming at times (especially that last one because I know nothing when it comes to eradicating a virus...). I learned to break each goal down into snack-sized bits and celebrated every time I was able to cross something off the list. Examples: Paying off all debts: I started with one credit card (win!) and then a second (win-win!!). Do I still have debt? Yes... but it is better! For my business, I started with a name (this took a little bit of time), and then dove into the paperwork to make it official (this was so exciting!). It's like that saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time". (Note: I do not agree with eating elephants).
Being part of a community is incredible! Moving from Des Moines to small town Iowa had its pros and cons, but one incredible thing is how much the community cares for each other. Volunteering with the farmers' market and getting to meet so many great people as soon as we moved here was something I will be very grateful for years to come. Special shoutout to Kirsten for already having that door wide open and allowing me to step in. I don't think I could have gone this far so quickly without her. Another shout out to my community of friends... (I will get to them soon...)
Home is where the heart is. That old cheesy line... but isn't it the truth? I love being in this community and being able to serve how I can, but I ADORE my home and my little family. They are the reason I work so hard and push through every day, for better or worse. Special shoutout here to my husband - he does not know everything he has done for me this last year or so. Yes, I am a strong, independent, boss babe, but having him at my side is such a blessing. This also leads me to:
Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. 2019/2020 gave me a good look at being grateful and cherishing the things I have, but 2021 really drove that home (literally and figuratively). I have taken a moment each day to breathe and remind myself of how far I have come and how lucky I am for everything every day. I might miss a day here or there, but it has done wonders for my outlook on life. This and:
Friendships are priceless. Whether it's 20+ years or within the last year, the friendships I have made and strengthened in 2021 are absolutely priceless to me. My small town community friends, my childhood and college friends, my internet "pocket" friends; all of these people have been a pivotal part in shaping this year and years to come that they will most likely never realize (and that is a-okay).
And lastly: Life is a flow. Kind of like, "the only permanent thing in life is change", but that just feels a little stagnant - like a roller coaster that jolts here and there or stops to let people on and off. Life is more than that; it just keeps going. I feel more like a paper boat sailing down the curbside or creek. I might get snagged on a rock or debris of some sort, but that doesn't stop the water from trying to push me forward.
Alright... I'll quit with the metaphors and sappiness now!
I hope I didn't lose you in all the stories and reminiscing of this post. I really just wanted to write something to say how much I appreciate everything that has happened this year. That is not to say 2021 was without its faults, there were some pretty big challenges in the mix, too. However, I have learned more than I could have dreamed of and hope 2021 had some great memories or lessons for you as well.
Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and being part of Boost Massage Therapy and my life this year. Without you, none of this would have been able to continue into 2022.
There are so many things that I can not wait to announce and experience this new year - it will be another year for the books, 100%!
Be safe, happy holidays, happy new year, and I hope to see you soon!
~ Tabbatha
