Hello 2021.

If I am being totally honest, this feels like draft 1,982 of writing this post - with it being the first one of the new year and not knowing where to begin after so long! And what a year it has been. 2020, thank you for finally coming to an end after months and months of devastation, loss, grief, uncertainty, isolation and fear encompassing the world.

A new year means a new chapter of life. When I think of January, I think of goal setting, new resolutions and stoic changes taking place within ourselves or our actions. The fascination of creating new year goals, jumping on trends and new practices - to enhance and propel ourselves into becoming 'our optimum self' seems far less important, following the year we have had. The past year has shifted my focus; from what I want to achieve to instead acknowledging what I have right now. Safety. Support of family and friends. Laughter. Love. Good health. Seeking peace and fulfilment within our current situation, rather than looking to the future and seeking places or objects to find 'happiness' in or a distraction, should be a goal for all.

2020 has taught me the importance of reflection. Looking back on what has got us to where we are today shifts our focus entirely. You have made it so far and trust the process and path. No-one can script life; events happen and things change. The ebs and flows of life is what makes it so special. These times of struggle, these times of loneliness or worry only make the good times better. They are on the horizon, we all know it. Reflection projects what matters and what doesn't. Nurture and cherish what surrounds you in the present. In times like these I find it is the little things that matter.

It is overwhelming how life has turned upside down, in the space of a year. Honestly, I would give a limb to go back to the days of socialising, to laughing, to shopping, to walking, to partying - but I guess here is what I have learnt. Those occasions I took for granted. 2020 has put everything into perspective. Where did the sources of my happiness lie? In friends, yes. In going out, yes. In planning catch ups and events, yes. Did these all disappear, yes. So where could I outsource my happiness now? In the simpler, everyday things that I was never aware of prior to lockdown. Life, as a result, has slowed down and simplified. Nights in spent reading and watching TV. The joy and laughter after hearing a friend's voice note or phone call. The outpour of love from letters. The relaxation of a bath. Dog walks. Fresh air. Food. These are enough for now.

2020 hit hard and impacted us all differently. But we cope and are still coping together.

To all of you out there, I send love and hope.

Keep going.

Take it day by day and don't be too hard on yourself.

Armorel x