Some years it feels like life moves at a snail’s pace. The routine and familiarity of everything makes it appear as if nothing changes. However, oftentimes, this is not true at all, and it is simply an illusion – or perhaps a reflection of having a mindset of no change.
For myself, I know that within the last year more changed in my life then I could have ever anticipated. Oftentimes during these periods of major change, it can feel like you lived multiple different experiences, and as if each period of time was longer than it truly was. I could speak broadly of the lessons I learned and the differences between then and now, but instead I want to share the 25 things that I learned from, valued or enjoyed the most in the past year, plus one goal to make 26, since that is my current age.
Books
I was an avid reader as a child and am slowly making my way back to reading nonstop! I am happy to say, I read several books that had a strong positive impact on me during this time.
1. You Are A Badass By: Jen Sincero – A book I picked up on a whim because my friend said it mentioned line dancing, haha! Great for anyone looking for insight into accomplishing goals or a mental refresh. I recommend it to everyone.
2. The Defining Decade – This book holds a lot of facts, the most striking of which for me was that 80% of life’s biggest decisions are generally made between the ages of 20 to 35. It helped me put life in perspective, and made me contemplate the decisions I’ve made.
3. The Bridgerton Book Series – Starkly different then the other books on this list, this series is comprised of eight romance novels. I am halfway through, and am surprised to have found that I love them. Could be the regency era, or the joy of reading “happily ever afters.”
Music
Music has always been one of my favorite things. Whether it is listening to songs on my phone or singing in the car. In the past I never indulged in much country music, but I found myself listening to some on repeat!
4. I like it, I love it By Tim McGraw – There was a solid month where I listened to only this song on repeat.
5. Come on Over Album by Shania Twain – I’m a big fan of CDs for car rides. This one was my favorite.
6. Turn to Stone by ELO – Typically, I am a big classic rock fan. This song my boyfriend sent me, and I could not stop listening to.
Visual Media
7. Encanto by Disney – Not only was the music and visuals lovely, but the family dynamic is so sweet. A film I highly enjoyed.
8. Emma Movie, 2020 – while this film came out a few years ago, I first saw it after purchasing it on DVD and loved it! The story is sweet and humorous. The clothing – impeccable!
9. Bridgerton Netflix Series – Prior to reading the books, I watched the first season of Bridgeton, and was hooked! For the characters, plot and the styling.
10. Only Murders in the Building, Hulu Series – My sister and I binge watched this series in a weekend together. This show was intriguing, kept you guessing and, despite being about murder, rather sweet.
11. The Closet Historian, YouTube Chanel – While not a traditional form of media, Youtube is my primary source of entertainment. I binge watched many videos on this channel learning about clothing construction, and hearing about how someone else plans their wardrobe or picks their style. I continue to enjoy these videos.
Home-cooked Food
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve recognized more of the importance of not only cooking my own food but also cooking or baking to give to others. While I’ve indulged in many of these food items, I was also lucky to be able to share and give to others as well.
12. Yankee Pot Roast – Here.
13. Fried Chicken
14. Strawberry Cupcakes with Chocolate Icing
15. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adventure
I have always been a supporter of travel, to get a clear head and to learn and experience new places. I was fortunate to take several trips last year, however three stand out in my mind.
16. Savannah Bachelorette trip – The people here were so inviting. It was a joy to celebrate my friend, relax and go dancing!
17. Traveling to Vegas – A trip to visit a friend who moved out to Nevada, that grew into experiencing a whole bunch of new activities, including hiking in the dessert.
18. St. Augustine, Florida – While visiting my sister in Florida, we took a day trip to this island. Beautiful, a cute town setting and history at your finger tips.
Creativity Blooms
In the last year, a lot of my focus transferred from not only consuming but creating, doing, and experiencing.
19. 6-Week Floral Arranging Class – I have always loved flowers, and learning to arrange them was a fun and wonderful experience.
20. Sewing at least one item a month challenge – Including Milk & Cookie PJs!
21. Getting a facial – A self indulgent activity, my skin needed a professional set of eyes. Now it’s something I maintain on my own to feel good on a daily basis.
22. Went Line Dancing – I met a lot of new people through this experience, and got to enjoy some fun music and looking like a fool learning something new.
23. My Grandfather’s Weightlifting Reunion – A surprise party my father pulled together for my grandfather. The significance being that my Grandfather would pass away approximately one month later.
24. Learning to Drive a Kubota – My father bought a Kubota for the farm to drive in the fields. And it is fun!
25. Speaking for myself – In the last year, there were multiple scenarios where I spoke up for myself and told people exactly what I think. While it was scary the first time, I could not be happier now, and find that when I am honest, I never feel regret for what is said.
Lastly…
26. I don’t think near as much can change in this year as last (although I could be very wrong). My desire for the next year is to give back to my family and community. Donate when able, whether that is time, money or resources. So often my goals focus on improving myself. I want to give back more.
Chasing serendipity 