Wow – I cannot believe how quickly these past two years have flown by.
I don’t know about you but for me, 2020 comes as a package deal with 2021. I remember to this day writing my last ‘Here’s to…’ post (a post were I look back at the past year and highlight the best moments to freeze them in time in a way) – I was feeling very grateful for 2019 and very hopeful for 2020. Hah, yes, I know, I was maybe too hopeful.
What we’ve all been through in these two years packed with uncertainty and distress is something no one could’ve predicted. Back in December 2020, after everything that happened, I didn’t feel like sitting down and reminiscing about the year that was just about to end. For me, it was a crazy busy and difficult year to process and all I wanted at that time was for it to end so we would all get a chance for a fresh, new beginning.
And somehow, December 2021 gives me a powerful déjà vu feeling of this time last year.
But still here goes, dear digital diary…
Let me take you back in time. Ever since I was little I had this strong connection to spirituality, even though I didn’t know it at that time. I’ve always been innocently hopeful, always trusted that things would work out in my favour and I always sent my thoughts out into the universe. Later, I found an interest in the Law of Attraction when I was in high school, kept gratitude notebooks, constantly reminded myself the importance of living in the present moment, but nothing more than that.
I still had a lot of growing to do and inner work to get through.
Well, 2020 and 2021 have definitely put things even more into perspective for me. These two past years were some of the most transformative for me and day by day I’ve pencilled out the best version of myself. But in 2020, I picked up The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and really dedicated my time to integrating the lessons in my life – and oh, how it changed my life (If you’re thinking about reading it, do it!).
In a time where everything on the outside was a constant energy disruptor, I decided to focus on the inside. I meditated as often as I could, I journaled and got to know myself better. I cut off the last bit of negative thinking that was tirelessly holding onto my being and started living more and more in the present moment.
I discovered this inner strength and grit I didn’t know I had.
And so, I managed to get through everything life sent my way in these past two years. From managing starting a new job just one week before the first lockdown in the UK and giving my absolute best on a daily basis (even thought it was my first ever job in journalism and was thrown into working from home due to the pandemic), to processing grief, not being able to see my family and friends for one year and a half, working on my health and bettering my mindset in the meantime, too.
So, I’m giving myself a nice pat on the back and thanking 2020 and 2021 for helping me grow, get in tune with my self and out of my comfort zone.
And you should too. You’ve been through a lot, so it’s time you celebrate your wins – no matter big or small.
If there’s one thing you could do to kick-start your growth in the new year – forget dwelling on the past and daydreaming about the future and start living in the now. It’s the best thing you could do for yourself, trust me – it’s tried and tested.
Tomorrow is never promised and you can’t change yesterdays.
Here’s to 2022,
x Irina
P.S. Have you found a calling to doing the inner work lately, too? I’d love to know.
Irina Iacob 