• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Interesting Discussions » Auld Lang Syne to another year and reflecting on the end of a decade

Auld Lang Syne to another year and reflecting on the end of a decade

December 23, 2019 Paris B 13 Comments

Hello friends,

My year-end missive is a little early this year, I realize. But it comes at a time when many of us are taking time off for ourselves and winding down for the year.

This year, I’m taking that time for myself too.

year end musings 2019
  • Save

I’ve noticed that people are saying that this year is the end of a decade (2009-2019) and that the New Year brings us into a new decade. While I don’t subscribe to that theory (I consider 2020 the end of the decade because I’m contrary like that 😛 ) I couldn’t help thinking that I might embrace it this time.

I’ve had a fairly challenging year, and decade, and truth be told, it hasn’t been what I expected it to be. If I were to sum my 2019 up in a word, it would be… hard LOL! 😛

Instead, I’d pick 2 words – Seizing Opportunities. Are you able to sum your year up in a word, or two? 🙂

What 2019 taught me

What 2019 taught me was a simple lesson.

“When a door closes, God opens a window.”

Some of you who have been with me may remember that I’ve spoken about some personal struggles in the past. A lot had changed in my life in the past 5 years, that left me struggling to balance it all without coming apart at the seams.

In fact, this past decade has been challenging, for the most part. Much has happened personally and professionally, and if I’m to be honest, I’m quite glad to see the back of the 2010’s.

But some time in 2018, through sheer will and mental strength, things started turning for the better, and while I had my hiccups, that energy continued into 2019. I started out the year optimistic.

While I stumbled a few times, I picked myself up, and walked on. It’s the only thing you can really do in the circumstances. Lying the middle of the road gains you nothing. Putting one foot in front of another will eventually bring you somewhere.

And it did.

Closing Doors and Discovering Open Windows

This year, I told myself that I’d had enough of the rat race. I was stepping off the hamster wheel, and was no longer actively pursuing my chosen profession. I was, what I’d tell everyone, ‘semi-retired’.

I’d keep my hand in, doing little projects, but not as a daily job anymore. I was tired and I needed a break from something I’d been doing for over 20 years. I realise it is a luxury, but one I have weighed and am comfortable with.

I closed a door on that part of my life.

And a window opened, in the form of opportunities to work more closely with some of my favourite brands. You may notice the odd collaboration I’ve done with various brands throughout the year. It’s been fulfilling and exciting, and challenging. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone, and while I won’t consider it a career change, it has allowed me to explore my creative side.

Above all, it’s been fun 😀 I’m infinitely grateful to the people who have placed so much trust in me, who are willing to work with me, and who let me do my thing as best I know how.

paris b year end musing
  • Save

This year too, on a personal level, I closed the door quite firmly on an old bugbear. I came to realize that no good came from dwelling on the past, or from allowing your emotions to be manipulated by someone else.

I allowed my wound to scab over, and eventually, finally, heal. I no longer felt strong emotions, whether of anger or hate. I became ambivalent.

And then, quite out of the blue, a window opened to a connection from the distant past. A connection so faint and tenuous, that it seemed almost imagined.

Yet, there was a chance chat, a chance offer accepted, and a chance meeting of minds. It led to a madcap adventure, deep introspections and silly capers. It led to a leap of faith into the unknown.

But above all, it led to me my pillar of emotional strength when I needed it most, and taught me that I could learn to lean on someone other than myself.

My 2nd half of 2019 has been a very surreal time. It’s been stressful in more ways than one, but I feel lighter, happier, I laugh more, and I sleep better 🙂

On balance therefore, I’d say that 2019 has been an interesting year, and an interesting close of a decade.

paris b mywomenstuff
  • Save

The end of a decade and the beginning of another

Depending on how you view it, the end of the 2010’s decade is either this year or next. While my personal belief is that of the latter, I am happy, this time, to accept that this is the close of a decade.

There is much I want to leave behind, as much as I have to celebrate in this past decade.

And one of the things I have to celebrate is having the courage to start my blog back in 2007, and the tenacity to keep at it all this time.

Much has changed in the world of blogging. In fact, I doubt the blogging world even exists anymore. Most conversations are now on other platforms, Instagram, in particular. It has been interesting seeing the evolution of online marketing these past 10 years.

I struggled a lot at the beginning, but I can safely say I think I’ve found my balance between my social media platforms and my blog. My blog is my home, as I always say. It is where you can find me at any time. Social media is like a cafe I hang out at. It’s a nice place to be seen, but it isn’t home 🙂

I can safely say that at the moment, I am happy and content.

I look forward to what the New Year and new decade brings. I look forward to closing doors that no longer open to what I need, and to trust that a window will open when I need it. I look forward to taking a leap of faith, to trust that I will land on my feet, and not on my face 😛

I look forward to new beginnings, and new adventures.

Above all, I look forward to having you share my journey with me 🙂

We have about a week to go before 31 December 2019 comes around, but it’s a good time to pause for a moment, and reflect on what the past year, or decade has been like. Like mine, I hope yours is ending on a high and happy note 🙂

Happy New Year, my friends.

I’ll see you in 2020.

xoxo

Paris B

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

13 Shares
  • Facebook 13
  • Twitter
13 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: If you don’t own the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush, you don’t know what you’re missing out on!
NEXT POST: 2020 Life Mantra: Be Conscious

13 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. LeGeeque says

    December 23, 2019 at 11:16 am

    Happy New Year, my friend. I’m incredibly happy for you at the multiple windows and massive doors that have opened up for you and I wish nothing but more of silliness, fun, laughter and love in 2020 and beyond. I’d always be grateful for technology enabling us to keep in touch despite the physical distance. And I also am grateful that while we don’t have heart-to-heart everyday, you’re only a text message away despite the distance and time differences. Thanks for always being there!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      December 1, 2020 at 3:58 pm

      I’m reading this at almost the end of 2020, and you know what? if anything this year has taught us, it’s that technology is pretty amazing at helping people stay close socially, if not physically. It’s been a hell of a year, let’s hope things start to look up next year.

      Reply
  2. Kay says

    December 23, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    Happy New Year Paris! Wishing you lots of love and happiness and all things nice in 2020 (and beyond)

    Reply
  3. Syeang says

    December 23, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    Happy new year to you ! And you are in my hometown in the picture ! Can’t wait to go home for a visit .

    Reply
  4. Ginny says

    December 23, 2019 at 1:17 pm

    I’m with you that the current decade ends in 2020. After all, the first decade is from 1 to 10. Cheers to new windows and connections that have lifted your spirits. May your blog continue to grow in tandem with the opportunities ahead. Happy holidays and happy new year as your connections expand and deepen! *wink, wink *

    Reply
  5. Z says

    December 23, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    Happy New Year and to New Beginnings. You are so right, just because one door closes, God does open up new windows.

    I find your writing style so poetic, by the way!

    I am so happy for you that you can “semi-retire” and work on something else you are passionate about! Actually, I have been noticing the brands you have been working with and I am so happy for you. I have always believed that you are a blogger deserving of these opportunities!
    My year has been hard, too, but I’m glad to see it wind down.

    Cheers to a new year, new beginnings, and new opportunities!

    Take care, my friend! (Your dress in the photo is so gorgeous!)

    Reply
  6. Adrienne says

    December 23, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    Great writings for the end of 2019! I love your way in summarizing 2019 or the past decade in 2 words.

    I don’t necessarily like the 2 words for the decade but it’s the closest description to my experience — ROLLER COASTER

    For 2019, the 2 words come from the song title of my favorite band U2…..WALK ON

    For you Paris, since I only started reading your blog 6 months ago….I can only wish you for 2019 in 2 words — ROCK ON 😀

    Reply
  7. Evie says

    December 24, 2019 at 12:23 am

    Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to reading more blog posts in 2020. You’ve described what every adult human has to go through. Life is unpredictable and when we go through difficult times, we need to understand that this is how it’s meant to be. What makes a difference: family and friends. We must nurture these relationships.

    Reply
  8. Victoria says

    December 24, 2019 at 7:49 am

    Happy New Year Paris! Wonderful summary of how 2019 was for you. Wishing you a wonderful 2020.

    Reply
  9. toughcookee says

    December 27, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    Love the post. And agree with u that 2020 is definitely the tail end of a decade!

    Reply
  10. Margaret says

    December 31, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Happy New Year, Paris! Like you, I have been at the crossroad of my life, thinking of what is my next move. I am still comtemplating though, might change my mind at the last minute.

    Love the dress you posed in front of the Balai Bomba.

    Reply
  11. Irene says

    December 31, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    Have to admit, i don’t frequent blogs these days…but i make it a point to read your year in review every year because they are always so inspiring (not sayin that is the only entry i’ve read all year!)
    Your writings and views have always been so impactful and i am so grateful that I stumbled onto your blog and never looked back. Although i don’t know you in real life, you have such a familiarity in you it is as if i am reading jottings of an old friend or an older sister i never had.
    Happy new year pb. Hope you have the best one yet!

    Reply
  12. Beauty Bee says

    January 1, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    Happy New Year Paris!

    What a strange year… that’s all I can say lol…

    There were some great highs but the lows were pretty low (and that’s being generous). I’ve taken a ‘mental’ as well as a physical break over these holidays. I hope your New Year was restful and calm <3 I hope this New Year will be calmer one in every sense, but happier and more content 🙂

    Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

BEAUTY & LIFE TIPS

tom ford blush, charlotte tilbury bronzer

Has your makeup preferences changed post-pandemic? I’m rekindling my enjoyment for wearing makeup

beagle looking at a biscuit with 2023 on the bottom

2023 – Be Focused, Be Disciplined and Be Kind

2022 recap

Looking back to see if there was more laughter than tears this past year

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

For my anti-aging skincare routine, I’ve worked For my anti-aging skincare routine, I’ve worked out my 3 pillars - the foundation of my skincare routine. Read on the blog mywomenstuff.com It isn’t about what product I use. It’s what in it 😉

#parisbmws #skincareblogger #skincareblog #antiagingskincare #over40blogger #over40skincare
Done with your vote? Not sure what to do the rest Done with your vote? Not sure what to do the rest of the day? Go read my post about #sundayriley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum 😜 mywomenstuff.com

#parisbmws #sundayrileyretinoidserum #sundayrileyaplus #retinoidserum #retinol #sephora #sephoramy #sundayrileymalaysia #antiaging #antiagingskincare
The best thing I’ve bought in recent times! Chec The best thing I’ve bought in recent times! Check out the #uniqlo Mini Round Shoulder Bag! mywomenstuff.com 😍

#uniqlomalaysia #parisbmws #uniqloroundminishoulderbag #uniqlodumplingbag #uniqlolifewear
Had more than a few people ask me about this @mura Had more than a few people ask me about this @muradskincaremy Vitamin C product so that’s what I wrote about this week! Go to mywomenstuff.com for your weekend read 😊

#parisbmws #muradskincare #muradvitaminc #vitamincserum #murad #muradmalaysia #muradskincaremy
Just got a new preloved bag? Want to clean your le Just got a new preloved bag? Want to clean your leather bags at home? Here’s how I do it! 😊 check the blog mywomenstuff.com 

#parisbmws #vintagebags #leathercleaner #vintagefashion #vintagelouisvuitton
Chatting about preloved designer bags and where I Chatting about preloved designer bags and where I go for the deals on the blog mywomenstuff.com ☺️

#prelovedmalaysia #prelovedbranded #prelovedluxury #prelovedluxurybags #vintagelouisvuitton #vintagedesigner #vintagebags #parisbmws
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved