That about sums up my life mantra for 2021, folks! I’m sure many of you share the same sentiment!
2020 was eye-opening for most of us, for the most part. It was a year that brought into stark relief our privileges, insecurities, fear and paranoia. It was a year that most of us will never want to repeat, as we spent much of the time indoors, or in lockdown. Some of us had it easier than others, I’d agree.
I had a bit of thinking at the end of 2020, about how the year went for me and the lessons I learnt, and how I want 2021 to go for me.
But really, my life mantra in 2021 is just simple – stay alive!
When I set up my life mantra in 2020 to be conscious, I unconsciously followed through with it throughout the year. 2020 made me conscious about a lot of things; about what I had and about what others didn’t.
In 2021, my goal is just one.
To stay alive and healthy
Who else will look after that silly, crazy dog of mine otherwise?! 😛
Also, in many ways, I feel a little more alive now. It is as if a fog has lifted, and I have some new-found purpose. I was getting more than a little bored of the little hamster wheel I was running on, and although I’d gotten off it about 2 years ago, it was still turning, like a slow treadmill that wouldn’t stop.
But I think this is the year I get off it, and devote my attention and focus to something more personally fulfilling, and fun. I look forward to little projects and goals that I find exciting and challenging, that bring me joy and a feeling of achievement.
Alongside that, I intend to do all I can to stay healthy too. Eat well. Sleep well. Exercise. Wear a mask when outside. Keep my hands clean. Avoid crowded places and being indoors with strangers for prolonged periods. I’m not even travelling or planning to travel in the short-term, simply because it’s just unnecessary at this time.
I could be paranoid, but it is being paranoid with reason. Until this bug goes away, or becomes as threatening as the common cold, we will just have to adjust our lives accordingly. I don’t believe that just because it’s a new year, all the troubles of the previous year will go away. If anything, I expect to see a lot of spillover effects from what happened last year, and I think it’s worrying. But we’ll see 🙂
It isn’t to say I won’t live my life. I will – just in a different way 🙂 I’d like to think I’m being responsible to myself and to others I come into contact with. Not everyone will be, but we do the best we can.
The “New Normal” isn’t just a phrase. It’s something we will have to live if we want to, well, live!
Keep the blog alive
I still enjoy blogging. But I tend to spend my time these days doing other things besides blogging. Running and growing a fledgling dog treats business isn’t the easiest thing to juggle while blogging or taking pretty photos for Instagram.
I’ve had many people ask if I’ll still be blogging, after all my tardiness last year, and my answer is that I will. There will be a noticeable slow-down. I will not be as prolific as I used to be.
But I’ll still continue blogging and sharing thoughts about beauty, tips, beauty products I’ve tried and things that catch my eye or vex me LOL 😛 My realistic projection is for 1-2 blog posts a week. But I will stumble and falter, I know. But know also that I will return 🙂
I’d like to take a moment here to acknowledge and thank everyone who’s read, still reading and who tell me they’ll still continue reading my blog. It means a lot to me that someone still is.
I am a little absent here I realise, but I’m grateful to those of you who have sought me out on Instagram and even Twitter (where I don’t really go on much about beauty 😛 ) for a quick chat. I like this aspect of social media 🙂
So here we are, at the start of a brand new year.
I wish you all good health and strength to carry on with life while we are being invaded by aliens (for that really is what a virus is isn’t it?). It won’t be an easy year, but we’ll get through this 🙂
Here’s to a brighter, safer 2021 for us all.
xoxo
Paris B
Evie says
Happy New Year! I wish you the best in your personal and professional life.
Paris B says
Thank you Evie, here’s wishing you every success, happiness and health this coming year too!
Ana says
such youth!! you look like college freshman! lovely!!
Happy new year & all the very best in everything.
Paris B says
Hahaha that’s very kind of you, thank you! Happy new year and stay safe and healthy!
Nvie says
Happy New Year and yes, I’m still checking your blog for update from time to time. My 2021 mantra is ‘Go with the flow!’
Forget about resolutions, always include a backup plan (2021 will be pretty much the same as 2020), if it doesn’t happen don’t fret and keep highest level of hygiene until it becomes a norm (that’s washing hands 50 times a way from the average of 20 pre-Covid).
If the dress flatters, get it. If I can rock the shoes, go for it. Dress up for the weekend eventhough there’s no occasion, makes me feel better! LOL
Paris B says
I for one totally agree that 2021 will be pretty much like 2020, except with the hope of a vaccine that can prevent more deaths and maybe help us get back on our feet. But I don’t hold my breath waiting, because we just don’t know what will happen, with our useless govt in charge 😛 Otherwise, your mantra is an excellent one! Let’s just go with the flow and try to avoid crashing on the rocks! Happy new year, and here’s to a safer, healthier year for us all
Dorena says
Happy New Year Paris!
My 2021 goal is to stay alive too and I’ll be reading your blog while I am at it.
Paris B says
Happy new year Dorena! Wishing you health, happiness and joy in this year!