2020; Who Knows?

I started this year with such optimism, such aspirations and as the year has drawn on that optimism has dwindled at times and the aspirations I had have changed, sometimes just looking to make it through another week in lockdown. I’m not saying there haven’t been highs in the year, there really have, and I have the best family and friends who have lifted and carried me through some of the lowest points but after the latest update surrounding our country going into Tier 4 and the Christmas we had planned for effectively being cancelled, this is one of our lows and man it’s hard!

I wanted to take time just to review the year, and perhaps reflect on the resolutions that I made last year and potentially come up with ones I hadn’t even thought I had.  As we have reached the end of the shit-show that has been 2020, I think it’s time to re-evaluate, review and redo those resolutions in retrospect. Here we go J.

First resolution was: Leave work earlier- things can wait.

I’m not sure I am ever going to be very good at this one. I have improved this year and I feel like that could be a positive to the year. If it has taught me anything it’s that things aren’t going to break down or explode if they are left for a day or two. The truth is, if things don’t get done, yes they will still be there tomorrow, but it will get done. We all tend to overthink these things and create a picture of a mountain with an unseen peak in our minds, that we can never seem to arrive at (only me?….) when in reality that mountain is not so large, and you will eventually get there; or more importantly do the things you need to do to stay afloat.

I am my own worst enemy when it comes to doing that one last thing before heading home, and I have really tried this year to get out and leave things but sorry to say this remains a work in progress.

Just things can wait. Don’t stress- you’ve proved you can do it.

Reviewed December 2020…

Second resolution was: Run, Run, Run!

This one I can say for certain is being done! Ciara has now joined in the running hype and we are currently completing the Couch to 5K. Due to the constant being in and out of lockdowns, our usual sports clubs/games/training have been on and off like a light switch. So one way to keep fit has been to go running, and we are enjoying it (well I think Ciara and Lisa are too?). Lisa has joined us too and despite the decline in the weather conditions as we move into winter, we are doing well! If anything it gives us a chance to catch up a little bit with each other whilst doing something we all are keen to do. When everyone is out at work/been on their laptops all day, it’s tricky to get a true picture of how they are really doing; running has given us that outlet to talk whilst concentrating on doing something else. Whether Lisa and Ciara agree, I don’t know, but that’s just how it makes me feel J. Each week we have 3 runs, increasing in difficulty. So far we’ve managed them all pretty well- however next week it moves right up a gear- 5 minute walk, followed by a 25 minute run. I haven’t quite got round to telling Ciara that’s what’s happening yet… might just have to be a surprise.

Reviewed resolution is: Keep on Running…

Reviewed December 2020…

Third resolution was: Overwhelmed by the machine.

The first lockdown this year affected us all in many different ways. People found ways to cope and rebuild their lives around this new normal. The weather was good so people could get out and do their ‘1 hour’ exercise, or sit outside to ‘work from home’. However, I can’t help but feel the second lockdown has hit us harder. People are bored of the new ‘norm’ and are irritable that things keep changing, and it appears no one really knows what they are doing. The weather is getting colder, and wetter, and people can’t just sit outside for fresh air or on their laptops as they work from home. Schools are on their knees just trying to make sure the children in their care are ok, and keeping up. Windows are open, new rules are in place and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. It’s all very overwhelming and so this resolution is very apt for the time we are living in. I am still trying to take that step back and put things in perspective.

Yeah I’m still working on this one…

Reviewed December 2020…

Finally the fourth resolution: Writing!

Well…. Who would have thought I would get through the year and manage to upload 12 separate blogs (one for each month)? But I’ve done it- I’m over the moon! I have really enjoyed writing this year, and I am eager to continue (Whether anyone else is enjoying it, I don’t know). Writing is an escape for me, and a chance to just switch off, giving me somewhere to put in all my effort and energy.

There are projects I’ve started, want to start, and have imagined, and the new year potentially might give me the opportunity to see some of them through? Who knows? For now I’m content with my blog a month but let’s see what 2021 brings!?

Continue, continue, continue.

Reviewed December 2020…

So there we have it, my last blog of 2020. It’s not been the greatest year, let’s be honest. So much has happened, and not much of it has been overly positive. But we move onwards and upwards, and I cannot wait to see what 2021 comes up with.

I hope you all a happy, healthy and safe New Year! See you all on the other side.

Sinead xx