I would not consider 2021 a bad year, not even the most tumultuous year I’ve experienced but it has been filled with self reflection.
I’ve learned many skills-I got certified in Illustrator and Photoshop, learned about new techniques at work and even created a marketplace website which I am still working to perfect.
I have met some very interesting people that have brought me much inspiration and taught me great things about myself and about living life on ones’ own terms. I also rekindled old friendships and discovered new ones-I plan on breaking out of my comfort zone this year.
This blog is the result of learning from a seasoned blogger about the art of blogging. I have so much still to learn. https://www.makingsenseofcents.com
Some things I’ve learned this year
Have an open mind, even if the challenges are out of your spectrum. I’ve always prided myself on trying anything but often it’s the attitude going in to it that makes all the difference.
I learned about creating a website that sells services, learned about stripe and web development. Again, so much more to learn. www.butler.world
I learned about what I enjoy the most, even while the stresses of daily life goes on, I always go back to illustration. Painting has been on the back burner this year but I can’t wait to get back. I’ve been able to illustrate several books, learned about the power of marketing through word of mouth and even that actions can often be exhausting if you spend all your time on the wrong processes.
I learned a lot at a writer’s conference in Tucson, meet a friend and client who I’ve worked with for ten years without ever meeting. I listened to many talented writers on subjects like self-publishing, creating a successful patron following and the art of writing in general.
www.rlclaytonbooks.com if you want to see all the books we created together.
I got a new view of the road from California to New Jersey, introduced my old hometown in Edison, New Jersey and realized how long a ride it is across the country. The older version of myself would have wanted to stop every moment but both times, this year, it was about friendship and time spent with my son.
Health and Well Being
This year I learned about Sciatica, the many intricacies of depression-I am working on a book about the subject-2022 might just be the year I finish it.
When you’re in pain, either mentally or physically, sometimes you lose your perspective but so many people this year have given me such perspective and peace-I couldn’t name them all if I tried.
A few definitely come to mind: Nightbirde,
Cheri Garcia from https://cornbreadhustle.com
Nelly Cuenca maapaa.org
These three people have inspired me not only to seek purpose but how much possibilities are at our fingers if only we listen and believe in ourselves and look to others for support. We are all needing people right now, these examples of humanity have truly made me rethink my approach to life and even social media.
A Winter Storm
I close this post with a February storm, four days of cold and isolation. It makes one want to reconsider their life, set out on a new course to discover all the remnants of what one’s life is supposed to mean.
This year, I seek purpose, joy and a feeling of being present. If I can keep all the chatter at a minimum perhaps you’ll join me on the other side. Oh the Things we’ll learn in 2022.