Right? I mean I’m not stupid. Naïve? Sure. Sometimes. But straight-up stupid? Nah, except for my cat. I am stupid for my cat. I know all the many, many, many problems from 2020 didn’t magically disappear when the clock struck midnight and we all shouted Jumamji (just in case). Nope. They still exist but some brighter and better lights are also shining too.
Starting with the fact that I’m here … on this blog. Typing. Being a blogger again. While I have toyed with the idea of bidding adieu to the blogging world last year, I never officially “quit” either. I went on hiatus (unannounced) frequently and for extended periods because I simply lacked the energy to “find a new side hustle, bake bread and all that bs”. But I wasn’t ready to quit this, not yet at least. When the time comes, I want it to be because I’m moving to something positive and exciting versus numbness and despair defeating me.
Here but Still Unsure
I both crave definition and hate being put in a box. This might be why I’m crazy. 🙂 Kidding. Maybe not. I still really don’t know what A Mindful Migration is. Does it need a “purpose” or niche? Probably not but would it be helpful? Yes. And I won’t lie; it would help a bit with monetization which I’m not opposed to doing here. Don’t worry. This blog is not about to be overtaken with ads or anything like that. I’d just like it to better showcase some of my talents to create some additional opportunities for me.
Even though I typed that and meant it, I also feel uncertain about whether side hustles are a good choice for me right now. My life still seems in flux. What I am trying to do is be open. Not feel that I need to know RIGHT NOW but actively be figuring out what makes sense for me versus expecting great things to fall from the sky or trying to be all things.
Proactive versus Reactive Living
I suspect many of us having been living reactively this past year (or even the past four years) versus proactively. Or at least I have been. I feel like this …
all the time. I don’t want to bury my head in the sand but every time I read/watch/go on Twitter, all the bad news and vitriol just wears me down. It seems endless. I am numb with grief over all we have lost.
I also know that I have a choice to make. I can stay numb, grief-ridden and reactive or I can start proactively living again. And that means allowing myself to be happy. To make choices for me. To yes, live, when others are still suffering and that’s the hardest one to do because I’m not an asshole. I recognize my privilege – never lost my income, have shelter, food and good health (thus far) while others have lost some or all of the above.
That Oh So Tricky Balance.
To live and not be an asshole, that’s my motto for this year. I’m not going to pretend everything is hunky dory when it’s clearly not. There is much work to be done but I cannot truly help and be an asset when I hide in bed, unwilling to deal with the world. I also do no good when I don’t live because I have much to offer and joyful living is also a powerful remedy that cannot be overlooked.
A world in pain isn’t healed by giving up your happiness. It’s healed by helping it reclaim its joy again through justice being served equally, opportunity for everyone, access to good healthcare and acceptance of ALL people as worthy regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion or race. Of embracing life with its many imperfections and still finding joy and love and laughter. Giving up our joy means evil won.
My 2021 goal: To live and not be an asshole. To find joy, love and laughter every day.
On that Note … Some Laughter
I actually intended to write a more pithy 2021 greeting today but had a few deeper thoughts in me. 🙂 And to keep faithful to my 2021 goal for at least a day … I’m leaving you with some funnies to enjoy!
This may have been my actual Christmas list. Okay, I wasn’t the one who came up with this list but I fully support it.
This is also my ideal work environment. For a brief period, I did get to work from home and it was nice to pet Max when I needed to find my “happy” place. I’m not sure if it would be his “ideal” workplace though.
The pasta is now might also be a life motto for me. It also explains why I’m overweight. Also 2020 seems like a valid excuse too.
Hehehehehe. I’m terrible. Hehehehehehe.
It does make a lot sense when you think about it. I also feel like Scrat from Ice Age could also be to blame. That squirrel mucks up everything.
Damn acorns.
Your Turn
Tell me how 2021 is going for you … all five days in. 🙂 Do you have any resolutions, a 2021 word, epiphanies or wishes to share?
Tanya
Yay, I am so happy to see a post from you Tanya! 🙂
I totally understand about the whole giving up on blogging. I too had wondered if that was my path last year, when it just felt so darn difficult to find the motivation. I am glad you did not quit, my friend!
Those memes though… 😀
I’m reading this after Jan 6…. you can edit this if you want 🙂 LOL
To not be an asshole… that made me laugh. I like that goal – I need to try it myself 🙂
& dont worry about it – I still have no idea what my blog is either. to me, its just my journal of life… love seeing new people, but know I’m never going to be those professional bloggers with the perfect overlay photos that are all white & clean & sparkly. … wait,,, am I breaking that asshole thing already? I’ll start tomorrow
Happy to hear from you, friend! Here’s to a better 2021!
Happy New Year!
Hey!
Reading your first paragraph about blogging felt as though I was reading my own thoughts – my EXACT thoughts. Glad to see we’ve both stuck around! I stopped using Twitter a few years ago but actually deleted my account a few weeks ago. It’s just vile and I don’t need it. Instagram is truly my only source of social media. And I suppose my blog? That pasta and Pooh meme had me LOL-ing.