From 2020 to 2021- resolutions, goals, and what this year means for all of us and our futures

Hello loves!

I can’t believe it’s 2021 already- happy new year to everyone! I hope you all had an amazing end of 2020 and a great beginning to the new year.

I have to admit, 2021 really snuck up on me. It still feels weird that we’re no longer in 2020, and even weirder to realize that I spent 75% of 2020 stuck at home. While I’m not harboring any unreasonable expectations for 2021, I still hope that I’ll spend more of my year doing normal things instead of at home.

To be honest though, I’m kind of feeling… neutral about everything. I’m not really a “eff 2020” sort of person because 2020 did actually do a lot to build my character and mold me to the person I am now (dramatic, I know), but it’s not like I loved 2020 or anything.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that one constant throughout 2019, 2020, and now hopefully 2021, has been blogging. Blogging brings me a lot of joy, and writing about what I love has been really important to keep me grounded. I’m forever grateful to everyone for building this community and inspiring me and so many others to keep writing and publishing it to the world.

Okay, this post is going to be less structured than my usual ones, and more of a word vomit, but here goes nothing.

I honestly cannot even remember what my 2020 resolutions were 😅

Did I even have 2020 resolutions? Also unsure. Signs point to no, because I’m lazy :)) Either way, I want to have resolutions this year because new year new me, right? Right.

My 2021 Resolutions:

reading

• Increase my reading goal to 45 books during 2021. Last year I made it to 40 books (barely) because I read 8 books in December and 5 barely any during fall. If I read consistently, I’m sure I can make it to 45 books this year, maybe more!
• Read outside of my comfort zone. I mostly just read YA contemporary and fantasy, and while I’m not planning on stopping that at all, I want to read more mystery, sci-fi, and more graphic novels. I read three mystery novels in the end of 2020 which were all super fun and enjoyable, so I’m definitely going to prioritize YA mystery in 2021.
• Continue reading diverse books. In 2020, my reading drastically expanded to include and promote lots more BIPOC and LGBT+ novels, which I’m proud of, and I absolutely want to keep that energy for the new year.
• Read a few nonfiction books. When I say nonfiction, I specifically mean light theory- like books on feminism, racial justice, climate organizing, etc. I can start with finally finishing Winning a Green New Deal by the Sunrise Movement, and read something by Angela Davis afterward.

blogging

• Post consistently. I already know this is a resolution that isn’t going to be easy, or maybe even realistic, to expect from myself, but I also know that even if I post less but more consistently, it will do wonders. Posting once every week is a good goal for me to start the year, but if it changes during the year, I’m also okay with that.
• Widen my topic range. I’m sure you all are aware that 90% of my content is about books, which is great, because I love books, but I also know that I can improve not only my writing skills, but my deduction and reasoning, by writing about other things. Plus, I don’t want to bore you all to death. Another reason why I want to post about other stuff is so that I don’t feel pressured to only talk about one topic and get frustrated and stop blogging.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships. I’ve made some wonderful relationships with bloggers that I definitely don’t want to let go- and I would love to keep making them as well! If you’re someone who knows me a little bit through blogging (we comment on each other’s posts, etc.) please feel free to reach out to me and talk more!!

personal development

• Spend less time on social media. Earlier in the year I used to spend an average of 8 hours on my phone. I’ve cut it down to around 4 hours now, of which 2 hours are usually spent on social media, but even that is a lot. I’d rather be spending that time reading, blogging, or doing something else I love. And yeah, I like Instagram, but I really shouldn’t be spending all my time on it.
• Actually spend time with my friends. This one’s a little hard because of COVID and the lockdown my city is currently in, but I finally realized that it’s actually not that hard to just spend time with each other while wearing masks. I’m tired of all my friendships (except, like 3) wilting and dying because I have no circumstances to interact with my friends in.
• Continue to learn, grow, and evolve. While this is definitely a vague resolution, I know what I meant (deep down… in my heart… somewhere). In 2020, despite, or maybe because of the crazy circumstances, I grew more as a person that I can remember ever happening. Not only my morals, but also my political beliefs, and my passion for justice.

I have other goals too- like continuing to use my daily to-do list, trying to start writing more often, and more, but I think these are the most important ones for me to share with y’all.

Also, crazy to think about, but my two-year blog anniversary is coming up in March!!

I know it’s going to be tough to deal with everything going on right now, and to adjust to “normal” life once it settles down, but I also know that we can do it! I believe in you! If you ever need help or support, feel free to reach out to me.

I hope that 2021 turns out to be a wonderful year for all of us, and I’m sending healing vibes to each and every one of you! 💕