Like previously stated this year I am not making goals or resolutions for this new year. 2021 is already off to a rocky start and I’m finding myself sinking a bit deeper and deeper into the seasonal depression that a lot of midwesterners get this time of year. The days are dark and snowy and pandemic fatigue is getting real. I feel like almost everything is out of my control right now and it’s real heavy feeling. We are in a routine that rarely changes as the pandemic goes on and I miss going places to be inspired and creative. I decided this week that this is going to change. Monday I woke up with resolve that this was going to be the week things turn around. And then I went downstairs and my dog butters had gotten sick and crapped all over the bathroom floor and smeared it all over the penny tile grout. I spent the next three hours on my hands and knees scrubbing while Otto kept running in to check on me and gagging each time he came to the doorway. Not how this “new me attitude” was supposed to kick off.
Things happen, life isn’t perfect but I decided that while I’m not making a resolution or even goals I am going to have a focus. So many of you suggested a word of the year on my Instagram post talking about goals and I thought it was a great idea. I need a clear vision to move forward to and for 2021 my word of the year is invest.
Word of the year: invest in family
I want to invest more of my time with my family. When otto is in daycare it’s so easy to start work early and end work late leaving just a few precious hours before bed time. Last night before dinner I was putting away the dishes and dropped a whisk onto the ground and it made a large CRASH. Otto said it sounded like music so we bagged on pots and pans together on the kitchen floor for a bit. It was such a small moment but I desperately want more of those as my baby continues to grow up. Being mindful of where I spend my time will help me invest more into those precious moments of his childhood.
While we were in Florida, Joe’s parents were kind enough to watch Otto two nights so Joe and I could have dinner alone. I think we both forgot how important it is to have solo time to talk. While Otto is such a good kid at restaurants and he’s typically with us there is nothing like having some uninterrupted time together. We had a chance to talk about how our marriage is going, our hopes for the farm and this coming year, what goals we have and of course…talking about Otto. It was refreshing for both of us to check in on each other. I’m not sure how we are going to make that work but investing in time with just Joe for the strength of our marriage will be a priority this year.
Word of the year: Invest in Friends
I miss my people. I miss seeing my friends casually. I miss after work happy hours catching up. I miss shopping with them. I miss just laughing. hard. until our sides hurt and tears are down our cheeks with them. I miss talking face to face. I miss coffee dates. I miss walking around town. This past year and this winter so far have been tough. I really truly miss my friends. When we are able to safely all hang out again it’s going to be so important to invest in these friendships. Many of my friends have had a tough year and it’s been hard to not be able to physically be present for them. I am looking forward to being able to invest in our relationships again outside of texting. This year has taught me how truly meaningful and valuable friendships are.
Word of the year: Invest in Education
As an adult there is such little time set aside to learn something new. This year I have signed up for three different technique and skill classes of things I have wanted to improve and learn. I have invested in a photography class, a class to learn Search Engine Optimization and a class to learn mixology. I would love to complete these by the end of the year. I love to learn but i’m also not disciplined so this one’s tough. There are only so many hours in a day but I set aside the 15 minutes for each module to learn without interruption.
In addition to my own education it has become a real passion of mine to teach others. Mostly in regards to gardening. The garden group has been such a lovely place to learn from other gardeners and teach other gardeners. This Spring – Fall I would love to provide more education for my gardening friends. I’m currently working on a small ebook of everything I planted and learned in 2020’s garden.
Word of the year: Invest Financially
I remember being a kid and my dad helping me “budget”, Lord have mercy on that guy. He would put 50% into savings, 10% to the church and 40% was left for me. When you’re making like 2 bucks… not much a gal can get in the 00’s for 80 cents. As a young adult with a credit card I got myself into some sticky situations a few time. Thinking back I could just kick myself but we all have to learn somehow right? This year I want to learn to better invest and save my finances. Joe… if you are reading this I hope you didn’t hurt yourself to bad when you fell off your chair.
It’s no secret that I love to shop and go out to dinner (when we’re allowed to) but I want to pay closer attention to what I’m spending my money on and where I can make the biggest impact.
I struggled when coming up with the word of the year. Is this invest or intention?
Invest: To make use of for future benefits
Intention: an aim or a plan
(Merriam – Webster)
Intention left too much undisclosed while invest seemed like more of an action to me. So there you have it. Word of the year 2021: Invest. I’ll let you know how it goes! Do you have a word of the year? Share it in the comments below!
Hope is my one little word (TM to Ali Edwards and something I’ve participated in for the past few years). Past words have included change, joy, yes, go, grit, and last year was brave. Who knew how that would turn out!
It’s the best word for these times