2021: A year of personal growth and new opportunities

At this time of year, I always like to take a moment to reflect on the last 12 months. Documenting the last year has turned into a bit of a tradition here on the blog.

If you’re a long-time reader, then you’ll know that I usually do a round-up post of what I’ve been up to. However, that didn’t feel right in 2020, and it didn’t feel appropriate for this year either.

The consequences of the pandemic have once again mapped out another year for all of us in one way or another. Who knows what’s in store for next year?

No matter what happens, I know that we’ll support each other, just like we always do.

 

As we prepare to say goodbye to a turbulent 2021 and see in a new year, I thought I’d take the time to delve into the last 12 months.

 

2021: A year of personal growth and new opportunities

As 2020 drew to a close, I think we were all ready for a new year.

I entered 2021 feeling hopeful and optimistic about the year ahead. Unfortunately that soon started to disappear. If 2020 was a record, it felt like it would be on loop for another 12 months.

 

In regards to my personal life, I knew that I needed to make some changes. I had taken stock of my goals, my future and where I wanted to be. These were the changes that I knew I needed to make, not only for my future, but for my happiness as well.

During the first quarter of 2021, I had a couple of virtual job interviews. That’s something I never would have expected a few years ago. However, it resulted in far less stress. It also meant that it didn’t play havoc with my ME/CFS symptoms. Sometimes the smallest adjustments make the world of difference.

Perhaps most significantly, the interviews were the start of creating those changes that I knew I needed. They gave me the push to carry on.

 

If there was one way to describe the last 12 months, it would be a year of pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

In February, I became a radio presenter, co-hosting the Happy Hour on RNIB Connect Radio – a show dedicated to discussing vision impairment, mental health and over all wellbeing.

I’d spent a number of months gearing up to the show, so it was an amazing feeling when we were finally on air!

Learning the art of radio has been brilliant so far. Presenting is something that’s out of my comfort zone for sure. 10 months in, and I’m happy to report that it feels much more natural now.

I think the take away point from the whole thing is how incredible broadening your horizons can be. Yes it’s scary, but I never would have found myself doing something like that if I hadn’t have grabbed a new opportunity.

 

Speaking of stepping out of my comfort zone, earlier on in the year I presented at a conference with one of my former colleagues. I’ve spoke at a couple of conferences in the past, however this one was different as it was virtual. It was such a rewarding feeling to speak about a project we had both worked hard on for many months.

It was also the final work-related thing me and my colleague did together, so it was the icing on the cake!

 

The year has also been filled with freelance writing opportunities, something that I never will take for granted. It still blows my mind that I probably wouldn’t be doing any of that if it wasn’t for this little corner of the internet.

I’ve wrote a variety of posts for The Big Hack by Scope on many areas of accessibility throughout the year. I am incredibly grateful to the team for supporting me and my writing, and for giving me the chance to talk about something that I’m very passionate about.

Even now, I’m still blown away when people take the time to let me know that they have learned something from my articles.

I’ve also had the chance to write for some other publications and magazines…having my work published in print is a feeling I’ll never quite get used to.

 

In terms of my blog, I’ve shared some rather honest posts on topics that I’ve never discussed in depth before. And long may that continue.

 

This year has been all about finding the balance; both in terms of managing my ME/CFS symptoms, and not doing too much. As much as I want to do everything, there is only so much I can do. It’s okay to say no.

 

I’d be lying if I said that 2021 has been all rainbows and sunshine. I’ve spent a large proportion of the year feeling lost, not quite sure which direction I was heading.

This year feels like it has been one thing after another. There’s been many moments of trying to stay afloat.

However, the tough times have brought out a ton of determination within me. They have given me the opportunity to pinpoint what’s important to me and what really matters.

 

I’ll remember 2021 for reaching the milestones that I’ve dreamt of for years. The main one being securing my dream job in the charity sector. Working within communications in the charity sector has been a goal of mine for a very long time. I always thought it would be a ‘pipe dream’, yet somehow it became a reality.

It showed me that when your passions come together, it can create something truly wonderful.

Now I’ve had time to reflect after a busy first few months, I’ve come to realise how much happier I’ve become. It was the change I so desperately needed.

I can honestly say that I’ve found myself again.

 

2021 has shown me that I am surrounded by the most wonderful, supportive group of people, both online and offline. It’s been a year of highs and lows, but my family and friends have given me unwavering love and support.

I’ve been introduced to some new people this year, yet it feels like I’ve known them for years.

 

2021 has been a year full of ups and downs, but I’ll look back on it with pride.

 

This blog post may seem like I have everything figured out. Between you and me, I certainly don’t. It might come across like it has been a great year. I’ve spent much of the year chasing things I never thought would be possible. A lot of hard work, determination and support from family and friends has got me through the year.

 

Whether 2021 has been a great, successful year for you or you’ve spent it taking one day at a time, be proud of yourself. The last two years have been unpredictable and full of uncertainty, yet here you are.

 

As this is the last blog post of 2021, I want to take a moment to thank you for all your support throughout what has been another difficult 12 months. Thank you for returning here time and time again to read what I have to say. Thank you for all the interactions – every like, comment and share really means the world.

 

Here’s to 2022!

 

Holly x