Hello There!

I know, I know. Where in the world have I been? (Y’all can always keep up with me on IG, though.) I’m still adjusting to blogging while full-time working/adulting. However, I’m not throwing in the towel. I’m committed to this endeavor because I believe in the platform I’m trying to create and I owe it to myself not to abandon this vision. I’ve done that for far too long. Which is a great segue into this post!

How could you not learn during this anomaly of a year? It truly showcased the worst of us and best of us simultaneously. The world events constantly put our lives and routines in upheaval causing us to constantly pivot and reassess in ways we haven’t before. So what did I learn from the infamous 2020?

Save yourself.
I understand that this phrase may throw the collectivists into a tizzy, but I’ve got to keep it real. We experienced a year with such a deficit in leadership that we truly had to lead ourselves in a lot of ways to cope and survive. That’s not only physically, but mentally, financially, socially, professionally, etc. I got a more intimate view of what I need to be ok, and as long as I’m doing everything in my power to minimize harm to others I’m going to do what I need to do, period.
I’ve got food at home.
In all seriousness, I am a spender over a saver, but the lockdown time showed me how much money could remain in my account if I stay in the house. I’m blessed to have not missed income in 2020, but oh how I was mismanaging it before the pandemic. It was the hard reset I needed to think more long-term about my bag and how I’m storing up for the uncertain future. Plus, cooking is lit and I’m so glad I got spend more time doing an activity I neglected with someone I love.
Ask for help, and invest in your problems.
I kept putting off getting the help in areas I was severely struggling before the pandemic. I was doing so many other things to get by. (Cue Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky”) Last spring I hit the end of the rope. I got a therapist (one of my best 2020 decisions) who really helped me sort out the barriers in my mindset. After working with her (Black womxn therapist matter!), I then got to a place where I can better receive help from others, so then I hired a coach. And best believe, I’m about to pay some more folx to help with even more things this year.
Leap because tomorrow is not promised.
The passage says, “life is but a vapor” and boy oh boy did that concept get driven home. We don’t know our expiration date, so we might as well stop wasting time and get after it. Whatever your “it” is, do “it”. Among friends I joked that last year’s word should have been “audacity” because folx were going for it last year even if it was loud and wrong. And for better or for worse they achieved what they set out to do.
Shake up your routine.
If your life went uninterrupted last year I encourage you to write a blog, shoot a video or do a press release about it because “how Sway?” So many of my plans changed. Vision board—shredded it. Weekly planner—tossed aside. Yet still, I’m grateful because as I reflect now I realize how many things I was doing in a compulsory fashion, not out of true passion or even inclination. I had got sucked in to these things as a consequence of my serial busyness, and never off-loaded it. In fact, even had the nerve to double down on some of this ish I really didn’t want to do.
The relationships are key.
Whether it was state sanctioned violence, ongoing crime in my city or COVID, I was constantly worried about my loved ones. People I know didn’t make it to 2021. That really humbled me and helped me work on taking the time for the relationships I value in my life because you just never know. I called people more, I tried to be strategic about visits and video calls. I was more understanding and compassionate when friction arose. I showed up for more celebrations (virtually). I took time to be still and realize I missed my people and leaned into it including those I had lost prior to and during 2020.
All in all, I’m grateful to be alive and reasonable well. I’m incredibly grateful for what 2020 taught me. I’m grateful to have my basic needs met. I’m grateful to those who are showing up for me and helping myself and others live their most authentic selves. And most of all, I’m grateful to each and everyone of you who skimmed, devoured, shared, like or commented on my posts last year. You are appreciated and I owe you my consistency in return for 2021.
Until the next post my beautiful people!
Britt

Hello There!

Britt