Happy New Year! It’s that time for my annual post, taking a moment to reflect on the disaster of a year, recognising the positive moments that have emerged. Of course, as with everybody, the year has contained a lot of lows and challenges but it’s also had its good moments that are worth remembering and reflecting on. So here are a few of my 2020 highlights...
PT Course
Whilst I’d love to have completed the whole course by now as originally expected, unfortunately circumstances delayed that. However, I still managed to get all my theory coursework done and pass my theory exams- a definite challenge but great to have under my belt. It’s been a great experience to create workouts for friends and family and keep both my mind and body active during lockdown! I’m keeping my fingers crossed I can finally get it all completed in 2021!
Workout Regime
On a similar note, I’ve surprised myself by how much I’ve increased and improved my exercise routines and been able to keep it consistent rather than dropping off as gyms closed. I even found myself fitting workouts in more often around working from home. Trying different things to use none to minimal equipment, following videos at home and generally getting creative. It certainly helped having family to get stuck in with and to keep each other motivated. I even started the year as I meant to go on by being one of the first in the gym on New Year’s Day, trying a new class and blossoming from there. I also undertook the challenge of Gymshark66 and worked hard on my challenges to make healthier snack choices and move more on office days. We also cleared out and renovated to create a home gym in summer which has been a Godsend with all of the various limitations and lockdowns. It was a fun project and great to now have access to it whenever.
Running
I’ve always been terrible at running, I could never catch my breath and therefore had to stop regularly or do an almost HIIT style of running, walking, running, walking etc. Just last year during my Bootcamp I pushed myself and could do most of the exercises without too much trouble (they definitely hurt and tested me but were manageable) however, anytime we had to run even a short distance I struggled. People helped to keep me going but I just couldn’t get my breath. During classes back home, I could go faster during the running intervals but still needed time to walk and recover before going again. Then somehow this year something switched. I forced myself to keep going and just see and managed half a mile without stopping- small to many but huge to me. It did mean going a little slower but a more consistent pace and it felt an improvement. The next time I knew I could get that far so I ran a bit further- I just wanted to get higher up the hill and managed not only to get to the top but to get down as well. From that day I knew I could physically do it I just needed my mind to push me so I kept going and each time I ran that little bit further. I still can’t run a particularly long distance but each time I’ve improved and proven to myself that I have it in me. I did take a knockback towards the end of the year after having covid so since then have reduced the distance again (better that than risking long-term problems) so now I hope to build back up and progress further in 2021.
Salsa
It doesn't feel like the same year but somehow was! Mum and I started salsa lessons, learning the basic steps and jumping way out of my comfort zone. It took some time to get used to and I never got to the point of it entering or even coming close to said comfort zone but I enjoyed the process, seeing minor improvements and having fun (whilst also feeling incredibly awkward- I don't think I'd ever get used to dancing that closely with strangers).
Family Bonds
The first lockdown was spent with a few extra relatives and all of us shielding together. Whilst having a full house all on top of each other and not leaving for anything is inevitably going to have its challenges, it had some great moments and allowed us to build on our relationships. I feel grateful to have had that opportunity and to have been able to make the most of what we could- it was certainly never boring, it's just a shame it wasn't under better circumstances. On that note, whilst I'm sure there will be challenges later on, I've loved being able to spend more time with Ruby and Luna. They've been so lovely and cuddly, adding love and support. They've also calmed down a lot and improved their behaviour which has been wonderful to see. We've been sending them to day care/play centre where they get to spend time with other dogs, working on their socialisation- a massive plus in these times. I love seeing the pictures of what they get up to and knowing they've been able to enjoy parties at Halloween and Christmas (more than most of us can say!)
Reading
I’ve always loved reading but often lack the time. Spending more time at home allowed me more opportunities to actually get stuck into my reading pile. I managed to get through most of my ‘to be read’ books (previously unheard of) although have since restocked and am looking forward to cracking on with these new ones.
Work
Work has certainly been different, as mentioned I was working from home during the first lockdown due to shielding so it was a new way of working for us all however, I was fortunate enough to continue working throughout the year and had the opportunity to catch up on bits before being thrust back into the madness. Its been one of the busiest times and certainly keeps you on your toes with constant new changes and developments. It's not been easy but I’ve been grateful to have had a stable job and been pleased with some of the progress made within projects.
T
I’ve once again been pushed out of my comfort zones and encouraged to achieve with my friend. Whether it’s writing challenges or workouts, we’ve done it together and motivated one another. Not to mention been in touch regularly for a general catch-up and for support. He’s definitely helped keep me sane.
Movie Nights
Within the house to keep things entertaining, we would take turns to pick a movie for us all to watch and enjoy a movie night together. Some were great, some not so much but I still enjoyed spending that time together. Likewise, Teleparty/Netflix party has been a great way to keep in touch with friends and enjoy a movie from afar- a nice way to keep comfy and safe but entertained!
Neighbours
We are lucky to have wonderful neighbours who we've been able to enjoy spending time with from the safety of our own gardens, over the fence as well as virtually. Whether it's a drink, an outdoor movie or the quizzes they worked hard to create throughout the year to keep us all entertained and social, it's been a lot of fun to put our knowledge to the test, learn new things and generally have a good evening with others. There would have been a lot quieter weekends without!
Derbyshire Cottage
I loved spending time relaxing at a cottage in Derbyshire. Spending the weekend with good food, great company and a hot tub... what more do you need. Hopefully, once things settle we can share more times like these.
Cornwall
It's a shame to have missed some of the holidays we had planned but nevertheless, I enjoyed our week in Cornwall. Exploring some of the gorgeous beaches and towns. One memorable trip being a visit to Lands End, a breathtaking view and spectacular experience even if it did slightly creep me out!
Wales
At the start of the year, we were lucky enough to visit Wales a few times. Firstly just the four of us, enjoying new year walks, meals and a trip to Zipworld- a whole lot of fun! We then visited with my cousins which was another lovely experience, seeing the waterfalls, going for walks and again enjoying meals out. The final trip being with my grandparents, a great time spent together, visiting the beach for the dogs' first sandy beach experience and enjoying yet more meals together. Who'd had thought we'd miss going out for meals so much.
Christmas
As with everyone, Christmas was very different this year. Instead of the 28 we'd usually spend the day with, the 4 of us spent it by ourselves however, it was a lovely day and made special in so many ways. Taking more time to give and open presents, tuck into a delicious Christmas dinner and play a number of games, it was a wonderful festive day. Whilst I hope we can return to normal next year, I'm glad of the enjoyment this year.
Spring Weather
How British to comment on the weather but it's hard to gloss over the beautiful weather we had during the first lockdown. It was amazing to have so many hot and sunny days and I felt lucky to have the garden space to do workouts outside, sit and read with my feet dipped in the paddling pool and generally sit out and soak up the sun. A great mood booster.
I'm not going to go into detail reflecting on my 2020 goals as unfortunately most of them were not possible- clearly didn't anticipate the year to go as it did! However, here are a few goals I did manage to tick off or at least work on...
- I improved my eating habits- there have been times of poor eating habits and many a snack enjoyed throughout 2020 but overall I have managed to improve and feel better for it, particularly in the latter half of the year (Christmas aside).
- I toned up- this can always be worked on and improved but I have moved in the right direction which is a positive.
- We worked to improve Ruby and Luna's behaviour and whilst they aren't perfect (nobody is), they're really loving and generally well behaved dogs.
- I moved more on office days- it's not always been easy but I've done more evening workouts and generally have tried to get up and walk (even if it's just to the toilet) more often to reduce the time spent stationary- I don't know how my back and eyes cope without.
- I continued writing- it may not seem like it as I've been quiet over here and I haven't done loads elsewhere but I have done some writing as part of challenges with my friend. Now I just need to continue and write more.
How about 2021? Well, who knows what's around the corner. It's quite a difficult time to set goals with the situation we are in but there are a few things I hope to achieve in the new year...
- Buy a house
- Finish my PT course
- Travel somewhere if it’s safe- I'm not so picky on this after the year we've had but some travel experience in 2021 would be great
- Write more fiction
- Keep reading regularly
- Improve my running and run further
- Enter a sporting event (assuming they are able to start up again)
I hope you found some joys in 2020 and that 2021 brings many more. Thank you for reading this post.
Love, Steph x
No comments