I always strive for hopeful optimism and gratitude in my year end reviews, but this year I'm struggling. I'm burned out from my busiest year to date and I'm trying to wrap my head around what went wrong so that I don't make the same mistakes. Too much work is a good problem to have (and I am so grateful!) but it's still a problem.
One major lesson from 2021 is that my time is finite. I served 86 clients last year, which is far too many. I said yes to almost every opportunity, and in doing so had to (at times) say no to my family, my health, and my sanity. I really love this work, but I love those three things more. 2022 is going to be about recognizing my limitations, setting better boundaries, and sticking to them. Ella will be in school 5 days a week starting in August—which blows my mind—and I don't want to ever say no to her because I have too much on my plate. I end this year with that reality weighing heavily on my heart. It's a lot.
Highlights from 2021:
I taught my three year old to swim in a summer. I didn't know if it could be done, but we were both determined. I'm so proud of my little mercat!
My parents sold their home on the Big Island and moved in down the street! It has been life changing in the best possible way. We are dining together 3-4 nights a week, we have help with childcare for the first time ever, and my dad and I started a pickup soccer group. I missed playing soccer so much.
Jeffery and I FINALLY went on some dates!! Turns out there's no badge of honor for how little maintenance your relationship requires. Dating my husband is fun and we all need more fun.
We had all the old siding on our house replaced, had the front porch rebuilt and the whole house painted. Next up: insulation!
Things I'm looking forward to in 2022:
Trips! Mexico in February, Yosemite in July, Santa Cruz in October.
Continuing to work on our home. Mudroom, bathroom, dining room, landscaping, new fence. Improving our home is immensely gratifying.
More time in nature with my family. I want to go snowshoeing! More family dinners, and more soccer.
As always, thank you for your support.