Thinking about 2021 has been a blur. It still feels like we’re in 2020 with the way things still are. But every year, writing a reflection helps my brain reset.
Everyone knows New Year’s is my favorite holiday. Looking forward, having a clean start, leaving behind baggage, and reflecting on your growth.
In 2021, I accomplished a lot. Lots of things happened. My baby company, Bredfor, became more than a side hustle. It’s been a side hustle grind for me since 2016, pairing content creators and influencers with brands like Poshmark, Hopper and Coinbase. This year, I felt comfortable enough to put my happiness first, so I quit my “9 to 5” at Uber / Postmates. The success of my agency was a big part of that — now going full time and having clients like Netflix, Cash App and NTWRK.
In 2021, we got a puppy. Dom (Dominic Toretto) became a part of our family.Speaking of which, I did get to see my family this year more than the previous one — I’m very grateful for that.
And the highlight of this past year, of course: Mia and I got engaged! Whenever I think about tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that, I stay excited knowing I have a partner for life to live with. To live for. To celebrate.
At the brink of 2022, here are the questions I ask myself often:
- Is it okay to be content with where I am in my career?
- Is it okay to not exceed expectations?
The answer is probably yes, but part of me is okay if the answer is no — if that’s just who I am. I don’t know the answer yet. But it’s certainly okay for each of us to embody who we are, even if it’s not practical or obvious.
At the brink of 2022, it feels like I should celebrate life more. It feels like I have everything I asked for. It feels like I’ve set myself up to enjoy life as is. So in 2022, I hope to make it a priority to cherish every moment and slow this sweet life down.
In 2022, I’ll be 30 — which in all honesty came with a blink of an eye. I can’t say I have regrets, but I find myself asking if I enjoyed my 20s as much as I could have.
- If I took enough time to laugh as much as I wanted.
- If I took enough time to relax as much as I wanted.
- If I appreciated everything in front of me enough.
So in 2022, and hopefully for many, many more years, I want to make the most out of every day.
- I will joke more and laugh more.
- I hope to live in the moment, and have those moments happen slowly.
- I want to say everything that should be told and take the time to hear everything that I should be listening to.
I’ll remember that today only happens once, yesterday won’t happen again, and tomorrow is something I can enjoy tomorrow.
A couple iPhone captures from 2021:
