My New Year’s post is usually a post dedicated to my goals and resolutions, but this year, as we all know, is different. It hit differently to sit down and write this. 2020 was different for everyone, and most likely one of the worst years in one way or another, but we can all agree that it changed us. 2020 basically told me what I needed to work on as a person without having to even think about it. Life felt frightening and blurry, yet so truly clear, simultaneously.
2020 forced me to slow down (practically to a screeching halt) and taught me that there is no need to go full throttle all day, every day. There IS such a thing as “doing too much,” and my productivity does not define me. This was a hard pill to swallow because I have always been praised for “doing it all,” and suddenly, I couldn’t. The beautiful thing about humans is that will have the ability to adapt, and I did. I slowed my pace to find the same sense of accomplishment. This realization was euphoric, and I felt a weight come off my shoulders.
2020 stripped me down to my true essence, and the things I plan to bring with me into 2021 are the following…
- Purpose. My social presence, or “influence,” as some may call it (I still cringe at the term) has always blown my mind. I simply don’t understand it, but when I’ve used it for my community, it gives me purpose. I want to continue to use my voice for those that can’t, and I’m perfectly aware that not everyone will like what that voice has to say, and as always, I’m perfectly ok with that. I also want to really focus on The Wild & Whimsy Foundation and pour much more of myself into it. It is something that calls to me, I just can’t explain it, but I know that along with Ryam Teran, we will do great things to help children everywhere, and my heart is so excited.
- Purge. Purge my life of the things that don’t serve me and things I don’t use or need. There is always some sort of “organize & declutter” resolution, but this year, I’m taking it to the extreme. I started in 2020 with weekly drop offs of bags full of clothes, toys, household goods, all things that have lots of use but just not to us. I have donated to some of my favorite local organizations. I will continue to do this, and when we acquire new things, I’ll make room by gifting and donating other items. The less things I possess, the freer I feel. The older I get, the less things I desire. I’ve never been a minimalist, so this concept is new to me, but I remember my mother telling me that we all get to an age where this happens. That mother of mine sure is wise.
- Partnerships. I am sure you have noticed that 2020 was full of sponsorships for me. They came at the perfect time because I had to time to create content. However, I want to be very clear that every sponsorship and deal I chose was just that, a choice. I only work with companies I believe in and products I truly use and love. I fight for the good promo codes. I’m hoping to up the partnerships while maintaining that same integrity.
These are the things that came to mind and are currently relevant in my life. There are a million micro goals that always stay on my lists, but I won’t bore you with “drink more water,” and things of that sort. I would rather take this time that I have your attention to wish you a wonderful year, let you know that things always get better, and thank you for all the love and support that you provide for my family and I on a daily basis. You have helped my 2020, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Here’s to 2021…
Xoxo Linda
Thank you Linda for continuing to inspire us, as women and mothers. That we can do everything but not all at once, and that hit me differently. I wish you more success this year to you and the family.
This blog post is everything for me tonight. It’s rough looking back at the past year but I did have some incredible moments. My biggest personal impact was encouraging my family and loved ones to donate this year. Something I do religiously but this year felt so much more important. Among those was Wild and Whimsy, which I would have only known from following you. Your influence reaches far & it’s the fact that you are genuinely honest with your friends that makes us all stick around.