I haven’t done much of a lifestyle update on here lately so I thought I’d elaborate on my Instagram goals post here.
2021 was a bit of a nothing year for many people, with much of our lives still heavily restricted. It was only when pulling together the content for my #ArtVsArtist2021 post that I realised how far I’d come.
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I launched @ACornishGeekLetters on 21 January and since then I’ve hosted challenges, cultivated an amazing online community, launched an Etsy store, and attended my first Christmas market! I’m certain that most of these developments would never have happened if I hadn’t had my 1-2-1 with Emma Lemon at the start of the year. As a result of that call, I created my new account and started my first #LettersInMyStyle challenge. These continued through the year and I also added the #JournalInMyStyle challenge.
During that call we talked about what I’d like to do next and broke it down into smaller goals. I increased my prices for brand collaborations and was able to invest that income in creating my own products. I started a Patreon. I started an Etsy store – and have made actual sales! I did a flipping Christmas market! I would never have had the confidence to do any of this last year.
And this year’s National Stationery Week and Stationery Show London were my favourite to date. Thanks again to my fab sponsors Under The Rowan Trees, Martha Brook, Executive Pens Direct, Staedtler, and Maped Helix. I came away from this year’s Stationery Show with more connections, opportunities and collaborations than ever before and it was so great to meet people I’ve been in touch with over the last couple of years.
And that’s not all. I started a new job in August and I had no idea at the time how good it would be for me and my wellbeing. I had been in my previous role for nine years, constantly developing and working my ass off with virtually nothing to show for it. Three months into my new role, I was signed up to CIM, I felt valued and supported, and I’ve been considering reducing my medication for the first time in two years or more.
Working three days a week, and largely remotely, works really well for me and I think I’ve finally found that sweet spot with the ol’ work/life balance. I’ve felt more present in Jenson’s life, we’ve had loads of family adventures, and I definitely feel a lot less overwhelmed.
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As for 2022, my word of the year is simplicity. My goals aren’t especially SMART. I used a variation of Hal Elford’s Level 10 Life to look at where I’m at and where I want to be and I’ve set my goals accordingly.
There are things I want to do more and less of and that’s what I want to focus on: more joy, less stress and anxiety; more time outdoors and in the water, less time mindlessly scrolling… I plan to stop constantly striving for productivity and perfection. It’s ok to take a break. It’s ok to produce work that’s not all singing and dancing. Sometimes done is enough.
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So, 2022… Let’s have ya!
