I won’t be sad to see 2021 end. In a lot of ways, it was better than 2020; it saw my whole family get vaccinated, saw a return to work and school (which, for us, was hugely beneficial to our mental health), saw my continued growth in developing some good habits and exploring my creativity, and included a lovely long weekend away, our first since 2019.
The negatives of 2021 for me are more generic, and more beyond my control; I mean, you’ve been here, right? On planet earth? Shit’s not great, you know? I’m not going to remark on any of it, not because I don’t think it matters, but because so much has already been said, and I know I don’t have a unique perspective on it. I have, if anything, been extraordinarily privileged.
Going into 2022, probably the best thing for me to do — or really, for anyone to do, though I can’t, like, force y’all to do anything — is to focus on those things that I have control over. I’ve seen first-hand evidence of how follow-through yields results, and I want to make persistence and consistency more of a constant in my life. There is so much to do, and despite everything, there is still so much I have control over in my life when it comes down to it, and I intend to take full advantage of that.
Creative Goals
Return to Traditional Media (especially watercolor and acrylic)
I don’t plan on abandoning digital art; it’s fun, it’s convenient, and I’ve spent a year learning how to do it with any modicum of skill. But I also miss having tangible creations at my fingertips at the end of the day, and there is still something very Zen about mixing paints on a pallet while listening to a podcast at the end of a long day.
Make More Jewelry
I used to make simple — but attractive — beaded and clay necklaces and pendants. Two of them are still in my regular rotation, and I always, without fail, get compliments on them. With a new batch of Sculpey, clay molds, and jewelry findings (gifted to me for the holidays), I’d like to start making again.
Get Business Cards
The world is still uncertain and I’m not out and about as much as I used to be, but a lot of conventions I used to regularly attend are still hoping to conduct themselves in-person in the coming year, and it would be nice to be able to network at big events, even in an informal capacity,
Look for More Zines/Opportunities for Submission
I have, as I write this, one zine app in that I should here back about by mid-January; I’ve put in for about a half dozen this year, but I want to make a more concerted effort this year to seek out and find zines suited to my skills and interests.
Reorganize Insta, Pinterest, etc.
For some of my socials, this means a full cleaning out (looking at you, Insta), for others, it just means being better at organizing them.
Branch Out into YouTube/Podcasts, etc.
I’m not sold on what platform to go for yet — I want to be shorter form, so I feel like YouTube might be the way to go, but I’m open to possibility.
Personal Goals
Continue to Study Finnish
I like that there is virtually no practical application for this goal; I’m just really having fun with the language and am really enjoying learning it, and you know what? That’s enough.
Write Poetry Again
It’s been far too long. I want to start reading for poetry and poets, and see what resonates with me as I strive to find (or re-find) my voice.
Read More Books
I have so, so, so many books on my shelf that I have yet to touch. I need to fix that. I genuinely love reading, too, I just have a really hard time sitting down and initiating.
Exercise Every Day
I bought a stepper last year, since I’m mostly sedentary at home, and, uhh, have never used it. I… I should probably start.
Learn Leviwand
If you don’t know what that is, here’s a YouTube beginner’s tutorial. I just bought one from Amazon and I am vibrating with excitement for when it gets here. I did do a short session of leviwand at an Arisia probably five or six years ago, and I have wanted to revisit it ever since.
Be Consistent in My Household Routines
Honestly, I’m thinking specifically of following my chore charts (yes, I do in fact have some, I’m just real bad at using them) and meal planning.
I think that’s about it. In spite of everything going on in the world, I am personally very excited for the new year, and hope you all have something to look forward to as well.
Cheers, and happy new year.
All Your Crooked Heart 