A Year That Was, and Wasn’t
When I originally started this blog in 2014, I envisioned writing daily musings about the mundane, along with my adventures abroad at Paris Fashion Week. That was when I spent a good percentage of the year in France. Maybe I’d make it sound clever or come up with some sort of life lesson in the process. But that was 2014 and I’d since come back to this idea of this daily journal idea, over and over, even as my blog’s focus evolved.
Anyway, life’s distractions took over after each revisit and the idea eventually fell by the wayside. I was prioritizing other content over my messy, unscripted daily inner thoughts that I originally hoped to capture in digital form.
And there was so much to do, so much content to create; in a variety of methods, sharing different experiences and capturing compelling imagery. I didn’t feel a need for expressing my inner thoughts, much less consistently, as the other stuff I was creating seemed much more interesting. I threw away the idea that a trusted and constant manner of authenticity could keep me grounded and offer catharsis.
Until this year.
2020 is a year with likely the most colourful names attached to it, I’m sure. For most of us, it was a year of reflection, as there was (and still is, at the time of writing) ample time to do so. I’m sure there will be studies done on the number of engagements (sadly, not weddings) that occurred while couples were in quarantine; as there will be on the number of divorces. And doesn’t it feel like babies and pregnant women are everywhere these days?
And despite so much tragedy, injustice and drama we’ve seen unfold across our screens, and for some of us IRL, it has also been a year some have called “the great pause.” Never have we experienced an opportunity where not only can we replay everything that’s happened to us up until COVID started.
We’ve essentially been given the gift of TIME.
And sure, previous generations have had this as well: during world wars, the 1918 pandemic, among other terrible events.
What makes our opportunity different this time?
Not only have we been given TIME, but we have INFORMATION. Information that we know and have experienced, but more importantly, information others have experienced and stuff we just don’t know. We have access to so much information at our fingertips, kept in the palm of our hand every day. It can help inspire us, educate us, transform how we think, feel and impact others. It can completely transform your life.
So as much of the planet is experiencing COVID wave 2, 3 and 4, and we’re forced once again to shelter in place, this could be your moment. When you saw that others were learning new skills, reaching out to old friends digitally, taking much needed naps during wave 1 earlier this spring and summer, here’s your chance, once more. A “do-over”, if you will.
So when I think about my do-over list, tops for me would be to incorporate a journal on my website. I’ve hummed and hawed about this for long enough. Especially now that I’ve also decided to restructure it, and align it with the 2021 topics I’ll focus on: Food & Wine, Travel & Design.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t a journal basically a blog?” Yes and no. The definition of a blog is so broad these days, as it includes so many forms of content. And it’s often got content that’s sponsored, and that’s fine, since it’s also how I pay the bills. But I actually prefer “digital destination” or even just “website” as it’s more accurate.
No, a journal is a diary of someone’s inner thoughts on (electronic) paper. Often it’s about how the writer’s feeling in the moment or what occurred during that day. Don’t worry, I’ll never get too personal and share intimate details that would make you squirm. But I do think it’s an important way of staying connected to you, my reader. And as we’re all using this time to reflect (or at least I hope you are), it helps to share the mega range of emotions that too many are experiencing as well.
After all, isn’t it true that we’re all in this together? If so, then I think it’s important to tell you how I’m feeling. Sometimes it’ll be fantastic while other times I may want to curl up and cry. Either way, I hope that you can relate. And maybe it will compel you to share your stories like many of you have already this year, directly through your emails, texts and IMs. Thank you for sharing - and for your vulnerability. To me, this is what it means to get through it - together.
For now, as I add “journal” to my list of sections as I design the new website, please take some time to rest. Be kind to yourself, to your family and to others.
Merry Christmas
Xx
