2020 was a big year.
A lot happened for me, personally and professionally. A lot happened for my family. A lot happened for the entire world. It was a completely different time.
I know that a lot of people have struggled this year, which really upsets me. Lives have been lost. Jobs have been lost. People have lived in anxiety and chaos for months now and I know that a lot of people are still scared, worried and unsure of what's going to happen next.
I think it's natural to have these feelings when we have lived in the unknown for such a long time. I am 26 years old and I have never lived through such a terrible time. It definitely allows me to reflect on people who have lived through the difficult situations we now learn about in history classes or in books.
This year, I feel like I've really started to become the person I want and need to be. I'm proud of the progress I've made. I wanted to spend some time reflecting to myself (and to you guys) on the things I've learnt, experienced or achieved this year.
♡ I dove straight into self-development
Self-development has always been an interest of mine but I didn't necessarily do it. I mean, I did complete my counselling certifications 3 years ago. I've just always wanted to make people feel better and live happier lives.
This year, I invested in myself in multiple ways. I completed a 6-week coaching program which went through several areas of my life. I completed a 6-week course on manifesting which I absolutely loved (definitely one of my favourites!). I started a 6-month business coaching program. I also won a place in an 8-week self-development course which I am in the last week of.
All of these things have cost me time, money and energy. In all honesty, some things I have put more effort into some than others but I have absolutely learnt new things through everything I have done.
Along with all of this, I have really loved reading and listening to podcasts. I have learnt so much from reading and listening to how other people are living their lives and what helps them.
This year has definitely been my biggest year for self-development, but next year, I know will be bigger.
♡ I reconnected with myself
Although it was a stressful year with COVID, I actually reconnected with myself.
I found my passions again and allowed time for myself, which I haven't done since my son was born. I have focused on meditating, journaling, writing blogs, living a healthier lifestyle and spending more time with my family.
All of these things have made me feel better in my own body and in my mind.
♡ I launched Mindful Soul Collective
Mindful Soul Collective has been something I've thought about doing for a long time. Like I said earlier, I've always just wanted to help people live happier lives, I just wasn't sure how I was going to do that.
When I launched MSC, I just wanted to provide free content to people, which I have done for 10 months now. In 10 months, I have gained more than 1000 subscribers and more than 15k followers on Instagram.
I knew that it was going to be a business for me, but I wasn't quite sure how I was going to go about it. I do know that I will be offering one-on-one sessions, courses and workbooks in the future, but it is now on hold because of the next point...
♡ Bras By S grew massively (my other business)
Oh my gosh, I don't even know how to talk about this.
My first business grew like crazy. My sales went up by x10. I have never had so many orders and emails to do.
I hired my first employee. I launched 2 new collections. I now stock more than 1000 styles. It's been my biggest year by FAR for Bras By S.
♡ I fell pregnant
This year, I fell pregnant with my newest love. As I write this, I am 15 weeks pregnant. Last week, we found out it was a boy.
We were definitely trying for a baby, but it did happen extremely quickly, so it was still a bit of a shock, though, we are of course, so happy and excited!
♡ I struggled
I definitely don't want to lie here, so I will absolutely admit that I struggled. This year, I've been scared, worried, anxious, depressed, sad and angry.
Things were so different and I've definitely never experienced anything like it. All of a sudden, my son wasn't able to come with me to the shops, he wasn't allowed to daycare, we couldn't see our friends or family. It was a big shock to me and I did struggle with it.
My businesses grew quicker than I expected and all of a sudden, I was overwhelmed with working, my family and trying to be a human being myself.
I fell pregnant and spent 3 months incredibly sick, if I ate, I was sick. If I was hungry, I was sick. If I was awake, I was sick. Everything made me cry or angry. Nothing was easy for me in those first 3 months.
I burnt-out. I wrote a blog post on this earlier but I absolutely burnt-out this year. You can read more about it here.
This year has been full of challenges, growth, new experiences and I've struggled but I also survived. I'm proud of myself. I really am. I don't have any regrets and I don't think I would do anything differently because every experience has taught me something.
I'm excited and can't wait for what happens in 2021. With love
Shorina xo
Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach
Hi, I'm Shorina and I'm an Australian Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach. I'm here to support you to redefine your relationship to self and life! I incorporate a mind, body and soul wellness approach to my work with a focus on healing and mindfulness ♡