Happy 2020, everyone! In this New Year, it seems all of my Facebook friends have reflected on either A. all their accomplishments or B. their sense of dread at seeing option A everywhere.
Let’s stop and think about this. We live in a world that values not only work, but presenting it to others, often done via pixels. Sharing via social media is often considered just as important as doing the things shared.
Even before social media became The Thing, reflecting during this time was common, but now Instagram and Facebook make accomplishments trendy. As if it’s necessary to share with all of one’s friends, some of whom may know about the accomplishment already. Whether it’s to justify, remind others, or share what you’ve done, there really is no shame in doing these posts. But consider why you felt compelled to do so.
But in all of these posts, I can’t help but consider… Why can’t we honor the small wins? Why is it so difficult to cherish the little victories? Why is everything so shiny?
On top of it, most are about the past. It may seem easier to present a version of these suddenly “good old days” via social media since the events have already happened. What about resolutions? What about living in that in-between? Why must a photo (of a certificate, new companion, or other accomplishment) represent a year?
That’s why I focus SO MUCH on goals. That’s why I don’t always share online. My schedule is my own. In reflecting on the year, one thing I am proud of is finally published this website you’re reading now. But there’s so much work to do: Boundaries to set, acknowledging that my productivity for some habits has increased (hello, giving time for values like working out!) but naturally decreased on others (good-bye, writing every week for this site).
Do I write a post to share how each of my 19 for 2019 goals went? Perhaps write a post via key value instead? Do I not share, here or elsewhere, and instead store these items in my heart?
Dear reader, know that there are MANY changes coming to this site, in the weeks ahead! Because this website serves many purposes, including helping myself and others, please know I’m here for you.
I hope you’re exactly where you need to be today. I hope you turn off Facebook and consider a journal and/or bubble bath instead of pixelated gobbledygook. And if you are someone who shared your accomplishments, that’s amazing. Everyone is trying. Here’s to trying in the New Year!