2020 and 2021 have merged into the longest year as I look to the new year ahead. Plans, deadlines and everything else I had previously taken for granted has taken a back seat for I’m only interested in what will make the year better that I can control or at least have input in. The only real aspect of this would be me and how I react to the world. What will make 2022 good?
Having just had Christmas with the family, I’m reminded of how important it is to have people in your life that energise you. Socialising should leave you invigorated at the possibilities of what’s to come, fill you with joy and leave an imprint of contentment. What it shouldn’t do is leave you exhausted and drained, unless it was after a fun activity. Everyone goes through a shit time and we all have different coping mechanisms, so the people you allow in your life should help make it better. So simple right?
I’m reminded of the time years ago when I was online dating. I’d exchanged my number with this bloke who was handsome and engaging. We texted of philosophy and outlook of life. I thought we’d be able to have a fun exchange of arguments but it turned out that he was an energy vampire. Within 5 minutes of actually speaking with him, I had a headache, a physical reaction to the negativity that oozed from him. He wasn’t drawn to the darker side of philosophy, he was genuinely so pessimistic that all it took was 5 minutes for my body to want to shut down. I’ve never had such an extreme reaction before and since, but it did make me acutely aware of the importance of those around you.
On the flip side, I recently spoke to a great friend who is on the other side of the world. We chatted shit for an hour and I was left elated. I missed them so much but our call left me rested, happy and positive. This is what I shall be chasing in 2022. This is something that I can have control over, those that I interact with. I’m looking for positive interactions with everyone, including how I speak with myself, to make the year ahead brilliant in these uncertain times.
I was going to end this post here, but as I searched for images, I got to thinking of why the two calls were so different. If you have read any of my previous posts, you will know that I don’t believe in faking your emotions and putting on a facade to the world. However, it is about attitude. The former was miserable for they believed that the world happened to them and that they had no way of changing their lives- shit was always going to happen. The latter believed you could change yourself and the world which clearly brings in hope- and yes shit was always going to happen.
So a glass to the people who bring love and light into our lives!
*I put 2023 rather than 2022. A mate rang me to say this- perhaps it’s an indication to the year ahead- dun dun duuunnn! Thank you Nina!
Fifi Pottier 
I can relate to this as I’ve had to leave behind an old friend of mine. We used to get along just fine, however his outlook was in stark contrast to mine. I understood that life could be hard, however it’s your reaction and your attitude that determine how situations work out, he believed that either things were good or things were bad and that how it worked out was sheer coincidence, very much a type of attitude that believed that the world conspired against him.
Over the last few years I’ve been surrounding myself with people who lift me up and help me to feel more confident about myself, therefore I could no longer endure his constant attitude that things were either for him or against him.
Today I appreciate the friends I have and love talking with like minded people, it’s quite a refreshing change.
LikeLiked by 1 person