I don’t know what to write to bid farewell to this year. So I’m just writing, because that’s the only way I know how to process the feelings that I’m feeling. If you find this Musings post rambling a bit more than usual, then I apologize.
 
I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that an entire year has passed us already. Wasn’t I just hungover and barefoot in the sand taking this photo?
 

 
I approached 2021 with the two intentions that I’d set for myself: to be present and to be fearless. And I stuck with them for the most part. There were times, more than a few, when all I wanted to do was hide under the covers. But I continued to show up, even when it was scary. Even more so when I doubted myself.
 
And because I showed up, I wrote some pretty cool posts in 2021:
 
A Day at Coyaba Beach Resort

Gimme Cocoa! The Chocolate Culinary Experience

My Read Caribbean Month

Island Girl Musings: I Went Back to High School

Travel in the Time of COVID-19

Island Girl Musings: A Love Letter to My Blog

10 Lessons from 10 Years of Blogging

Let’s Go on an Art Walk in Old Town

Christmas Cupcake Project
 
Phew, I did not realize I published this many blog posts this year. Look at me getting back on track!
 
 
But 2021 was also filled with loss. May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace.
 

 
 
At the start of this week, I didn’t have much of a plan for ringing in the new year. I knew I didn’t want to go to any fetes. Maybe dinner, catch the fireworks from the beach, instead.

What is it they say about the best laid plans of mice and men again?

 

 
What prompted me to take this at home test? I hadn’t been exposed to any known positive cases. But I woke up that morning feeling more post-nasal drippy than usual. And I had a pit in my stomach. I was supposed to be spending the day with my friend who has a toddler, so out of an abundance of caution, right?
 
At first, I was angry. And confused. And feeling guilty. Where the &^%! did I get covid? Did I give it to anyone? I’m vaxxed and boosted. I’ve been limiting my comings and goings. No parties. I ain’t know when last I take a likkle wine.
 
And I still caught the damn ‘Rona.
 

 
But it’s because I’m vaxxed and boosted that I’m doing ok. My symptoms so far are mild (a little congestion), and my parents are fine. So if there are lessons to be learned here, it’s these two: 1) get vaccinated. If you are vaccinated already, get your booster shot. 2) Trust your gut. If something’s feeling off, it probably is.
 

 
Ok, that’s enough covid talk.
 
Just like last year, I’m not planning any resolutions for the new year. Rather, I’m continuing with my two intentions and adding a third. For this new year, inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic, my intention is to stop running away and embrace the magic of creativity. There’s so much I can say about this, but I don’t want to ramble any more. Maybe in my next installment of musings.
 
As we say adios to 2021, I want to leave you with the poem that stopped me in my tracks earlier this month. It’s called Breaking Surface by Mark Nepo.
 

 

Thank you for sticking with this Island Girl this year. It’s been a wild ride, but we made it. Best wishes for 2022 – let no one keep you from your journey!

 

Love,

Alyssa