5 Things I gave up in 2020

2020 was quite a year for all of us. When we went into lockdown I realised how quickly my priorities changed.

I’ve been wanting to write this post for a while and share the 5 things I gave up last year. I have no regrets. In fact the sense of calm I experienced after I’d let each go, said everything I needed to know.

1.) I deactivated my FB account.

This was something I had deliberated over for far too long. I was sick of the drama. I was tired of wasting time and data to mindlessly scroll. And I was just plain over the lurkers. Seriously if someone has the time to go through all my photos and posts but never like or comment then why go out of your way to tell me you’ve seen all my updates and pics and how lovely they are everytime you see me?

Another thing I was tired of, was the way FB made being snide possible in an underhand way. Posting something aimed at someone in your friendship circle - without singling them out - is no less insidious than being rude face to face. If someone stands up to you, there really isn’t need to have a public sulk on FB to get the last word. It is childish and I don’t need petty, pointless drama in my life.

Deactivating an app that brought me nothing but stress felt amazing. Plus genuine friends who I actually want to be in contact with are on Insta, Whatsapp and e-mail.

2.) Saying yes when I wanted to say no.

Lockdown really spelt out my priorities for me.

3.) An expired friendship

I’d wanted to exit a 7 year friendship for a very long time and last year felt like the right time. The relief of no longer feeling forced into girls nights and catch up dinners and Christmas shopping for December that had to be planned in October. Getting no choice but to commit to a birthday dinner months in advance for a ‘friend’ who made zero effort when anyone else had a birthday/wedding/any celebration that was about them. 2020 made it possible to get out of a take-only friendship that was well past its sell by date.

4.) Wearing make up every day

Working from home has been amazing. I wear my sunscreen and that is about it. My skin feels so much less dry these days and while I do sometimes put on make up on weekends, I often just go with the natural look!

5.) The joy sapping habit of overthinking.

What a time saver! I’m 38 years old and finally getting to the stage where I don’t care what people think. We all have our own journeys and follow our own paths.

You do you and I’ll do me. I don’t need to submit an essay on reasons.

What about you? Anything you’ve given up last year that you’d like to share?

xx