2020.
2020.
Wow.
What a year it’s been.
2020 has been one hell of a crazy storm.
No-one could have predicted how things would turn out.
No-one could have predicted that we’d all end up in the midst of a global pandemic that would shut down the world and disrupt life as we know it.
A year ago, I’d just finished a fixed-term contract at a job I enjoyed and I was planning my next career move.
A year later, and I’m in the best position in my career. I’ve been working at my current company (which specialises in digital media) for almost a year, I’ve transferred teams and I’ve received a promotion, a pay rise, a positive performance review and a bonus! My earning potential has significantly increased and from now on, the only way is up. I’m very well aware that this year has been tough on many people financially, so I know how blessed I’m privileged I am to be where I’m at in my career right now.
I’m so grateful: I’m happy and healthy. I work in a job that I enjoy, I’m allowed to work from home (even after Covid/the lockdown dies down), I work for a wonderful team and for a pretty cool company, and I’ll be earning a decent salary from 2021. After all that I’ve been through in my career journey, it’s nice to work somewhere where my hard work and efforts are genuinely respected, recognised and appreciated.
2020 was tough though. I had a relative pass away from the Coronavirus (he had an underlying health condition that made him much more susceptible). I got used to the lockdown (I’m an introvert) but I got frustrated at times with being stuck at home, and I became extremely wary of the dreaded bug, even though I’m young with no underlying health conditions.
Living life in lockdown and continuing with my therapy sessions (which I know I’ve been lucky to do) made me realise a lot of stuff. I started seeing situations differently, and I started seeing certain people in my life for who they truly are. This is bad because I realised that some people are not who I thought they were, but it’s also a good thing because it means that my brain is coming out of the ‘fog’ and I can see things clearly now - and straight through. I’m absolutely sick and tired of mistreated and I’m fed up of going out of my way for people who don’t respect, appreciate or care for me. I’ve decided that I’d rather spend my time and energy investing in myself and learning to become my own BFF, so that’s one of my goals for 2021 and beyond.
I’ve changed as a person, my mindset has changed and my priorities have shifted. I’ve come to realise what I want out of life, what I deserve and what I don’t deserve. I’ve learned a lot of lessons that I’ll take with me into 2021 and beyond, and I have a lot of plans and goals for my life. I’ve decided that I want to create a life that brings me peace, joy and abundance, so I want to surround myself with the things and the people who are conducive to the life that I’m trying to build for myself.
So… here’s to 2021!
My top beauty products of 2020
Here are some of the beauty products I’ve loved this year. Please note: this section contains affiliate links.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: this skincare product has helped to keep my breakouts at bay.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil: a winter skin saviour, this body oil has kept my skin feeling soft, smooth and glowing.
Revolution Velvet Kiss Lip Crayon TGIF: a deep brown shade with a silky soft and sleek finish on the lips.
Evy Daily Repair Mousse by Evy Technology: I find that a lot of sunscreen products make darker skin tones look pasty, but not this one. Evy SPF Mousse melts into the skin and nourishes it, as well as protecting against the sun’s UV rays.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balm with SPF 15: to stop my lips from drying out and becoming chapped, I’ve been using this lip balm (which contains vitamin E) to soften and moisturise my lips.
NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream for Face, Body & Hands: this hand cream keeps my hands feeling super soft and supple, and it smells good too.
Nivea Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant Roll-On Deodorant: this roll-on deodorant has always been a favourite because of the pearl extracts. It keeps my underarms feeling fresh all day.
Superdrug Vitamin E Face Serum: this drugstore serum is lightweight and contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects against damage caused by pollution and free radicals.
Rimmel Scandaleyes Volume On Demand Mascara: the perfect mascara to boost and add volume to my eyelashes.
Rimmel 60 Seconds Shine Nail Polish Hot Metal Love 811: a glossy and high shine lilac nail polish shade that leaves my nails looking fabulous in a minute.
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails with Nylon: this nail polish ‘does what it says on the tin’ by giving my nails extra strength.
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly: this is a simple beauty staple that I’ve been using before bed to give my face some extra moisture overnight - and it works!
My reading list of 2020
I read a lot of books this year. Here’s my list.
How To Supercharge Your Confidence by Christina Neal
What A Time To Be Alone by Chidera Eggerue
My Sister Milly by Gemma Dowler
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero
You Are A Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero
Ten Reasons For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier
Finding Freedom: Harry & Meghan and the Making Of A Modern Royal Family by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand
Stripped Bare: Swapping Credit For Compassion by Sharon Bull
The Emotionally Abused Woman: Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself by Beverly Engel
A Man’s World By Helen Wood
The Gift of Fear By Gavin De Becker
Single That: Dispelling The Top 10 Myths of the Single Woman by Acamea Deadwiler
God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
Everyday Ubuntu: Living Better Together, The African Way by Mungi Ngomane
The Art Of Everyday Assertiveness by Patrick King
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Men Who Hate Women And The Women Who Love Them by Susan Forward
Think Like A White Man by Dr Boule Whytelaw III
Guide To Getting It On Unzipped
The Future Is Freelance by Kirsty Hulse
The State Of Black Girls by Marline Francois-Madden
Humanism by Peter Cave
Not Nice by Dr. Aziz Gazipura
The Gifts Of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Love Yourself First! Boost Your Self-Esteem In 30 Days by Marc Reklau
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson
The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
The Joy of No (#JONO).