Who rang in 2022 in sweatpants and asleep already? If it was you, then you weren’t alone because I was trying to sleep as well…but of course, my neighborhood shot off fireworks and Fiona, the Korean Jindo, was terrified. Since owning Fiona, my opinion and satisfaction around fireworks have significantly dropped (any pet owners feel me?).

But here we are, vaulting into 2022, and we can’t go back.

Ever since 2020, I think we’re all a bit scarred and scared by the coming of new years, and I think that’s okay to walk cautiously and tentatively and not make any wild promises.

In a conversation on New Year’s Eve, my friends and I discussed how we don’t really like resolutions because really the goal is to keep adapting every month and improving as we go. Why just change at the beginning of a year when you can change whenever you want?

You’re not a tree; you don’t have roots. You don’t have to stay if something isn’t working for you.

So as I consider 2022 with this January 2022 Inspiration post, my hope for me (and you) is that we leave things/people/hobbies/habits at the right time, and that we do better at choosing ourselves while also being kind to those in our communities. You may have one beautiful life to live, and if that’s so, I hope you live it whole-heartedly.

What I’m Being Inspired By

Current Jam:

This song has been on my “Liked Songs” since November, and it’s got that chill but exciting vibe that makes you wonder if you should clean to it or just dance around your living room. It’s a whole vibe.

Current Food Recommendation:

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, I definitely recommend a trip to 802 Bean Company in Brookline for a cup of coffee or something off their menu! If you ARE NOT in Pittsburgh, see if you can track down a Butterscotch Cold Brew with Vanilla Cold Creme … because WOW. It was so good, and I definitely recommend it.

Current Read:

For Christmas, Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella* was gifted to me, and I’m so excited to bury myself into another wonderful story by Sophie! She just write such delightful narratives, and I’m always enjoying myself.

*Amazon Affiliate links in this post

Current Obsession:

I am completely obsessed with Balance Athletica’s Affirmation Pant — they are incredibly soft with a high waist and EXCELLENT pockets. They have become my go-to pants for winter wear, and I always think they’re cute enough for outings too. If you want to check them out, you can visit Balance Athletica’s website. (FYI shipping times sometimes suck, but the products and the communication is top-level)

Current Quote:

I read Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn* last year, and I’ve never been quite the same. She wrote such a human and gorgeous romance all at once, and it’s exquisite…and if you haven’t read it, then you really must.

What’s Inspiring You?

As we walk into 2022, I am unsure if I’ll continue writing a blog post every Monday because I’ve got some goals that need my attention (my writing skills) so my blog post frequency may drop. To stay in the loop, please sign up for my newsletter and follow me on Instagram at @CordiallyBarbara.