Calabrisella Mia

Transition.

That is the word that comes to mind most often when I think about 2021.

This year was a bit more challenging to navigate than the previous one. It seems absurd when I think about it. Especially considering in 2020, we were in the middle of a pandemic. But not just any pandemic, a global pandemic that no one expected would be so intense and so long. We had spent a good portion of the year in a severe lockdown, confined to our homes and isolated from family and friends. But we got through it, and we were ready to face 2021 and the new beginnings it promised.

What made this year such a challenge for me was picking up where I left off. Making the transition into 2021, I knew I had to leave certain things in the past. It was time to focus on more important things. I was ready!

And so, with that magical burst of energy that the New Year always brings, I sprinted into 2021 full of hopes, plans, and a renewed mindset.

But it wasn’t long before I tripped. I had high expectations, and I found myself disappointed with what I had hoped would be waiting for me after a grueling year of sacrifices. After a year of closures and restrictions, I was, as the Italians say, “fuori allenamento”. And so, I stumbled.

With the realization that I would have some obstacles to deal with, I got back on my feet, dusted myself off, and started moving forward again. I reminded myself that this wasn’t new territory for me, that I’ve been here before, and I’ve got this!

But, let’s be honest, it’s incredibly frustrating at times. When you feel so ready for something, and then something holds you back. Che palle!

Why Transition?

Transition is a movement, a passage, from one form or condition to another. And during times like these, we really get to learn a lot about ourselves.

Change can be scary, but at the same time, it’s invigorating and exciting. We need these transition periods to shake things up, to make sure we are where we want to be…where we need to be.

As difficult as it was to find my footing during this strange year, I did learn some important things.

Find The Right Connections.

How many people do you encounter daily? A lot, right? We are constantly meeting new people. While some just pass by without even a second glance, others run into you, knocking you off your feet momentarily. Relationships are essential to our well-being. We were created to love and be loved. So, I made a promise to myself to be more open and let people in.

But opening yourself up to people means being vulnerable, letting people see you – imperfections and all. It can be pretty intimidating, am I right?

This year, I struggled!

There were moments this year when I felt unloved, unwanted, and unworthy. It stings when you meet someone, instantly connect with them (or so you thought), and then for some unknown reason, they drift away. It’s hard to see potentially beautiful friendships just fizzle away. I mean, was it something I did?

I put great value on friendship and relationships in general. So, I find it difficult to let go of people I care about or have formed a bond with (even if it’s one-sided). And that’s ok. It means I have a big heart that loves – and continues to love despite being broken or bruised.

I truly believe that if you keep yourself open, you will find the right people. They will understand your heart and embrace you for who you are. This year brought new people into my life who gifted me new experiences. Regardless of how things turned out, I’m grateful for meeting them!

Nothing is Permanent.

Our lives are in constant evolution and transformation. Nothing stays the same forever. Nothing is permanent.

This year brought considerable changes to my life, some good, others not. Realizing that nothing is permanent teaches us two important things: difficult times will not last forever, and treasure the good times.

2021 was a year of transition on many levels. From trying to make sense of this new way of life, which is still in constant flux, to establishing roots in a “new” home. This year had highs and lows – each one teaching me that things can change…in an instant.

Be Bold. Choose Happiness.

We don’t always get to choose what life throws at us. It is constantly testing our strength – be it physical or mental. My mental health was put to the test this year. I hit some brutal lows, moments when I really wasn’t sure how I’d push through. Anxiety, depression, insecurity, and negative thoughts are powerful. But, I choose to be stronger than them – I *am* stronger than them.

You know what? If there is one thing I can take away from these last few years is that the path to finding happiness means being bold. You have to have the courage to let go of things that no longer serve you. As we transition through life, we need to make choices. So, choose what is in your best interest, what makes *you* happy!

What I want from 2022…Embraces!

I want to reconnect with people – open my arms up to new and old friendships, and embrace all the memories and experiences that will grow from them.

I want to reignite the passion – delight in the warm embrace of two bodies closely entangled. The fire, the chemistry, and the sheer magic of such an intimate gesture.

I want to seize life – take advantage of every moment, and keep myself open to new opportunities. I want to embrace new cultures, new places, and new experiences.

I want to embrace 2022 in every sense of the word.

Stay tuned amici…

If you want to find out what I’m up to, you can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!