Gabie from Tea End Blog blowing a kiss
Honestly, I still can't believe that I survived 2020. How did I survive 2020? After Covid-19, a global pandemic coupled with my divorce, a shock and life changer, I argue that there isn't anything that could surprise me, like ever again; I think it's safe to say that I've seen it all.
And yet, I look back on that year and I see that I still was able to sip and read happily ever after as well as accomplish some of the aspirations that I made in the previous year. How? Like I said, I don't even know how I made it safely and soundly to 2021! But here we both are, able to reminisce about our accomplishments and aspire for our future. What beautiful gifts...
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Instagram post on 07 January 2021
The Grace & Gratitude Journal release
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Mantra 2020 - "Create Joyfully"
I'm not going to lie, creating joyfully was not easy in 2020. In March, not only did I discover that most of my creative aspirations would be halted by COVID-19, lockdowns, and travel restrictions, I also learned that my husband of 10 years was no longer dedicated to his vowels and wanted to create a new life for himself. Needless to say, my mantra for the year seemed to be impossible to accomplish; how in the world would I create joyfully with so much negativity and sadness?
Well, I have a strong faith in God. I believe that He is close to the brokenhearted and that He can strengthen us when we are weak. I relied on my God and I set my energy on healing and creating the life that I wanted. I focused so well despite the challenges, that I ended up creating Tea End Blog's very first journal: The Grace & Gratitude Journal. I think that I did well with 'creating joyfully' despite the circumstances, don't you think?
2020 Goal #1 - Writing My Book
I was supposed to begin writing my first book in 2020 which involved travel plans to discover tea rituals around the world. I don't think I have to explain why this could not be accomplished; I have not given up on writing, however. In 2021, I am remaining safe and still restricting myself from traveling but I have been composing a book of poems entitled, Tea & Poetry, Darling - a book of poems on womanhood and divorce. So, no, I didn't write my tea book in 2020, but I did write a book. The fact that I wrote something in 2020 in contrast to just standing in place looking shocked and confused is good enough for me.
2020 Goal #2 - Tea Travels
Nope. No one went anywhere in 2020. I did not travel nor did I visit any tea shops or plantations. I desire so badly to accomplish these goals so let's see what 2021 has to offer!
Tea Review: The Wellness Tea
2020 Goal #3 - The Tea Experience
In 2020, I wanted to see tea through the eyes of people who didn't speak my language, who didn't dress like me, eat like me, or live like me. I wanted to discover tea through other's perspectives by having studied first-hand the rituals and traditions that these individuals have created around tea. One word: Pandemic. I'm sure you understand...
Instagram post on 08 October 2020
Inspiration: "La Negresse"
ASPIRATIONS
Instagram post on 22 October 2020
Inspiration: Boho-Eclectic Apartment Reveal: My Bedroom
Writing My Book(s)
The world is opening back up and the lock-downs are being lifted. I, though, am still taking safety precautions considering that COVID-19 remains a threat to health and life worldwide. My book on tea is pending safe travel but soon Tea & Poetry, Darling will be available for any of you Tea Sipping Bookworms who have a penchant for womanliness and the wiles and expressions of a divorcee.
Grace & Gratitude
Creating Tea End Blog's first journal was a somewhat spontaneous and exciting adventure. The idea of grace and gratitude wasn't spontaneous though; I have long been intentionally practicing these two beautiful qualities and I believe that they play a large role in why I was able to keep my sanity in 2020. In 2021, I would like to hear from all of you who have made The Grace & Gratitude Journal part of your daily self-care practice. I'm so excited to hear from you all! Make sure you share your experiences!
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Be Grateful
Honestly, in 2021, I just want to enjoy life and what it is that is in front of me. I am taking a full gratitude approach with my expectations and aspirations of 2021 and I am just waiting to see what amazing things this year has to offer. I think we have all learned our lesson in planning too much for our new year as we never know what actually may happen. I just want to be grateful in 2021, and stay so...
Instagram post on 18 June 2020
Book Review: "Don't Forget Your Crown" by Derrick Jaxn
CHANGES TO THE BLOG
Instagram post on 29 September 2020
"IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS..."
Series Updates
- Tea Reviews: increase in reviews predominately released on Tuesdays
- Book Reviews: reading all sorts of books; expect at least 1 review a month
- Inspirations: posts covering all sorts of topics; predominately released on Thursdays
- Adventure: pending safe and secure travel
- Tea & Poetry, Darling: new Series on Tea End Blog featuring poetry from Tea & Poetry, Darling - the book
Tea Talk Tuesday
Tea Talk Tuesday in an Instagram Live (@teaendblog) TV Series that occurs every Tuesday @ 6pm CST. During these talk sessions, Gabie engages an audience to discuss topics ranging from "5 Things That I Love About Blogging" to "How To Care For Others Without Neglecting Yourself".
Instagram post on 17 September 2020
Inspiration: 4 Meal Planning Tips & Tools
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Instagram post on 20 August 2020
Tea Review: Shincha Sencha | MASTERS by Adagio Teas
Collaborations
I just simply miss interviews and blogviews and all the other ways that I used to connect with the tea sipping and bookworm communities. I hope that I do many more collabos in 2021 and again feel the excitement of nerd-ing out with fellow tea sipping bookworms.
Instagram post on 07 Septemember 2020
"SMILE"
I don't feel as pressed and stressed this year as I did the last. One thing that 2020 taught me is that when in doubt, wait it out! I intend to just relax in 2021 and give thanks for all that I have and all that I do, so "Be Grateful" is my 2021 mantra for Tea End Blog. I guess we'll have to wait until 2022 to see how it held up, but until then, 2021, here you are at long last...
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What are your tea and book goals for 2021?