Goodbye 2020! Good Riddance! New Plan for 2021

Goodbye 2020! This time last year, I made a new plan for 2020. Like most everyone on the planet, not many of my well-made plans came to fruition. But, I have already received my new planner and I’m setting goals for 2021. The major difference this year is that I realize and accept that I am not in control.

New Plan for 2021

 

Goodbye 2020! Don’t let the screen door hit you on the way out!

 

I learned a lot in 2020. I celebrated my daughter’s wedding and new son-in-love in January. Then, I lost my 16 year old shih-tzu in February and grieved that loss, thinking it was of the worst thing that had happened in a long time. In March, the world changed. April brought us a new puppy and I thought she would help us get through quarantine with a breeze.

Then, in my world, catastrophe! My dad, who was a dementia patient, was rushed to the ER in late April with shortness of breath. It’s a long and very sad story, but after multiple hospital mistakes, comforting him through Zoom and watching his decline through windows, he passed away on May 1.  He didn’t have Covid-19. I’m not sure any of my family will ever recover from the way he died.

However, we have no doubt that he is likely fishing with a few buddies along with a few celebrity fisherman that walked the earth with Jesus. It is comforting that he is in a better place with a completely healed body. but oh goodness, is he missed! And his death is mourned for so many reasons.

We lost several friends and family members throughout the year, some with Covid, some not. We attended 3 funerals where we were allowed. There were multiple others where gathering wasn’t allowed. 2020 was the year of loss. But, I’m hopeful things are better next year.

 

Hello 2021! New plan… in pencil.

 

I am not in control. I’m reminded of the verse that says “man plans his way, but God directs his steps.” So my plans for ’21 are goals written in pencil. He knows what’s best, even when I don’t understand. So, here is what I’m praying about for the upcoming year.

 

Be Still and Know that I am God.

 

  • The physical and spiritual welfare of my friends and family. As I write this, several extended family members have tested positive for Covid.
  • My own spiritual, mental and physical growth
  • A vaccine for Covid
  • Our country and our new president
  • New ideas and opportunities to be useful
  • To put others first, including my customers and business associates
  • My business plan

New Business Plan

 

Planner and Pen

 

One of the good things to come out of 2020 was the time I had to read about and research business strategies. I’d like to share a few of those here in hopes it will be helpful to other antique vendors and/or bloggers.

  1. The first book I read and put into practice was “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz. Because my business is very small, I adopted some of his suggestions, but not all. I chose what will work best for me. The best thing is that it gave me a plan, a focus and confidence in how I manage funds. As my business grows, I will implement more of his suggestions. For now, I manage everything in Excel and I see much better results as I take my profit first. Read this book for more info!
  2. I adopted Tailwind as my portal to Pinterest and Instagram. The growth is incredible and I’m planning to use it even more in 2021.
  3. Another platform I use for Instagram is Preview. I like how I can see a preview of how my whole feed looks as I post.
  4. Out of dissatisfaction with MailChimp, an associate and I tried out multiple email networks and ended up with Klaviyo. It is brand new, so I’ll let you know how that goes.
  5. I use PicMonkey to create and resize images. And I love creating graphics on Canva.
  6. The new plans for the blog this year are to help other antique vendors get started and let readers know what is in the booth.
  7. There’s a surprise planned each month for the mall and I’m so excited to be a part of it. Stay tuned!

 

Out with the Old, In with the New Plan or Is it?

While some antique shows and auctions were cancelled or postponed this year, new Zoom sales are paving the way for antiques to be showcased in the digital age. Real wood is sturdier and stands the test of time, compared to furniture kits and particle board. Vintage and retro have become terms in vogue compared to colonial or Early American. Styles are now described as Primitive, Cozy Cottage, Farmhouse, Coastal or Cabin.

But, there’s one old tradition that I’m personally glad has never gone out of style. Ringing in the New Year with the song “Auld Lang Syne” never gets old. So in the spirit of all things old and treasured here’s to 2021! Happy New Year!

 

new plan for 2021

 

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

 

saxophone

 

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

 

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

 

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

 

CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

 

 

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