If ever a year ago to see him again, it would be 2020. The world saw an incredible host of things that have transformed people’s lives, their beliefs and their hearts upside down. And even if I am realistic, there is always this persistent voice of the optimist who hides at the back of my head and I think this year has also seen his just share of good. Many have, in terms of millennials – have been awakened! So many things have happened, and although we had a lot of time to think about things, I feel like we are just starting to treat everything. And therefore, follow my tradition – as in 2019 (Which strangely referred to a sentence now triggering “new normal”, 2018And 2017Here are my reflections on 2020.
2020 review – a year, we will never forget
The pandemic
2020 started like any other year, but it was obvious at the start of things that do not go. And even if I will not get there here, we all know what happened – the world seemed to stop shooting, and almost in an instant, everyone’s life has changed. Things have really become real in March here in Ontario. And by March 17th A state of emergency was declared and a few days later, I was temporarily dismissed from my work like so many others. But I am one of the lucky ones. I still had money through my Pinterest Va. And surprisingly, all of my traveling customers stayed with me, even if their income from their blogs had been decided.
Curiously, during this first locking, I managed things much better than my anxious friends and the others. I created a mantra and hung on my word that I had chosen for 2020 – Focus. I stayed at a routine. I worked on customer work in the morning, I made walks in the afternoon in my neighborhood, and I worked on my blog and I wrote. I started my hand to my friends and other people who had trouble staying focused or even getting out of their pajamas, not to mention everything. Again, I was one of the lucky ones who did not go beyond the state of things. I do not blame anyone who did it or still. I hope everyone stops and is nice to themselves. These are difficult times and it’s normal not to go well.
And by reading my previous articles of reflection, I came across this from 2017 when I started to browse health problems. But that sounded true for our current status.
“Sometimes your health or life events (good and bad) occur, forcing you to travel, hiking and exploring pending. And that’s okay. It’s difficult. But, It is not forever. Sometimes you just have to put your health, your mind and your body first. And come back stronger than ever.
Say goodbye
When I think of my reflections on 2020, a big change – beyond the pandemic – was my job. I must say that it was thanks to the pandemic that I finally made the push to leave my job full-time, with social benefits, disease wages, bonuses, etc., and to work full time for myself. The truth is that I was more concerned with going back to work when things started to open. So, I jostled and increased my list of customers, so I had enough money so that I could leave my job. And my boy was the best decision I made this year.
My company Pinterest Va has increased this year and I honest my customers honestly for this. Most came to me by references and stayed with me throughout this crazy year that lacks travel, reduced income and frustrating changes in Pinterest. I was even interviewed this week by blogging on Pinterest.
Blog’s success in 2020
As always, I try to focus on victories, no matter the size. And this year, it is even more important to celebrate little things. But I am delighted to say that this year, I saw my greatest traffic to date. After 8 years of this travel blog thing, I finally start to go from the pastime to business. And perhaps because so many people were looking for things to do in Ontario and hiking ideas, that all my local and hiking content has really come to the masses. One of my messages this year, on which I work literary for a few years, Where to find Europe in Ontario Really exploded. And it took me an interview on CBC Radio One.
Although other travel bloggers earn money on their blogs for some time, it was only this year that I finally started, thanks to my incredible readers – like you! This has reserved their local getaway via my links or bought items via my affiliation links. It is only a small commission for an additional cost for you, but certainly helps me manage this blog.
Some messages succeeded this year were:
Charming small towns in Ontario
Perfect things to do in Paris Ontario
Local trips and virtual trips
Many of my travel bloggers were and are still devastated, they cannot travel internationally, but I was just as excited as I am always to explore more from my beautiful Ontario province. So, I went in search of more local jewels in Ontario to sunflower fields has Haunted places in Ontario. I even associated with Perth County Tourism to explore the region this summer, adding new favorite parks and hiking trails as well as charming small cities to my list of favorites.
But, as in the years, when I explore a new place or go back to an old favorite, everything is around the outdoors and this year has really pushed this house.
Protruding facts of this year’s travel articles in Ontario:
Ontario group of seven locations
At the beginning of the pandemic and locking, I made a pivot and I focused on virtual trips that saw a range of messages like exploring places like Paris and Toronto Home, as well as incredible books that can transport you in different places. I always say that a good book (a lot of less than $ 25) can transport you to a new place, inspire new travel destinations and be a cheap way to travel when you can’t!
Virtual travel posts:
Hike in 2020
You all know how much I like hiking, but unfortunately, the hike has taken a different face this year. Thanks to Covid, many had to transfer their normal outdoor activities such as hiking and golf. So many of my favorite places have been overwhelmed by people this year. So that pushed me to look for new places to hike and develop strategies when hiking, like during the week or in covered weather, or while waiting for cooler temperatures. Some new places I finally arrived; Torrance Barrens, Devil’s Monument, Haliburton Sculpture Forest, Hardy Lake, strangely the incredible ravine Trails in TorontoAnd a few others!
In addition, I finally drawn up my list of essential hiking equipment! Especially since many have now hiked, or even those who increase their hiking game, this is the list for you! And it covers the equipment for each season.
Now I have to catch up with all the new hiking messages that I have to write! Which one would you like to read first?
New hiking messages this year:
The best places to hike Muskoka
Best hikes from Bruce Trail Day
What I read this year
The last years have seen my reading time decimated. But this year to come back to it and set itself the goal of reading 12 pounds in 2020. And I did it !!! This year, I read a wide variety of books, non-fiction travel memories. Some of the books linked to the trips I read were, the yellow envelope of Kim Dinan – which is a refreshing light in the travel field, the road to Little Dribblibble by Bill Bryson – I love reading his books while they are continuously laughing out loud, and Lands of lost borders By Kate Harris – a mixture of poetry, travel and wonder.
A book that really stood out was Great magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I first fell in love with her with her eats, pray, love – as many did. But Big Magic is the perfect book for all those who feel stuck and especially for creatives. It really made me refocus my thoughts and my goals for my writing, my blog and even my life in general. I highly recommend it!
I exceeded my twelve year book goal this week with an incredible book by Waubgeshig Rice, Snow moon in crust. I heard about the book for the first time through a contest and I ended up winning it. Then, I had the honor to participate in a virtual reading and to speak with rice. And this book could not be shy because it is the dramatic judgment of the life of a Northern Anishinaabe community as they know it. And their determination to pass and return to their roots.
What did you read this year that you would recommend?
Objectives for 2021
By passing above my reflections in 2020, I think of what is in store in the new year and what are my goals for 2021? I have a lot of ideas in mind, some big – stay attentive 😉 – and others are more related to business and blogs. I want to be more strategic in my blog approach. But don’t worry, it will always be essentially the same from your point of view. I always want to focus on local trips to Ontario and dig a little deeper. Of course, more hiking recommendations. And more inspiration for book and international.
As for the trip, the verdict has always been released. We will just have to wait and see. And I agree with that.
And if there is something that I hope that 2020 has taught us, especially to go to the holiday season and gifts, it is because life is precious as our time. Offer the gift of experience or your time this year instead of unnecessary things from shopping centers or Amazon. Hold your loved ones, friends and family, close. And be nice to yourself and with each other.
Happy holidays and I wish you all the best of the new year!
I would love to hear about one of your favorite memories of 2020?
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