2020 CONCLUSION

12.24.20

At the end of 2019 I sat down with Dobby to write out my words for the year ahead and I decided to do this again for 2021. Not because 2020 worked out so well, ha!, more so because the exercise itself offered some helpful reflection opportunities throughout the year.

These words (some folks choose only one) are simply an intention of sorts. A way to communicate my heart with the universe or perhaps just my own subconscious mind. It’s not about goals or manifesting per se, it’s more about making space deliberately as we start a new chapter.

If you’re interested in this type of thing, find a comfy seat with a pad of paper and a pencil as we take a moment to release the year behind us and welcome the year ahead.

If you’re not in a headspace for this type of exercise that’s okay! There’s a cute corgi, a Canadian-made lounge set and some slightly huge news, that may be worth your stay too.


The Prose Lounge Set shown in the photos below was gifted by Vestige Story, a size inclusive, Canadian-made line of elegant & versatile loungewear. I’ve share a few key details below and I’ll be taking a closer look at these pieces in the new year. They’re available for pre-order now and you can use ‘STYLEBEE10’ for 10% Off your order. Thanks for your interest in the awesome Canadian brands that support this space.



MY WORDS FROM 2020

These are the words I set out with at the start of 2020 & this is how they’re resonating now.


GRATITUDE – I know this one puts some people off with it’s overuse but hear me out. My intention for this word evolved into a habit more than anything and I’ve found my gratitude practice immensely helpful this year. It’s been particularly good for my mood and outlook on life, to the point that I notice a shift every time I fall off track. My practice simply involves thinking about 3-5 things I’m grateful for each day. There are loads of prompts all over the web but something like these (from @selfcarespotlight) are what I use:

  • A person I’m glad to have in my lifeMy amazing partner, Dave.
  • A future event I’m excited forThe first spring swim in the lake.
  • Some positive news I received recentlyA project I’ve been working on will be ready soon!
  • A memory that makes me smileSitting around the campfire with friends.
  • Something that made my laugh todayDobby tucking himself into a couch corner.
  • My favourite part about the holidaysThe food and sipping bubbly!

Here are a whole bunch more to get you going if this is something you’re interested in. I didn’t have the discipline for a full-on gratitude journal this year but it’s something I’m going to try for next year.

CREATE – I’ll admit, this one was rough and definitely didn’t pan out as I’d envisioned but I’m learning from it and releasing any expectations. Inspiration to create came in short and fleeting bursts this year. As any content creator, artist, creative etc. can attest, productivity in the form of putting out visible work can be very hard (read: impossible) to maintain. Despite my best intentions to follow-through on a slew of projects the motivation just wasn’t there. I went through more burnout this year than ever before and it sucked.

I think the lesson I learned in this area of my work/life is that you can’t rush or force creativity. There are periods of growth, inspiration building and idea formation that require space. That’s what this year was.

FOCUS – Even just a couple of months ago I would have said this was another missed attempt for the year but it seems that my vision has cleared A LOT in recent weeks. It’s honestly kind of wild how the stars can suddenly align, revealing a path you’d never thought would clear. All this is essentially to say, keep leaning into the life and goals you hold in your heart. This actually ties nicely into the next word…

TRUST – I know I’m not alone in feeling lost this year. Many plans I’d started the year with were swiftly chucked out the window and some tough decisions had to be made. However, some of the circumstances I found myself in begrudgingly actually forced me out of a repetitive cycle that I’d been fighting. For this I’m really grateful. Whenever I’d bring my words to mind this year, “trust” was the one that would sit with me the longest. From a short term moment of anxiety, to a huge, life-altering decision (more on that below), “trust” kept repeating and I’m so glad I listened.

NATURE – Without time in nature this year would have been very difficult for me. I really feel for folks who’ve been stuck in cities without a park or green space nearby. The feeling of grass between my toes, seeing a canopy of leaves above or just closing my eyes to hear birds chirping was never more appreciated than this year. Like gratitude, nature is a word that will remain a constant underlying theme in my life.



PROSE LOUNGE SET

(AKA. my holiday uniform.)

Quick details: Dialogue Sweatshirt (wearing a small) / Edit Pants (wearing a M) – Sizing from XS-4X available with 5 colour ways (shown here in Hunter Green). Designed and sewn in Canada. Two-piece set is $230.40 CAD with the discount below. Stay tuned for a detailed look at these pieces to come in January.

Use “STYLEBEE10” for 10% Off the PROSE COLLECTION.

(Code is valid through January 2021.)


Slippers by A Bronze Age, another Canadian small business I love!


MY WORDS FOR 2021

I haven’t fully explored why these words are resonating with me for the year ahead but I’m excited to dig deeper and find out as the year unfolds.


JOY

My intention behind this word involves embracing the parts of my work and life that bring me joy without letting guilt or obligation cloud the experience. The quote that resonated most with me all year was:

“FIND WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY AND GO THERE.”

– Jan Phillips

COURAGE

This is an evolution of “focus” and “create” from this year. I’m opening up space for the courage to build the life and the business I truly want. This will involve letting go of things, habits & opinions that I’ve allowed to hold me back. I feel it in my bones that 2021 is going to be the start of a whole new adventure!

PURPOSE

From the time I spend online, to the work I produce, to the relationships I nurture, I want to approach each one with a clear purpose. I’ve been cultivating an ability to trust my instincts and now it’s time to go a step further by asking “why”.


I’d love to know which words you’re holding close in 2021!



A note to my dear readers

(That’s you!)


Thank you for sticking with me during this year of survival. In many ways I’ve felt as though I’ve been holding my breath this whole time. As I sat down to write this post, an overwhelming feeling of appreciation welled up in my chest. It is, in no small part, because of you that I was able to keep going this year. Knowing that my work here offers something to those who visit is what drove me to push forward when it felt like nothing mattered. Please know that every moment you spend here means something.

Going into 2021, I’m feeling more connected to the little space that is Style Bee than I have in a long time. I’ve been investing in an exciting new feature that I think a lot of you will enjoy and giving myself permission to revisit the original purpose of this space. I can’t wait to share it all with each of you!


& finally, that slightly huge news…


If you’ve been following along on my stories lately, you’ll have noticed some new scenery that includes lake and wilderness views. Well, that’s because Dave and I bought a cottage!



A cottage of our own is something we’ve always dreamed of but barely dared to believe was possible. That is, until this fall, when the perfect little gem revealed herself to us. We both felt in our bones that we had to try everything possible to make it happen.

The month of October involved a lot of sleepless nights, phone calls with banks and emotional peaks and valleys. Low and behold, the stars aligned for us and at the end of November we got the keys to our little piece of paradise.

I’ll be sharing a proper introduction to the place in the new year but we’re thrilled to start this life-long project!



Sending my love to you and yours over the holidays. Stay safe, stay cozy & cheers to 2021 folks!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Karen L says:

    This was a truly helpful exercise. With the heaviness of this year, I felt a bit lighter after reminiscing and filling out some of the gratitude prompts you pinned. As for path shaping words, I personally use them in addition to specific goals. I look to the words throughout the year and find them useful in helping shape decisions that come up outside of my preset goals.

    My words for 2021 are:

    PLAY – I want to get the ideas and wonders out of my head and onto paper, for no purpose other than enjoyment.
    HEAL – while living, and not by burying myself in work.
    SOFTEN – my thoughts of myself
    CURATE – how and who I spend my time with. I debated ‘mindful’ but chose a verb to remind myself who’s responsible πŸ™‚
    DEPTH – I’m a generalist who gets lost in exploring new topics and ideas. There are a few I want to dive deep on in 2021 (with a reminder to self and all divers to descend slowly! Small steps)

    • Lee the Bee says:

      I’m so happy that you found this exercise helpful Karen. The words you’ve chosen and the meanings behind each one are so brilliant. Wishing you a wonderful start to 2021 and all the best in your endeavours throughout the year. xo

  2. I am so inspired by your commitment to path-shaping words! I usually think the practice seems silly (how close-minded of me!) but you have made it seem really appealing. I am going to spend the next few days thinking on how this might apply to my own life.

    AND mega congratulations on your new cabin. I am so excited to follow your adventures there!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      I used to think it a silly exercise too but I’m a full convert now. I find it’s a nice way to softly set goals for the year and keep myself in check when I start to revert to old habits that aren’t always helpful. If you choose some words I’d love to know what they are!

      And thank you friend! I’m so excited to share more about the place and to see how it changes my approach to style and life! Wishing you and your family all the best for 2021! xoxo

  3. Annalise says:

    I’m so happy the year ended well for you! I only discovered your blog a few months ago but I’ve really enjoyed the content and how clean and beautiful it is.
    My word for 2021 is “ethereal,” which means “extremely delicate and light.” While I can be incredibly lighthearted about the things that make my heart sing, I am a naturally very serious and anxious person. I’m applying to colleges in 2021 and have to do many generally scary things related to that (as well as continuing to grow up, which can be scary!), and I wanted to tap into my favorite word because it makes me feel like my true self and I am happiest when cultivating ethereality in my life.
    I hope you and your loved ones have a lovely rest of 2020 and an even better 2021! Thank you for all that you do. β™‘

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Annalise, I’m so happy you’ve discovered this space and have been enjoying it. Welcome!

      Thanks for sharing your word choice for the year. I think it’s perfect and I’m so excited for you! School and adulthood is daunting for sure but you’re capable of so much more than you even realize.

      Thank you for your kind words πŸ™‚ Happy New Year and all the best for what’s sure to be an exciting 2021! xo

  4. Laura says:

    Great post to say good-bye to 2020 and hello 2021. I write in a gratitude journal that a dear friend gifted me. I enjoy jotting 3 or 4 things I am grateful for a few times a week. I like your intentions and am doing the same for 2021. Your posts are helpful, love seeing how you pull pieces together. Keep them coming. Happy New Year!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Laura! Your gratitude practice sounds precisely like the one I’d like to create for this year, thank you for sharing it! I hope your 2021 is off to a good start and wish you all the best for the year ahead. xo

  5. Cate says:

    Congratulations on the beautiful cottage, that’s so exciting! And thank you for this thought-provoking post. I’ve given up on resolutions, and frankly have kind of a touchy relationship with goals, too – so the idea of intentions – or touchstone words – feels more right to me now. Choosing my words will be the perfect way to reset over the holidays and get ready for the new year.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you Cate! I hear you on goals and resolutions being a tricky thing. I find intentions much more adaptable and less restrictive while still offering something to strive towards. I hope you’ve had a restful holiday and your 2021 gets off to a great start! xo

  6. Jen says:

    My three words for 2021 are
    faith
    flow
    fun
    …all reflections of my intent to relax into my life and my self, and to believe that we are all held and supported. There’s plenty to work FOR, but I want to stop feeling like I have to be fighting AGAINST all the time. (And also, I have dropped more than my usual copious amount of f-bombs in 2020, so I want to give our friend the letter f a more positive space in my vocabulary.) πŸ™‚
    Congratulations on the cabin and a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU for your beautiful, centered, and positive presence in this world. Peace and kindness to all.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Oh I love this approach Jen! Language can have a real impact so your mindfulness of this is definitely something to think about, thank you for sharing! Wishing you all the best for the year ahead and really appreciate your support and encouragement. xo

  7. Cathy says:

    As always, your words made me pause and think which is exactly what I want in a blog that I purposely visit. Unlike other years, I DO plan to do this exercise. (The pandemic has really brought some clarity.) Congratulations on your “second home.” I know it will serve you well. Best of the season, Lee.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you Cathy, that really means a lot! I agree this pandemic has brought clarity for me too. I hope you find this exercise helpful as well! Wishing you a wonderful start to 2021! Your readership and support is so appreciated. xo

  8. Kirra says:

    Congratulations on your new cottage Lee! It looks like a pretty amazing spot, especially with all the snow at the moment.
    I really enjoy reading your blog from far away Australia, you write really well about many things and your website is a nice place on the internet.
    I liked reading your reflection on words from 2020 and for 2021. I know gratitude is good but the word has been over used for me so I’m going to try and think of another word, maybe appreciation. I like your word joy, I’m thinking enjoyment and maybe play (as in find a sense of play/flow in activities, if that makes sense). I think my last word might be care, to keep caring about the world at the moment, all things big and small, and accept the other emotions that might bring (in a positive way hopefully). Now to actually write all this in a journal, ha ha!
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Your support means so much Kirra, thanks for joining from all the way across the globe. It’s amazing how much smaller the world can feel when you find folks to connect with πŸ™‚ I totally agree that gratitude has been over used and I like your suggestion of “appreciation”. Thanks for sharing these thoughts with us here and I hope your 2021 is off to a great start already. Cheers! xo

  9. Shelly says:

    Happy Holidays Lee!
    I think the last time I left a comment here was exactly a year ago, on the same post πŸ™‚ but always here reading you..
    I guess there’s something about your specific volenrability and graditude in there posts that just speaks to me so much, that I just NEED to tell you how appreciated you are and to congratulate you on this space and the new year and adventures ahead.
    All the best from London! Shelly

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Oh wow, Shelly, your words are so uplifting and encouraging, thank you! I’m so glad this post spoke to you and so appreciate your time spent here. Wishing you all the best for 2021 as well! xo

  10. Rita says:

    Congrats! Looks beautiful πŸ’•

    I haven’t revisited my word of the year but I’ll be taking some time on Boxing Day to reflect on this year and pick the one for 2021. I find the exercise helpful and actually did refer back to it throughout the year. I use some prompts from the Calm app associated with the word which are really good practices.

    Stay warm and enjoy your new place xx

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you Rita! I’ve been so intrigued by the Calm App and this has only made me more so. Thinking I might just need to explore it this year. Thanks for tuning in and for your support in this space. Wishing you a wonderful 2021! xo

  11. CaMille says:

    Beautiful cottage! So happy for you guys!

  12. Molly says:

    Happy Holidays, Lee! Your words resonate with me so much. I will think about my own for 2021.

    Love the cottage and look forward to seeing more about it. Congratulations to you, Dave and Dobby!

  13. Katy says:

    OH. EM. GEE!! A cottage?? That’s wonderful! Can’t wait to see more. Congrats to you and thanks for holding space for beauty.

    -Katy

  14. NIPA says:

    Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, Lee. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts this past year. Your photos are always so peaceful and beautiful, and your writing so thoughtful. I have not had a chance to sit down and think about my word of the year … usually, it comes to be much more easily. Maybe this year a need a few?! Congrats on your cottage! It looks lovely. xo Nipa

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you for your continued kindness and support Nipa, it’s always so nice to connect with you. Take your time with your word(s) for the year. I had no clue what mine would be until I stopped trying to think of it, then ta da, the words came to me πŸ™‚ I hope you’ve enjoyed the holidays so far and that your 2021 is off to a good start! xo

  15. Linda says:

    Congratulations! Owning your own cottage will be so rewarding in so many ways!! Years of fixing, decorating perhaps expanding in the future
    Being on or close to water is a dream!!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you Linda! Being near the water is nothing short of magic. We are so thrilled to have this opportunity and though there is a lot of work to be done, it will all be a pleasure to embark on. Looking forward to sharing what we get up to πŸ™‚ Wishing you all the best for the year ahead! xo

  16. Lindsey R says:

    Congratulations, Lee! So exciting for your family to have a remote getaway. The place looks gorgeous. Here’s to 2021.

  17. EMma says:

    Congratulations on your cottage, and happy holidays!