In some ways a lot has happened this year, and in others, nothing has.

We've spent much more time at home than is usual and have had arguably a little more time to think and reflect. I was furloughed for March, April, May June, July, just a little over 4 months which is a hecka long time to yourself. I've watched Netflix documentaries, watched upteen webinars, 'attended' (logged into) online events, and read through more books than I would've had time to get through under normal circumstances. Amongst more fun things, like learning to juggle, taking my cooking game to the next level, and seeing more outdoor spaces in London, this self motivated schooling adventure I seemed to be on was all an organic process; I sort of naturally fell into the pattern of educating myself. I didn't see the 'waste of time' others were complaining about, or 'the loss of whatever', I saw this time as the year to fall back in love with education.

Admittedly I was flapping about at the beginning now I look back. I was productive, and focussed, but I was also awash with the absolutely priviledged freedom to pick from a number of things I could do. There was too much choice, and I was trying, as always to do too much, and expect great results then beat down on myself when I wasn't progressing at the rate I deemed reasonable. So stupid. But why are we so harsh on ourselves to expect to become expert immediately?

We've forgotten the simplicity in that a little bit of practise will lead to improvement.

It's shockingly simple, but it took listening to one of the hosts on an episode of The Guilty Feminist podcast, talking about salsa, and how she'd improved by just doing a little every day.

So I looked back at what I've done. (Something everyone should do every so often).

Then I worked out what I've improved upon.

I've yoga'ed - and can now get my feet flat on the floor in downward dog, and memorised sun salutation moves. I've increased my flexibility, and take more notice daily to relax my jaw, and drop my shoulders.

I've read 6 books, and yes! A little a day does make you read faster, and better, and for longer. For years I have wanted to regain my ability to read as I did as a child, before the hormones kicked in. I've done it. Usually at this point, half way through the year, I may've read two at best, but slowly, and inconsistently.

I've played the piano - I got a keyboard in January and I should've practised way more than I have... I went weeks without sometimes, but even through 20 mins, tangible improvements can be heard. I wish I'd done this more. Needs to match the reading!

I've made eco prints - this took a fair amount of effort but it was very fun and I'll do this again in the Autumn when the colours change. It's a cross of an interest in art and the environment and at least now I can chat about eco printing if this comes up. It's all learning!

I've researched extensively on all manner of things - and come across amazing things happening around the world. There is only so much learning (and remembering) you can do by reading online, so it's good to remember to step away sometimes. You probably find you remember more off screen than on (I do).

I've completed a short course - through Future Learn, and I have takeaways. Actual information I have learned and can bring to a conversation. This was also a strategic option to ease myself into studying online in preparation for another course I want to do later.

I've been working with local organisations through my Mutual Aid group - which has taught me a lot about setting up infrastructure super fast and well, keeping things simple and focussed, safeguarding issues and volunteer (people) engagement. It also reminded me how to use InDesign (it'd been a few years) and create grant applications and then planning the spend.

I've taken longer walks around the local area so I've got to know more about where I live and committed routes to memory. I've learned more about native trees, and invasive weeds.

I've been learning to cycle on London roads, and have gained confidence and fitness, as well as a better understanding of how London roads link up.

I've experimented in the kitchen - I can see that years of cooking is paying off. Naturally in lockdown I stepped it up, making some wanky things like cucumber salmon rolls, and extra effort things like vegan halloumi, and non traditional things like caramel banana bread, but it was in July I realised how much I have improved since my early twenties generally, with richer sauces, more wholesome stews, and complex curries. I'm by no means a master chef - I am still learning, but I feel now I can throw things together in a tasty, eloquent way that doesn't require so much thought. Forget dinner, even snack and breakfast times are moments for creativity. Buckwheat pancakes anyone?

I've watched countless documentaries (there are so many to get through), and attended lots of webinars which I have found to be an invaluable way to get advice from industry experts and resources to look at later. I did have to calm down though, because it was becoming my life at point!

I learnt to use Wix, and having meant to have started this blog 4 years ago, (8 if I'm being honest) I started it, and began writing properly again. I'm looking at digital marketing, SEO and Google Analytics to add more oomph to my employabilty.

There is more to come. A friend inspired me to learn to juggle, and I'm developing my foundation conversational French into someone who can maybe live in France one day.

So I look at this as the year of education. For me it certainly has been, but that's not to say it has been for everyone. I would definitely compile the same kind of list for yourself though - look back at what you have done, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I would certainly not look at this year as a waste of time or any lost cause. I'm pleased with the time I have gained for myself and how I used that time.

Could I have done more? I always feel I could've done more, I always feel that I could've done better. But I have to remember what I have done, what I have achieved and not be so hard on myself.