As we draw near to the end of 2021, I can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. This year was very trying in more ways than one with the loss of a parent, trouble at work and difficulty in my personal finances. Phew! And on top of everything, I couldn’t bring myself to give my blog the attention it deserved. And yet, I still feel obliged to give you a year end review. *Sigh*
Instead of focusing on things I didn’t do, I thought it would be fitting to highlight some of the good things that happened. I know I definitely need a reason to shimmy into 2022!
So sit tight folks, here’s a GWS year end review.

Blog growth
This year was the first ‘full year’ for GWS. If you were to ask me if I achieved my goals, or surpassed expectations, the answer is no. And yet, that is probably the thing I needed most.
You see, I started this blog for many reasons, but the biggest push was dissatisfaction with my job. Well, one specific change to be precise. I had hoped that at some point I would be able to leave the corporate world and focus on GWS full-time. While that is not off the table yet, it definitely isn’t on it either. Plus, it would’ve been a decision based on emotions. Scratch that – it would’ve been a cancerian mistake!
So fast forward, twelve months and I have not yet hit a crazy number of pageviews per month. I have not gotten a reputable number of followers. Heck, I haven’t even mastered any social media accounts!
But if you ask me, there are 2 ways to look at this GWS 2021:
- It was a total flop and I should throw in the towel
- It revealed the areas of growth that can be worked on next year.
I’ll let you guess which one I chose. 😉
Sponsorships
This year definitely paid up more than 2020, but not nearly enough to substitute my corporate salary – and that’s okay! One major goal that I had with the blog was to reach a point where the money coming in covered the costs of running the blog. Looking at the calendar year that has just passed, we have definitely passed this mark with flying colours.
While I didn’t get any more freebies, I did get paid to write content in my own voice. I mean, come on, a writer being paid to write?
So as I step into 2022, I will be looking for more opportunities to monetise my blog. My main focus will still be on creating awesome content, but I would love to make money while doing it. That’s not a crime, right?
Posts I enjoyed writing the most
Spider-Man: Now way home – An introvert’s take
Cheers to the one who broke my heart
Most supportive blogger friends
From a commenting perspective, I’ve had some blogging friends consistently active on my posts. Some were there from the beginning, and others are new, but the support has been phenomenal. I’m not quite sure why many of these lovely people stuck around, especially since I wasn’t as supportive on their endeavors… But I am immensely grateful and wanted to give a shout out.

I found Bossy Babe through Michelle – Boomer Eco Crusader (or did she find me?) and she brought over Pete Springer in her suitcase. I believe Ang was also a gem I found through Michelle, and I’ve been loving her relatable content for over a year now. As for Beth, she’s the blogging guru I stumbled upon towards the beginning of my journey. I remember gasping at how many followers she has, and hoping to be like her one day.
To my lovely blogging friends, thank you. Thank you for supporting me through this year.
Hold on, hold on… a year end review without Olivia?
While she isn’t on the list of people who commented the most on my posts, I can’t write this post without mentioning Olivia Blake. This woman, my sister from another mister, my blogging twin and one of my best friends, kept my blog running when I couldn’t do it myself. I had originally asked her to just reply to comments while I dealt with my grief. You know, so you don’t think I just ghosted or left you on read. Instead, she decided to round up some bloggers who guest posted on my site for the entire month.
If you aren’t a blogger, you probably don’t understand the magnitude of this gesture… But for those who know all of the work that goes into running a blog, preparing content and promoting it, you know that Olivia was an absolute God-send!
To add a cherry to the cake, this blogging natural brought me along on the first blogging course she ever created. It was a very fun experience, and I am grateful that she continues to uplift those around her.

Now that you’re read my year end review, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What did you love? What would you like to see more of in 2022? Would you like to be featured on the blog?
Pssst! Let’s hang on the socials!
Hi Shelly I hope you will become more stronger in 2022 in every way. Coming to blog you are doing really great. I really love reading your blog posts and I love your sense of humor especially on my blog posts where you comment. This year was good to me and blogging too was fine. I want to be more consistent in writing blog posts.I wish for physical and mental well being for all. I am having quite good plans about blogging.
Keep blogging Shelly. You will always have my support and don’t forget about your YouTube channel. Love to see more from you.
Awesome post shelly! I loved to whole post!
I will loved to meet new bloggers! I will check out there blog. Maybe we can do a collab one day! Have a awesome new year! 2022! May all your goals come true!
Hugz and Kisses,
Miss B.
This is a good review. I like that you focused on the positive instead of only the negatives of the year. I pray that 2022 is much better for you!! ❤
Thanks Heidy 😊 wishing you an amazing 2022 as well!
I don’t know about your other readers, but I stick around because I love chatting with you and reading your content! 😁 Keep it up, I know things will start going your way
You’re a sweetheart!! Thanks so much Ang~ wishing you an awesome 2022! 😊
You as well 💜
even with all of the challenges and hardships of the year, you have managed to state the positives and that is a wonderful way to approach life. thank you for the shoutout, and the reason I keep reading and responding is that I find you very honest and open and am happy to have found you.
Thanks Beth! You deserve more than a shoutout, honestly. Thank you so much for being here every step of the way <3
we’re all in this together –
Aaah so many great achievements in 2021! It’s so amazing how much you’ve achieved. I think blogging stats took a hit once life went back to normal across the globe. But I’m sure 2022 will be an even better year for both of us.
Thank you so much for guiding me through my blogging journey. Means so much. ❤️
Thanks Moksha! Lol it isn’t that much when compared to the list of things I wanted to do, but you are right about the stats dropping when life went back to normal. Hopefully it doesn’t continue on a downward trend! Either way, we’ll make it together 🙂
So sorry for your loss in 2021. I also had a loss this year too in April (my brother) and the year has just been crazy– my new job in July ended up being 1,000x more toxic than expected which made me neglect my blog for a bit too, but now I’ve started to daydream about finally monetizing my blog enough to quit my hospital job in 2022. We’ll see. Anyway, I wish you a happier 2022 and look forward to seeing more of you!
I also need to make time to support you & all my other favourite blogs again. I seldom click into the Reader these days.
Roch that’s terrible 🙁 I really hope you are able to find peace and move on. Life is very short, so if you think quitting your job is a good move, then do it. Ten years ago it would be crazy, but nowadays it is very possible to make a decent living out of the things you love.
Hi Shelly, I think most of us are glad to see the back of 2021 for a variety of reasons. I missed you during your little hiatus but I’m glad you’re back and look forward to reading more of your work in 2022. It was nice to see my name—along with some of my favourite blogging buddies—on your list of commenters. We have such an awesome blogging community!
I’d love to do another collaboration with you in 2022! Maybe we can do a guest post swap again. And, if you have a clutter tale to tell, I plan to continue the series in 2022.
You will always be in my lists 😊 even unintentionally lol because you’re such an amazing and supportive blogging friend! Looking forward to more collabs with you 💖
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The whole year was having lots of turns and twists. But the good thing is that we learn a lot from our mistakes and hope you have great success in the upcoming year.
Thank you for your insightful post. Lots of love from the aspiring blog.❤
Thanks hun! It was indeed a hectic year, but nothing that we couldn’t handle. All the best to you next year!
I come at blogging from a different perspective. For me it is simply the opportunity to converse with people globally about interesting topics. Content is king, and if I don’t find someone/something stimulating, I’m not wasting my time there. Being retired has a lot of perks—the main one being that I can spend my time doing the things that give me pleasure. Much luck to you and your family in 2022!
Thanks Pete! I like your approach, and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that you’re retired and your aim is authoring books. I unfortunately don’t quite know what I want to do when I grow up, and am super scared that I won’t get the chance to do what I want if I don’t save up now 😅
You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Keep on planning. I think one needs to find a balance between enjoying life and saving. Being financially responsible has allowed us to retire at a relatively young age. At the same time, life is meant to be lived. People shouldn’t become slaves to working and never spending.
2021 was quite the year – I can relate as you know. It’s so amazing Olivia did that while oh were away. She is truly a gem in some many ways! Looking forward to reading your content in 2022. Sending you hugs and love your way
A year of lessons is no less valuable than monetary gain. All the best in the new year, Shelly!
Thanks hun, right back at ya!
I’m so sorry about your loss Shelly and that takes precedence over everything so I’d say you did a fantastic job. Growth is growth and it’s messy and shows up in different ways and you honored your relationship new financial obligations which is huge! Congrats on a great year Dear! 💖💖💖
hi Shelly, even I am glad to see the back of 2021! It looks like you have done a fantastic job and have learnt valuable blogging lessons which will only stand you in good stead for 2022. I have had an interesting year for blogging, I have found it quite difficult to find the time to commit to blogging and rn am unsure on how I will balance it with other commitments going forward
Shelly, even I am glad to see the back of 2021! It looks like you have done a fantastic job and have learnt valuable blogging lessons which will only stand you in good stead for 2022. I have had an interesting year for blogging, I have found it quite difficult to find the time to commit to blogging and rn am unsure on how I will balance it with other commitments going forward
Hey!! Thanks so much for the shout-out! I admire your genuine voice and enjoy your blog! I can tell you work hard on your craft (of course, barriers come into play here and there- I know you’ve had a tough year) so I appreciate your honesty and approach! Keep doing you!
You’ve always been a supportive blogging friend to me- whenever I have any questions I know I can email you and know that you’d be happy to assist if you can! That’s invaluable! H
appy new year Shelly! 🙂
Kudos to you for being able to maintain a positive outlook on things with all that you’ve been through and for sharing! You’re forever in my prayers <3 I hope that 2022 brings you more happiness and success.
I am so glad to hear about all of the help that you got, especially from Olivia! In a world full of competition and individualism, it is so nice to hear about this strong sense of sorority.
Thanks, Josephine. I really hope you have a good year too. And when things get tough, just remember that diamonds are made only after being put under pressure! 😉