Happy New Year. 🥳 I know some people have been anxious for 2021 to begin, hoping that things will fall into place for a better future. I have spent a lot of time post-Christmas in deep reflection. Thinking about what I’ve learned this past year. It has changed me as a person and for the better. At the top of my list, I’ve become more invested in my family and my marriage. Being with my family more and relinquishing some responsibilities outside of my home has done that for me. I don’t think I could’ve predicted all of the first I’ve done in 2020. I’ve built up my self-confidence. I’ve homeschooled. I’ve focused on my health. I’ve baked so many things. 👩🏿🍳 (I mean soft pretzels and rainbow crepes were not what I envisioned as fun but it was.) This year I learned how to be a stay-at-home mom by ACTUALLY staying home. 🙃
For the past several years, I’ve picked one word that I want to be a theme in the upcoming year. When I was going into 2020, I didn’t have a word. I was so focused on my new normal, and juggling everyday life with three kiddos, I didn’t really think about it. But looking back, my word would be gratitude. I can’t say enough how grateful I am. Even though this year had its challenges for me, like staying home and not seeing friends. I am so grateful for my health, my family, and my faith more than I have ever been before. Sometimes to the point of being overwhelmed. For the last month, the first thing I do when I open my eyes before I get out of bed is say, “Thank you God for another day and for my life”. I’ve become hyper-aware of the fragility of life and I do not take it for granted.
This year, I didn’t have to think too much for a word I wanted to embody the upcoming year. For 2021, my word is authenticity. Spending more time with my family and by myself this year, I’ve gotten the opportunity to get to know myself better. Coming up on 33, I know who I am, what I like, and what I don’t. I’ve gotten to a place of peace with myself. I want to continue to be my best and true self in my relationships and in this blog.
As much as I love social media, I am very aware that it is my highlight real. I love sharing a pretty picture or thought-provoking quote as much as the next person. But I want to be more honest. Last month I got the best text from a friend. “COVID check-in: How are you doing?” It really warmed my heart. And I’m learning to answer that question with other things than I’m good or things are great when they are tough.
I will not be putting all of my personal experiences on social media. Sometimes personal things should stay personal but I will be more open. So here’s to a new year being my best self, and putting my best foot forward. Do you have any words, intentions or goals for this year that you’d like to share? Comment below.
Thank you so much for reading my blog posts and supporting me this past year. Looking forward to a great 2021! ✨