black swiss dot blouse from dra clothing- M Loves M @marmar

2020 changed all of us, in ways I don’t think we could have imagined when the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 2020. What started off as hope for a new decade turned into an array of feelings from confusion, fear, anger, and uncertainty. I was thinking back on this year and despite everything, gosh it was a good one. I truly do believe that. There were so many happy moments and positive changes that I don’t know would have been possible if it wasn’t for 2020. Sharing 5 things I cherish most about this past year below.

The 5 Things I’ll Cherish Most About 2020

1. Time Together– How lucky were we to spend so much time together as a family. Matthew was able to work from home and see the kids between work calls, on lunch breaks, with no commute, and no business travel. While working from home offered unique challenges, it was a blessing to be all together under one roof. This may not always be the case, so I’m soaking up this time right now.

2. Focus on Fitness– Fitness became a huge passion of mine this year and while I didn’t share about it too much, it was something that became a regular part of my life. When we were in Orange County I was working out almost daily on my elliptical. I loved that it also gave me time to listen to podcasts that I might not normally have had time to listen to. This fall and winter I’ve been doing online pilates workouts and even though it’s not my ideal workout, I’ve prioritized that time knowing the benefits have been more than worth it. I finally realize why so many people get really into fitness. Not only are you doing something so good for your body, but you’re also doing something incredible for your mind. It was a much-needed stress reliever for me and really helped keep me feeling happy and positive. If you’re needing some encouragement on how to make working out a regular habit, here is what I did. I planned that every day at 1pm, right after I put the kids down for a nap, I’d go on the elliptical for 30 minutes. I didn’t plan for 5 days, I planned for every. single. day. Did I actually work out every single day? No. But when I planned on it every day, I was much more likely to do it. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, and I’d say it took a little longer for me, but by about 2 months in, I was like how why haven’t I been doing this forever?!

3. Changes That Didn’t Seem Like They Were for the Best- If it wasn’t for 2020, we wouldn’t have made some pretty big life changes. As many of you know, we sold our house at the end of summer and we’re finally about to get resettled again. It’s been an adjustment to not have our things, but also incredibly liberating. I’ve been able to remove some of the attachments I’ve had to items like furniture and clothing and focus on other, much more important, things. Similarly, I’ve had some changes with my business that while challenging, have also given me a chance to step back and reevaluate my goals and priorities. I’ll probably share more about this in the coming weeks but just as some encouragement for any of you going through change, try not to fear it. Know that sometimes going through difficult situations will put you in the place you need to be. Trust that God has a plan for you and your life and those weaker moments will be the ones that make you stronger.

4. Time for Hobbies (New and Old)- I thoroughly enjoyed trying new hobbies in 2020 and, like many, I started making sourdough bread. I’m still working on perfecting my loaves, and while I don’t have an active starter right now, I can’t wait to get that going again. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed it. A hobby I almost started was embroidery. I actually bought a hoop and pattern but in the midst of packing, I misplaced it. One of the things to look forward to getting out of storage! It was so nice though to have more time for activities that were usually pushed aside out of busyness. With nowhere to go and no one to see, I was able to spend time on new hobbies, and ones I’ve neglected (like journaling and reading).

5. The Power of Faith- I am incredibly thankful for God who pursued me so much this year. I’ve gained such confidence and peace that have truly been life-changing. If you’re feeling lost, unsure, scared, or broken, you are not alone. Pray, open your Bible, and read His words, do a bible study (the First5 App is great for this!), turn to Him and start learning what His plan is for you. Through actually reading His words I’ve realized so much about who He is and how much I need His wisdom, guidance, and direction in my life. In spite of everything, I’ve learned to trust Him more and replace every worry with a prayer. Thankful for all that God has done in 2020 and looking forward to what He has in store for me and our family in 2021!