Goodbye, 2020

I always love writing these end of year posts. They force me to sit down and really think about this year—the good, and the bad and help me to prioritize and get my head straight for what it is I want to focus on in this new year.

More than any other year, I think most of us are ready for this one to end. So many days it felt like a bad dream that wouldn’t (and still hasn’t) ended, but as I look back on 2020, a year I will literally never forget, I think it wasn’t all that bad.

No one could have prepared us for all that we’ve gone through this year, but despite all the sadness and loss we experienced, I’m doing my best to focus on the good, so that’s really what today’s post is all about—the positives, the silver linings and the blessings that we all undoubtedly experienced in the midst of everything else going on.

Here are the highlights of this year and some amazing lessons I learned:

My 2020 Highlights & Lessons Learned

Let The Little Stuff Go

When schools got shut down back in March, I had a hard time adjusting to my new life as full-time stay at home mom and business owner. I cannot tell you how many days I’d get so worked up over the littlest things. But, now that we’re in December, I’ve learned to just not stress so much over things that won’t matter in a few days. I’m by no means perfect, but I’ve made big strides!

Jack’s Birth

One of the best moments of this year was welcoming our sweet baby Jack into the world. He’s such a happy, sweet and curious little boy and he makes our lives brighter. Something about becoming a mom of two just shifted things inside me. They say your heart doubles in size and that is so true.

Learned How to Slow Down

I like to be busy. I like getting stuff done and being productive, and my old self really struggled with that this year. After many months, I’ve learned to really slow down and savor these moments with my boys at home. Work can wait until after they’re in bed. Simply by slowing down and not putting as much pressure on myself to do it all, I’ve become a much more joyful, happier and fulfilled person.

Move to Denver

Our move was only 7 months ago, but it already feels like we’ve been home for so long. This move was something I prayed about for years and when we finally got the green light from Rob’s company, I felt the biggest sigh of relief! After all these years, I’d manifested that move and it felt surreal. I remember Rob telling me and then just hugging while I cried all the happy tears.

Bought Our First Home

I’m re-reading Gabby Bernstein’s “The Universe Has Your Back” and just read a passage about how the universe works quickly when you’re ready, and damn that could not be more true. Within a few weeks of getting the go-ahead on our move, we’d found a house—online—that we loved.

Rob’s parents toured it for us and brought us along on FaceTime. It was perfect, so we put in an offer shortly after. I remember the days leading up to them making a decision—I tried so hard to not think about it and the day we were suppose to hear back, I remember asking the Universe to show me my sign, a feather, to give me peace that the home was ours.

Owen and I went for a walk and guys, I saw feathers EVERYWHERE! We collected them all. I got home and remember Rob telling me he was so nervous, and I said, “I’m not, we definitely got the house,” and low and behold, a few hours later we got the call—it was ours!

We moved in in July and couldn’t be happier!

Learned How to Be More Patient

I think all parents deserve an extra special prize for surviving this year without damaging our children, haha! My patience grew exponentially this year and I’m so grateful for it, because when I’m more patient, we’re all happier!

Re-Discovered a New Passion

About 5…maybe 6? years ago, I started painting. I painted for maybe a year and then for whatever reason, it started stressing me out, so I stopped. I even got rid of all my supplies thinking I’d never paint again.

After being in our home for about a month, out of nowhere I got the itch to start again. Maybe it was having more space, or feeling settled that allowed me to open up and start creating again. Whatever it was, I’m so grateful for it. Painting is like therapy for me, it’s so relaxing and soothing and fulfilling and I’m so grateful to be able to share it with all of you, if you haven’t checked it out, my shop is here.

You Can’t Please Everyone

Between the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and a wild election, it seemed nearly impossible to not offend someone in some way via social media. If I spoke my mind, I got criticized, if I didn’t say anything, I got criticized!

I’m a enneagram 9—The Peacemaker. Guys, I do not like people being upset with me, but this year taught me that you can’t please everyone and you shouldn’t have to try. It seems like an obvious lesson, but this year really broke me down and allowed me to let go of what others think so much and to focus on what makes me feel good, what I believe and what keeps me aligned with who I truly am.

Focus on What Really Matters

Lastly, this year has taught me to focus on what matters—my family, doing something that brings me joy and just living my life in a way that makes me happy and feel good. I’ve decided that life is far too short to stay mad, angry or constantly be worried or living in fear. Essentially, this year taught me to let all that sh*t go and show up where it matters most.

I could keep going, but I’ll leave it here. Yes, no doubt 2020 was a challenge and I pray that 2021 is easier and happier for everyone, but there’s no doubt we all learned a lot this year, and focusing on the good that came out of the craziness is the best way I can think of to wrap this year up.

What were some of your best moments or lessons learned from this year?

xo, Blair