
We made it to the end of 2020 everyone! Whew. What an emotionally wild ride it has been. From the lowest of lows to some life changing highs, this year has been the year of immense growth. In all aspects of life. It has also been a year that has exposed more hard truths than I’ve ever experienced in my 32 years of life. I wanted to share my own personal 2020 celebrations and lessons in addition to my goals for 2021. Keeping these ideas and memories documented is important to me. I want to return to this post a year, 5 years, 10 years from now and see how I applied what I learned and how much more I’ve accomplished since.

I find it very important to highlight both the good and bad of this year. However, I’m naming the bad “lessons” because I truly believe all hardships happen to teach us hard lessons. I believe in past years I’ve highlighted the good things that have happened in the year. And although there is nothing wrong with basking in the good it’s important to remember that we don’t know good without knowing bad as well. These two emotions should coexist in writing just as they do in real life. So here are my 2020 celebrations and lessons wrapped up in nutshell for myself and my little family. I pray abundant blessings of health, prosperity and strength in this new year for all of you. Let’s take care of each other in this new year while remembering to take care of ourselves in the process. We still have a long journey to “normal” in this world. Let’s do our best to make it as easy as possible for our emotional and mental health.

Celebrations:
- We all celebrated growing a year older and remaining healthy in the process.
- I made about 5k working with brands this year vs. the $400 I made last year.
- My recipes were featured on multiple large network websites like: Buzzfeed, Washington Post, Food 52, Recipe Lion, etc.

- I started actively reading my Bible this year. I’m almost done with the New Testament.
- I reached out regarding therapy for the first time. Although I haven’t started yet because of this virus I’m looking forward to in person sessions hopefully soon.
- We spent more time with our family than we ever have in our adult lives. What a blessing it has been!
- I got to spend an entire year at home with my favorite people on earth. We have bonded and learned to love one another in ways I never knew could exist.
Lessons:
- I lost about 20 lbs in 2019 and put them right back on in 2020. But instead of beating myself up I gave myself grace and understand the metaphorical weight of this pandemic to my waist ratio.
- In addition to the above lesson: I absolutely HAVE to meal prep to successfully keep my weight down and life easier.
- It’s not that I didn’t have time to do what I want and need. I just wasn’t prioritizing correctly. I basically learned to stop making excuses and create solutions.
- Being thankful for the little things is no longer a cliche it’s the ultimate truth. Checking myself when I’m complaining about trivial matters is necessary.

- No means “not now” or “not for you”. Neither these answers are wrong.
- Thanks to the movie “Soul” fully understanding that purpose ≠ spark. My purpose in this world is to live and enjoy all the little parts of life that bring joy. My spark should never be the determining factor for my purpose.
Goals:
- Do more of what makes me happy so I can be a happier more productive person for those around me.
- Pay off all financial debts this year. And read more books to understand financial literacy.
- Remain consistent with my blog while increasing my development, photography, and writing skills.
- Read 10 books. At least half being self help books.
- Make 5 figures through my business.
- Continually work on my emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health.
- Learn something new. A dance, hairstyle, skill, etc.
- Be bold and confident in myself, my love, my capabilities, and my business. Take leaps!
- Eat healthier and exercise consistently. Concentrate on health and wellness vs. weight and appearance.

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