A look back on 2020...
At the beginning of the year, I set my goals around the theme of "2020 Vision"; it was with the intention that I was going into the year with clear personal and professional goals. Then COVID-19 came swinging out of nowhere, and that vision became cloudy. It was truly frustrating at first (especially for the planner in me), but I chose to focus on how to turn those challenges into opportunities for self-reflection, innovation and growth. Instead of writing a novel, here are my top reflections and what I learned this year:
ON MOTHERHOOD
1. Giving myself grace reminded me that not everything needed to be done in one day. Of course, easier said than done (and had lots of cookies to comfort me along the way!).
2. It was difficult to balance everything with having the kids at home 24/7, but I loved being able to watch my kids grow. They say, "The days are long, but the years are short"; I'm grateful to have moments with my kids that I would have otherwise missed out on.
3. The sense of curiosity and wonder that my kids have for the world around them reminded me to take breaks and enjoy being in the present moment.
ON BUSINESS
1. In addition to virtual teacher for my oldest son, I successfully added "Zoom guru" to my resume. Though I miss in-person events, I really embraced the efficiency of the virtual meeting space and loved that it gave me more time in the day to connect with my clients.
2. I am truly grateful for my clients and their continued trust in me even when the world around them is uncertain.
3. I have more clarity on our firm's mission. Though my clients come from all different walks of life, I have found my calling and passion in working with women to empower them with the tools they need to reach financial prosperity.
ON MYSELF
1. Self-care is not selfish. I embraced this lesson a lot in 2020 as it was necessary for my health and sanity.
2. I started writing in my journal at least once a day with what I am grateful for as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, I can always find the light in the things and people that bring me the most joy.
3. I really enjoy cooking and have learned some new recipes along the way!
ON THE WORLD
1. 2020 exposed a lot of broken systems, and has given me more clarity on my greater vision: I want to bring financial literacy to the education system to help bridge the wealth gap in underserved communities.
2. I am in awe by those who have had so many hardships this year, and still pull together to help out others in need. The spirit of community and coming together has been inspiring.
3. There's so much more work to do in our world with the environment, the people and fixing our broken systems, but I'm more fired up than before to be the changemaker I know myself to be!
Many of us are ready for 2020 to be over because we're just, well, over it! At the same point, if 2020 didn't happen the way that it did, there would have not been room for the growth, reflection and necessary changes for ourselves, our communities and the world. I'm ready for big things to come in 2021, but I am also thankful for the everything I learned in 2020. These lessons have given me so much more clarity than the beginning of the year that my theme of "2020 Vision" actually did come to fruition... it just took some time for me to wipe down the lenses to clearly see my purpose in life.
Thank you, 2020. Welcome 2021!
Photo cred: Keeley Miller Portrait
