Well, who would have guessed that 2020 would have been the absolute dumpster fire that it ended up being? This post isn’t meant to be one to tout any sort of accolades or milestones–I didn’t write a book, I didn’t learn a new skill or hobby, or anything like that. Instead, I am taking a bit of time to reflect on what I accomplished that have brightened my outlook, helped me relax, and helped me accept uncertainties better, particularly during the massive uncertainty of a global pandemic. Here is my list of positive things I accomplished in 2020.
Here were my goals for 2020. While I won’t be doing a post like this for 2021, I do have a fun post planned.
2020, a Year in Review: List of Positive Things I Accomplished
Setting and Maintaining Work/Life Boundaries
This has always been a bit of a struggle for me and there were points throughout 2020 where I was not doing a good job with this at. all. After a mentally exhausting July, I reminded myself of my work/life boundaries and started finding ways to incorporate them since I was working from home. One of the ways I did this was by removing my email from my phone so when I logged off for the day, I was truly done with work until the next day. I also set firm work times with breaks throughout the day because I wasn’t getting up and moving throughout the day. One other important component was making time to work out, whether it was a long walk with the boys, a yoga class, or work out I found on Instagram. And let me just say, that there were days where I was mentally drained after being in front of a device for multiple hours on end, so I opted for a nap instead.
It’s been 4 months since I re-established those boundaries and I have been so much happier. And honestly, I’ve been showing up in much better form. I have to constantly remind myself that boundaries don’t make me weak or any less committed to my purpose.
I’m also always working on maintaining my boundaries with my friends and family. Read some of the tips that work for me here.
Enjoying Down Time
I really struggled with overcommitting in the past, and in recent years, I started working on that. When I was reading through my goals for 2020, I chuckled to myself that I wanted to continue working on prioritizing my time and limiting commitments. This year really taught me a lot about that and I was truly able to begin enjoying down time. I enjoyed the slower pace and I really did start learning how to sit and do nothing. I couldn’t tell you the last time I just sat and did nothing so this was honestly a huge accomplishment.
Here’s a reflection on how I was learning to do nothing early in the quarantine.
Reading for Enjoyment
Reading has always been a favorite past time of mine and one for the first things to go when I get too busy is reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading for fun in 2020 and cannot wait to pick back up in 2021. I have been keeping track of some books that I want to read and I love following along with Grace Atwood’s reading recommendations to discover new reads as well. One of my favorite things to do is to read on our front porch swing or in the back yard. Making time for this was really good for me, especially once I re-established those boundaries. Plus, it gave me a chance to sit with the boys on the front porch or let them run around the back yard.
Want to see some of the books I’ve read? Check out this tab.
Using All Beauty Products Before Buying More
This was always a really bad habit of mine. I would get excited to try a new product and go ahead and purchase before finishing a similar one at home. This has helped eliminate some of the wastefulness and made me really think through purchases before impulse buying something else. Here are some of my beauty staples and products I did try this year.
A Calming Bed Time Routine
Last year, I started doing more with a self-care Sunday routine and I really enjoyed that being a part of my ritual before starting another week. One thing that I started incorporating more of this year was a consistent bed time routine of quiet stretching, meditating, and having a cup of bedtime tea with my favorite CBD oil. I highly recommend this company and their products. Use code: REIMFIXINTOBLOG for $20 off your first order.
There were times where I was really struggling with sleeping and making sure that I was consistent with this routine helped. One other help is using this weighted eye mask. If I’m feeling particularly anxious, I use this to help me relax and fall asleep.
Again, while this isn’t quite what I anticipated for this year, I feel incredibly fortunate that we have been safe, healthy, and our families are the same. I send my thoughts and prayers to those who have experienced loss and made sacrifices for our well-being this year. My hope is that however you round out 2020, know that however you are feeling is valid. Sending lots of love, light, and hope for a brighter 2021.
What would you include in your own list of positive things that happened in 2020? Let me know in a comment below!
