I want to preface this post by emphatically stating that I am in no way demeaning the toll that this year has taken on millions of people. I lost two uncles to Covid and understand the damage of loss that seems senseless. Not to mention the suffocating fear and uncertainty that plagued almost every facet of our lives. However, I have been indescribably uplifted by the positivity and hopefulness of the people in my life!
In the face of major discomfort and tragedy, it’s so easy to halt forward movement and choose to wallow, but we refused. I feel like so many of us were pregnant with dreams, goals, and visions that were long overdue. The whirlwind of American life with its distorted work/life balance caused us to ignore the contractions of yearning for something more.
But this past year, there were fewer meetings, lighter rush hours, less of us getting to the end of our workdays only to realize that we hadn’t done a single thing for ourselves. For the first time in years, we felt the kicks and squirms of dreams long deferred. We wisely acknowledged the silver lining of newfound emotional and mental space that our mandated isolation delivered.
Amid outward chaos, we managed to find much-needed inner-peace to better ourselves. We re-structured our careers, improved our health, focused our ministries, strengthened our relationships, triumphed over our fears, and in the process, changed the trajectory of our lives! I know very few people who aren’t in a better emotional space now than they were before this all began.
I realize self-congratulations are frowned upon, but I’m SO FREAKIN’ PROUD OF US!!!
I only pray that, as the world settles into its new normal, we continue to nurture these newborn aspirations so that they will mature and grow into even greater goals. We’ve learned that we aren’t created to be uninspired, joyless office dwellers and laborers. Nor do we carry the purpose of building a mountain of unnecessary accessories, gadgets, and debts. We are bearers of gifts and light that we’re responsible for sharing with those around us… I am beyond grateful for the reminder.
Okay, so it’s super rude to do this two weeks in a row, buuuuttttt… I really want to hear all of the forward movement, blessings, and life-lessons gained over the past year. It could be one simple thing or a full short story! BE FREE.
Let’s spread joy and hopefulness – they’re contagious too.
Broken Bits 
Life lesson here. Though not directly a Covid-related revelation, the political climate of the past year really outted a whole lot of pig-headed dingbats in my circle and I’m very glad for it! Now when we can all get back together I know who I don’t have to let back in 🙂
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Ha! I love this! … I thought I had deep-cleaned my emotional corridors before moving to California – happily releasing those who had proven toxic. However, I will say that moving cross-country and basically beginning a brand new life definitely reveals all weak links in one’s support system. My inner-circle is ever-shrinking. There’s initial, fleeting bitterness, but ultimately the sweetness is lasting.
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I’m so glad you’ve been around people that are in a more positive space! Like you, I realized that I did a lot of work for free that I really don’t want to go back to! I didn’t make time for myself. This year I dug into silks which transformed my body and made me utterly joyful! I’m so thankful and I will not give it up! I also am meditating daily. Why have I not always done this!? I will not stop – we can be accountability partners! ❤
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I gladly accept your offer! I need all the accountability partners I can get.
I’ve started getting to work early most mornings so that I can walk the path behind the school. I discuss matters of my heart with God in a field of magnificent Redwoods and strange, beautiful birds, in the perfect peace of morning – why have I not always done this??!!!
BTW: As soon as I get close to my ideal weight, I’m definitely taking Silks lessons from you!
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What a year!
Over the past twelve months, plenty of things have changed- good and bad. But we’re sticking to the good right now 😉
I’m forever grateful for my supportive family. I didn’t think we could become any closer but somehow we managed to do just that.
I have been able to spend even more time with my daughter, mainly over the spring and summer of 2020. I was home from work and we took advantage of every minute of it! Pool parties every day. Lots of creative canvas paintings were made that now cover every inch of wall space in her playroom. I’m so lucky to have been able to soak up more moments of these precious years before she becomes too cool to hang out with her ‘old boring mom’.
My inner circle is at an all-time low. It’s awesome. Friends who I assumed would last a lifetime are gone yet a couple of newbies have joined who are a fantastic fit in my life.
Also, I finally had zero excuses to put off launching my own copywriting business. I launched my website three months ago and already have some clients! I never would have gotten this far if I didn’t have unexpected time to focus on my goal.
The world is a mess, but thank you for asking this question so I could write down the ‘good’ instead of dwelling on the ‘bad’!
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I’m SO sorry! For some reason, this was sent to my spam. I LOVE this!!! And COPYWRITING BUSINESS???!!! I’m soooooo proud of you!
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Over the past year, I’ve faced some truths and realities about myself and things in my heart that have had such a grip on my life (issues of life…). Although I don’t seem to be financially in the place I want to be, and I’m not necessarily worse off or any better than what I was this time last year, I refuse to believe anything other than in this past year God has been working on my heart… REALLY working. It feels weird, because it’s so very uncomfortable and in my discomfort, I tend to be very moody and emotional. From attitude adjustments to mindset shifts, and behavioral modifications, I’m being stretched and pulled and reminded that EVERY WHERE that I am weak, God IS my strength. Over the past year I’ve learned so much more about God just by how He has met me in my sin. I learned how He’s a mighty rescuer and deliverer. Over the past year I’ve been too “strung out” if you will, to function properly and I needed intervention, His divine intervention and oh boy, am I getting one! It’s difficultly painful to say yes and agree to the help He’s offered, but it’s happening and I’m grateful that I’ve made it this far. I’m blessed to have endured the things that I’ve endured this past year with an awareness of the presence of the peace of God. My dad got really sick with covid. The end looked very near for my Daddio but, I trusted God completely and didn’t worry about the outcome, no matter the outcome. That was peace for me and Dad pulled through. Over the past year I’ve learned that I seek stability and have found ALL of the stability that I need is in the Lord, and I’ve been reminded to slow down and take my time as I learn to hear and adhere to His voice, alone.
As always, I really enjoy your posts! #glorytogod
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