Happy Monday, friends! Here we are – last week of 2020, praise! I definitely know that nothing will immediately change at the start of 2021, but it’s that fresh start, fresh year and hopeful outlook I’m most looking forward to.
I wanted 2020 to be a year of learning and in some ways that happened, but to be honest after April it was survival mode. We had some amazing adventures including two really wonderful family getaways, enjoyed a ton of outdoor exploring, but most of all what 2020 gave me was an incredible amount of time with Sophia.
At the start of lockdown Sophia was just shy of 19 months old and now she’s a spunky almost 2.5 year old with the personality of an actress! There is no way to sugarcoat that working from home with a toddler is tough, being together 24/7 is tough, but if this year has taught us anything it’s that multi-tasking is a skill that can certainly be perfected.
We also didn’t get through this year alone – family (especially my mom) and our incredible part time nanny have helped us get some much needed time away – even if it’s just to run to target or drink a coffee in our car and watch a show together. I was really nervous that taking Sophia out of daycare wasn’t the right move, but with the few hours a week Sophia spends with our nanny she has really learned so much – not to mention the crafts they create still give me something to add to the fridge!
I’m going into 2021 differently than any other year. For one, I am actually choosing a word of the year for myself. I’ve never done this and never really understood it, but after thinking about what this year has thrown at us I thought it would be nice. My word / action of the year is to be present. It sometimes feels like my phone is glued to my hand – with work, blogging, social media, my two businesses – it’s a lot of screen time. It’s hard to create that boundary between work and free time and I’m sure you all feel this when I say, we’re always on, the 9-5 doesn’t exist, at least it doesn’t for me. My fear is that I’ll want to capture every moment without really living it. I never want to hear Sophia tell me “mommy, no phone” – breaks my heart for me to think I’m not really with her or paying attention.
I also created a private Pinterest board for myself – more of a vision board to manifest what I want out of my year. I have beautiful photos, items I’m saving for and quotes / mantras to feed me for the next year. In order to truly manifest what I want to bring into my life, I’m keeping the board as my lock screen. I know so many people that have done this before and it’s done with magazines and placed somewhere that it’s always visible, but I think this will work for me. Manifest Now is a book that was recommended to me – so better get to reading!
It’s hard to believe that we’re nearly one year into living this “new normal” of a life, but it’s brought a lot of beautiful memories into my life as well. It’s taught us all how to pivot and attempt to thrive. Thank you for following along and I’m wishing you all a healthy and safe start to next year!
What a beautiful reflection on this crazy year! I love your thoughts on it and I love all the extra Sophia time and how well you’ve adapted!
Sophia has changed and grown up so much this year. I love following your sweet family. I laugh every time I look at my 2020 word…FREE…but in so many ways I found ways to be free despite the years circumstances. Can’t wait to see you blossom as you work on being present!
Such a beautiful reminder and look back on the crazy year. I am very thankful for the extra time with my kiddo as well. I read about with toddlers if you can give them 10 minutes a day of complete uninterrupted (like phone in the other room) on the floor playing with them that is enough to help them feel really secure. Toddlers are a completely different beast right? :-). I wish you and your beautiful family a healthy and safe New Year sweet friend.
I love this, Biana!! 2020 was definitely a dumpster fire and pretty much NONE of my goals were accomplished. I actually chose the word “connect” for 2020 and I’ve been LOLOLOLOLing about that ever since March. I absolutely love your word for 2021 and I also love the idea of making a vision board for yourself, too. I may just have to do the same… I’ve never done a vision board before! Here’s to hoping 2021 is WORLDS better than 2020 has been!
This is such a great perspective! Peace out 2020! Xoxo, R
great reflections. Here’s to 2021.
Happy almost-2021! Love the idea of being present – what a reminder to all of us how important that was this year. It’s hard to believe that this has been the new normal for more of the year than it wasn’t! I’m glad that you have had so much help in the transition of taking care of Miss S and being able to take care of yourself, too. I can’t even imagine how difficult this year had to be for parents, but I’m glad that you’ve found ways to make it work for your sweet family. Cheers to a better 2021!
I love all of this! Attempting to thrive is my new motto! Cheers to a better year ahead!
Such a great reflection on this wild ride of a year. Wishing you and your family the best as we head into 2021. Cheers!
Karly
https://www.whatkarlysaid.com
I like the word/action of being present. I think this year has taught us to be more present in things and carry that on to 2021.
That’s a wonderful word of the year! I’m thinking of picking one for 2021 too even though I never have before.
One for the records, that’s for sure. I’m sure Sophia made the year so much brighter in some crazy times
Hope you have a happy new year! I like the vision board idea, good luck with it!
More time with the kids has definitely been the best thing to come from 2020, I’ve really enjoyed it although the working from home / helping kids with online learning was a struggle for 6 weeks I’m glad it’s over now!
Hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and you are enjoying this relaxing time between Christmas and new year 🙂
I love your take on 2020. This year was terrible, but it has taught me patience and gratitude! Wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2021!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Such a great reflection of the crazy year we’ve had. Being present was my word of the year 2 years ago. It’s such a good reminder to stop and let your surroundings soak in. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
Jill –Doused in Pink
Your little fam is so cute, B! And Sophia has grown so much this past year!
2020 was truly garbage- I am right there with you and ready for a fresh start!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Look at how much Sophia has grown over the year! You seemed to have made the best of 2020. I’m ready for a fresh start too.
I love the idea of a 2021 vision board and I may do the same for myself! So many lessons learned this year. Cheers to a new chapter!
Rosy Outlook
I love the idea of a vision board to manifest for your year. I may have to steal that idea. I am trying to not make any goals really for 2021 other than to survive. I was never a big goal setter anyways. I do want to jump back on the healthy bandwagon, as I do every year after the holidays full of indulgence. 2020 has definitely gifted us with more time with our kids and spouses that we wouldn’t have had otherwise, and I will always be grateful for that.
I love your word/goal of being more present. I work on that a lot. This year gave me more time with Kevin and I will always cherish that. And it has helped me be slower, which I think is going to be my goal next year. Hope y’all have a happy new year!
Yes after the March area it was just survival I know what you mean. 2020 was the worst year of my adult life. Yes lets be present and hope 2021 is a better year. And LOVE the photos!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Such beautiful photos and a great reflection on this crazy year. I love the idea of choosing a word for 2021!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
These are beautiful photos and I love your review of this crazy year!
Let’s hope 2021 is better!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
I know 2020 wasn’t the ideal year but this is a beautiful post with wonderful lessons. I also love your word for 2021. Actually it’s perfect! Although, I see my hubby and son on a daily basis before 2020 happened, we didn’t really have a lot of quality time together. But last year, we got so much time together. It was great for all of us and for growing our relationship. Cheers to 2021 and Happy New Year!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com