Starting 2021: Where I'm At
I took a hiatus from blogging for over a month (depression during the holidays + when you're trying to finish your online semester of teaching is real).
But I'm back now to celebrate one of my favorite holidays: New Year's.
Last night my family and I celebrated the new year by renting a nearby Airbnb for the weekend, ordering takeout, dressing up, playing games, + watching movies.
It made me think about a year ago and how I was in the Philippines ringing in 2020 with my boyfriend and his family, + how back then I had no idea about the trials that were to come.
2020 was, for lots of us, the hardest year of our lives.
It's easy for me to look back over that year + immediately see all the hurt + struggles. I could list off 25 reasons why I hated it in just a few seconds.
But that's not what this post is for.
This post is reflecting on the beautiful growth and unexpected blessings of 2020, + being content with where I'm at.
GROWTH:
Teaching online learning for a semester and a half
Maintaining a schedule of working on the Philippines's timezone during the night while still living in the U.S.
Learning to listen to my body when I feel a panic attack coming on
Cutting out sugar for my anxiety
Diving into the world of essential oils for my mental health and overall lifestyle
Starting this blog on my mental health + spiritual journey as I pursue prayer + peace
Incorporating mindfulness practices in my teaching curriculum
Starting to learn to set healthy boundaries
Devoting myself to my long distance relationship without seeing my boyfriend for almost 10 months now
Exploring different lifestyle changes to help my mental health
UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS:
Going on vacation with my family over the summer
Spending Thanksgiving, Christmas, + New Year's with my family in Iowa for the first time in 3 years
Being with my family for their birthdays + anniversaries
Attending my siblings' sporting events
Getting to meet my sister's new boyfriend
Having a white Christmas
Spending a total of over 7 months with my family
Experiencing the joys of my family getting a new puppy that we all adore
Watching my family's favorite sports team (the Iowa Hawkeyes) together for the first time in 3 years
Experiencing significant growth + depth in my long distance relationship with my boyfriend despite not seeing him for 10 months + the many back and forth changes in time differences
Getting to reunite with long-time friends
So when you look back at 2020, I challenge you to take all of the struggles and put them in the positive light of you surviving them.
It doesn't matter if you had breakdowns practically on the daily (I definitely did).
It's 2021 now.
I may not be healed, or in the country where I work + have made my home, or reunited with my love, but I am here.
You're here.
And you're incredible.
As my sweet grandma messaged me this morning, "I hope you have a wonderful year of serenity from our Lord and loving others."
Peace,
P.S. I have lots of content planned for Pursuer in this new year and I can't wait to share it with you all <3
