![Thoughts on 2020 & My Word for 2021 BEFORE READ-MORE Let’s be honest, 2020 was a tough year! I had a whole lot of beautifully-laid out plans that unfortunately just didn’t happen. Partly because of the pandemic, and partly because of my mindset. I found myself just sort of depressed and couldn’t really find the motivation I needed. Thankfully, ever since the holidays, I’ve felt like this universal shift is coming and things are going to be so much brighter this year. I’m definitely pouring all of my positive energy into making my goals happen this year, no matter what things look like with the pandemic. I have to realize that it’s not within my control what happens in the world. I just have control over myself. I wanted to share with you my biggest takeaways from last year. I want to stay mindful of these three things during 2021, and beyond. Plus, I’ll be sharing my word for this year at the bottom! Take Care of Your Loved Ones This past year tore us away from our family and friends. It was heartbreaking for so many, especially to those who are now grieving over some of them. As each year passes, it is almost always on my mind that some of my loved ones may not make it to see another year. That probably sounds very morbid and daunting, and is probably just a result of my life experiences. But it has opened my eyes to really pay special attention to those I love the most. I want to show them that I care while they are here. I want them to know without a doubt that I’m there for them and will do anything in my power to help them. I work very hard to not take anyone for granted because we never know when our time is up. Protect Your Peace I learned how important protecting my peace was last year. I felt like I was going through a multitude of things. Some of the things that were bothering me the most, I couldn’t even control and didn’t directly involve me. They involved loved ones. I’m sure many of you have had similar situations where you have family members that can sometimes play a toxic role in your life. As a result, I really needed to rely on creating healthy boundaries and sticking to those. It’s an ongoing difficult situation for me, but I have truly handled it better than I ever have before. I hope to continue to grow in this area and get better with those healthy boundaries. Try to Control What You Can Control (Not What You Can’t) This one is pretty much directly tied to what I just mentioned about protecting my peace. I’ve spent so much time (that I can never get back) stressing myself out over things I can’t control. Mostly in regard to loved ones, but also the world as a whole. While I choose not to talk politics in this space, I think we all can agree that things have just been a mess in the United States for the past year and even right now. The pandemic, the mud-slinging, all of the sad news that’s plastered all over the tv or our social media...it’s just exhausting. I just had to cut out most of the news because it was so depressing. Short of voting and praying for things to get better, that’s really all I can control. The rest of it will be what it will be, and I’m really trying to remind myself that each day. My Word for 2021 is Growth I’ve been flip-flopping between ‘change’ and ‘growth’ for my word this year. I realized what I wanted for this year was way more like ‘growth’ than ‘change.’ My thought process on using ‘change’ was that I was creating these new habits that were going to be life-changing and help really boost me to achieving my goals. When I thought about it a little more, I realized ‘growth’ really summarizes what I want to embody this year the best. It still requires change to happen, but it just seems like a better fit to choose ‘growth.’ [PIN] I hope you’ve gained a little something from reading this post, friend. I’m wishing you an amazing week filled with lots of joy. ust on a fun side note, I’m looking forward to watching The Bachelor and WandaVision this week. Do you have any fun shows/things in general you’re looking forward to? Let’s Chat! Do you identify with any of these takeaways from 2020? Have you chosen a word for this year? Fun question: Have you been watching The Bachelor this season?](https://i0.wp.com/www.makelifemarvelous.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Thoughts-on-2020-and-Word-for-2021.png?resize=820%2C687&ssl=1)
Let’s be honest, 2020 was a tough year!
I had a whole lot of beautifully-laid out plans that unfortunately just didn’t happen. Partly because of the pandemic, and partly because of my mindset. I found myself just sort of depressed and couldn’t really find the motivation I needed.
Thankfully, ever since the holidays, I’ve felt like this universal shift is coming and things are going to be so much brighter this year. I’m definitely pouring all of my positive energy into making my goals happen this year, no matter what things look like with the pandemic. I have to realize that it’s not within my control what happens in the world. I just have control over myself.
I wanted to share with you my biggest takeaways from last year. I want to stay mindful of these three things during 2021, and beyond. Plus, I’ll be sharing my word for this year at the bottom!
Take Care of Your Loved Ones
This past year tore us away from our family and friends. It was heartbreaking for so many, especially to those who are now grieving over some of them.
As each year passes, it is almost always on my mind that some of my loved ones may not make it to see another year. That probably sounds very morbid and daunting, and is probably just a result of my life experiences. But it has opened my eyes to really pay special attention to those I love the most.
I want to show them that I care while they are here. I want them to know without a doubt that I’m there for them and will do anything in my power to help them. I work very hard to not take anyone for granted because we never know when our time is up.
Protect Your Peace
I learned how important protecting my peace was last year. I felt like I was going through a multitude of things. Some of the things that were bothering me the most, I couldn’t even control and didn’t directly involve me. They involved loved ones.
I’m sure many of you have had similar situations where you have family members that can sometimes play a toxic role in your life. As a result, I really needed to rely on creating healthy boundaries and sticking to those. It’s an ongoing difficult situation for me, but I have truly handled it better than I ever have before.
I hope to continue to grow in this area and get better with those healthy boundaries.
Try to Control What You Can Control (Not What You Can’t)
This one is pretty much directly tied to what I just mentioned about protecting my peace. I’ve spent so much time (that I can never get back) stressing myself out over things I can’t control. Mostly in regard to loved ones, but also the world as a whole.
While I choose not to talk politics in this space, I think we all can agree that things have just been a mess in the United States for the past year and even right now. The pandemic, the mud-slinging, all of the sad news that’s plastered all over the tv or our social media…it’s just exhausting.
I just had to cut out most of the news because it was so depressing. Short of voting and praying for things to get better, that’s really all I can control. The rest of it will be what it will be, and I’m really trying to remind myself that each day.
My Word for 2021 is Growth
I’ve been flip-flopping between ‘change’ and ‘growth’ for my word this year. I realized what I wanted for this year was way more like ‘growth’ than ‘change.’ My thought process on using ‘change’ was that I was creating these new habits that were going to be life-changing and help really boost me to achieving my goals.
When I thought about it a little more, I realized ‘growth’ really summarizes what I want to embody this year the best. It still requires change to happen, but it just seems like a better fit to choose ‘growth.’
I hope you’ve gained a little something from reading this post, friend. I’m wishing you an amazing week filled with lots of joy.
Let’s Chat!
Do you identify with any of these takeaways from 2020?
Have you chosen a word for this year?
Fun question: Have you been watching The Bachelor this season?
Love your word! Protect your peace is a big one for me. Thanks for the reminder of what’s important in this post.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, friend!
Growth is an excellent word for 2021! Have a great week!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Aww, thank you so much Lovely! I hope you’re off to a great start this week.
These are all such brilliant points! I hope 2021 will be a great year for you.
Candice x
theblogsocial.com
Thank you, Candice! I hope the very same for you. 🙂
This just motivated me. Wishing you a beautiful new year!
Marie
https://theflowerduet.blogspot.com
Oh, that makes me so happy, Marie! Thank you so very much, and I hope you have the brightest and most beautiful new year!
Such a good word for the year! I hope it works for you and happy new year! Sounds like you have some great lessons from the tough year last year.
Hope that your week is off to a good start 🙂
Thank you, Mica! 🙂 I hope your week is off to a great start, as well!
Growth is a really good word for this year!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer! 🙂
I’m just like you. I always think about the worst when It’s about my family.
I truly think life is too short and you never know what tomorrow holds.
And I also stress on things I can’t control. I’m working on it to get more relax. 🙂
Thanks you for sharing all theses thoughts
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Absolutely, you are so right Margot. We will make it happen this year! 🙂
Growth! I love this. And I also love the phrase “protect your peace.” This is really SO important all the time, but especially during a crazy year like 2020.
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks so much, Ashley! Yes, I really want to continue protecting my peace as much as possible this year.
These are all such great points to carry with us into the new year, Ashley! We’ve been trying to remind ourselves to focus on letting go of the need and desire to control the things we have no control over. It’s tough, but we know it’ll be worth it! Wishing you a happy new year.
xo,
Britney
https://www.prettylittlehangers.com/
It is tough, Britney, I agree with you. You are so right though, it will be worth our efforts to try to stop controlling the uncontrollable!
I love the idea of a word for the year! I would have to say that mine would be abundance. I am working on many different areas of my life, and I want them all to be fulfilled! Thanks for such a great idea!
Ashlee | https://www.alignedwithash.com
Oh, I absolutely love that Ashlee! Abundance is wonderful and I love that you’re trying to grow in each area.
I like this post and your tips for 2021. It is interesting which word you pick for 2021. Thank you for idea, maybe I also should pick one.
New Post – https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2021/01/rose-infused-products.html
Thank you so much, my friend! Let me know if you decide to choose a word. 🙂
These are all such important points!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
Thank you so much, Emily!
Great post, Ashley! I can very much relate to having family members playing a toxic role in my life, and I, too, had to create boundaries and distance myself. It’s not easy but it’s essential for our own inner peace. I’m glad to hear you’ve improved in this area.
Love your word for 2021! Growth is an important one for me and something I’ve been focused on too. I hope you are having a great week:)
Martha
http://www.alovelymessylife.com
Thank you so much, Martha! It truly is difficult, but I’m so thankful that I’m continuing to do better about those healthy boundaries. I’m sorry we can relate in this way, but thankful we are both also striving to distance ourselves from all of that toxicity.
Aww, thanks! Wishing you the most amazing week, my friend!
Ahh, that is something I need to remember. I can’t control what is out of my hands, but I should worry about what I can control.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I totally understand! It’s something that I constantly need to remind myself about, it’s definitely a tough one.
Wishing you the most amazing week, Carrie!
These are such beautiful goals for 2021! I love the one about taking care of our loved ones. This past year has really shown me how precious time with loved ones is. We truly cannot take them for granted. This was such a beautiful post Ashley. By the way, thank you for your thoughtful comment on my last blog post. It meant a lot to me <3
Jill
https://jilliancecilia.com/
Thank you so much, Jill! I can relate to that very much. And you are more than welcome, my friend! <3
These are great takeaways from 2020. 100% agree with take control on what you can only control. That was biggest lesson I learned when I was diagnosed with cancer.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thank you so much, Rach! Oh my goodness, I cannot even imagine how difficult that would be, my friend.
I can relate to all of these takeaways! Love your word for the year!
Jill – Doused in Pink
So happy you can relate, Jilly, and thank you very much! Wishing you a wonderful week!
Love your word for the year- growth is one of mine. I actually chose three- focus, overcome, growth. Your takeaways from 2020 reflect a lot of wisdom and growth.
That’s awesome, Fonda! So happy we share this word for our year. Focus and overcome are such strong, powerful words – I love those! Thank you so very much for you kind words, I truly appreciate it. 🙂
Great lessons ❤
Thank you, Kinga! 🙂
These are great points you make. Hope 2021 brings you everything you want x
Laura
https://www.beautywithlala.com/
Aww, thank you Laura! I am wishing the very same to you!
Love all of these takeaways from 2020. I can really relate to the point about controlling what you can control and not spending so much time stressed out!
Yes, Molly! We can do this, friend. Wishing you the very best week ahead!
These are great takeaways from 2020, Ashley and I love the word “growth” for 2021.
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Thank you so much, Julia! I hope your new year is off to a fantastic start!
Ashley, this is such a beautiful message and I really like the word growth over change as well. It incorporates more and seems more positive than change. I feel like change implies some sort of defect that needs to be fixed. And that’s an icky concept to apply to oneself! I really love your take on protecting your peace! I am a big advocate for that and have become really good at setting and enforcing boundaries as well as letting toxic people go from my life. Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts and inspiring us all!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you so much, Shelbee! I love your perspective on growth vs change, I think you nailed it. Something just felt a little off about change for me, and I think this is probably why. I’m so happy for you that you’ve set healthy boundaries, it is so important and definitely a tough task. I appreciate YOU so much, thanks for stopping by and leaving such kind and thoughtful comments. Always a fan of yours, my friend!