The first month of 2021 is almost over and I don’t want to miss writing about my reflection on 2020. No one could argue that 2020 has been a devastating year to many, not just to the people who lost their livelihood, but most especially to those who lost their loved ones. My heart goes out to you all!
I have my fair share of struggles in life, but I can say that 2020 was totally unexpectedly hard. And like many of us, I had high hopes going into 2020 – perhaps just something about the ring to “2020” or because of it being the start of a new decade. I thought that 2020 would, in some way, be the “Best Year” or would be “My Year.” Alas ….
I worked so hard the previous year, 2019, poured most of my time building my travel agency business and building my travel and lifestyle online brand. I invested many hours and money preparing myself and the team I was building to “go big” in the year 2020. All those goals and dreams were never realized; some things were put on hold but some were totally destroyed (and likely never to rise up from the ashes like the phoenix). Since the travel industry got hit so bad with the COVID-19 pandemic, I had more work than I ever want, unfortunately, it was the kind of work nobody wants… canceling clients’ bookings for 2020 travel. Horrible!
However, as Joseph Campbell said, “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for you.” Yes, I have let go and have embraced all the lessons that 2020 taught me and use them to help me grow as a better person.
As I am writing this, I can’t help but get teary-eyed and, at the same time, smile:)
2020 has been difficult, but a lot to be thankful for:
- I learned to stay calm, strong, and positive in the middle of the chaos. I believe that God is always there to help and protect us, and he does! And, as I looked back on the goal I have set for 2020, I am so proud to have accomplished it!
— My post from January 09, 2020 —
“This year, I wanted to focus my energy on learning to find peace in the moment, to be more present, and be more compassionate to the people around me. And continue my meditation practice for the rest of my life. I am loving how much 15 to 30 minutes of meditation daily have given me so much in return🙏 #lifevision #2020goals.
- I have the greatest husband in the world! We are stronger than ever!
Yes, there is no barometer in a relationship and the only people who can measure how strong it is are the people in it. My husband lost his job going into the COVID19 lockdown but the way he handled the situation made me love him more. The best husband, partner, and best friend that I could ever ask for. So with everything that happened last year, I can say we are 101% sure that we can weather whatever storm we encounter in our lives.
- I learned to cook… at least, most of the dishes that my family loves to eat. I seriously cooked a lot, probably the most in my lifetime. The kids also helped and sometimes cooked some of the dishes on their own. Plus, we baked several cakes; the most memorable one was my girl’s 9th birthday cake.
-
Arianna’s 9th Birthday! - Something that I am so proud of myself (I never really think I can bake, always doubting myself in the kitchen.) On the contrary, I never doubt my drinks. HA! I made some new drink concoctions as well.
Some of our favorite drinks! Cheers! - The cooking inspired me to start an Instagram series on “Traveling the world through my Kitchen.” We’ve traveled back to our favorite countries and cooked our favorite foods. It was one of the best memories I have with the family. You can check where we traveled on my Instagram Highlight album COVID-19 Travel
- Even though we cooked so much, we tried to help restaurants as well. We ordered to-go from our favorite restaurants around the DFW area.
- I gained new local business partners. The people I collaborated with were so amazing (Thank you for your trust!) and I am hopeful that one day we will be able to meet and continue our partnership and friendship! My family loves supporting local businesses and happy to see that most of them are flourishing despite the pandemic. Check out my Instagram for all the photos and videos.
- We traveled locally and found a few gems!
- Check out my Instagram Highlights for more photos and videos at Hawkins, Moon River Ranch, and Fredericksburg, TX
- I started to love gardening! I honestly enjoyed taking care of all the outdoor and indoor plants that we got. For the longest time, I thought that I would never be able to grow any plants. Well… I was so wrong. Plants are like friends; you nurture them, spend time, and take care of them; they will grow and give you so much joy.
- I have earned my CTA (Certified Travel Associate) certification through Travel Institute. I put in the time and effort to study and passed the exam with flying colors. Something that I probably would have had no time to do if there wasn’t a lockdown.
- The kids had a great time doing some theater shows with Shine! Most memorable since my boy (who normally would like to skip the limelight), got a lead role with The Lion King Jr. Show.
- I appreciate the people I stayed in touch with, be it online or in-person. We all need a support system and I am so lucky to have friends around whom I can always rely on their support in the lows and highs of life! You know who you are.
- I got to visit my family in the Philippines beginning of the year. I spent undivided attention on them while my Dad is trying to get better in the hospital. Best decision I made!
- We love our time with my brother in law, he got to visit us for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday.
Beautiful day at Kuhman Cellars
- I have been stronger than ever, physically, and mentally. I’ve worked out at home for 4 months but went back as soon as the kids started school. I just love the people I get to work out with at the gym, I love the energy and they have taught me to be easy on myself and focus on the things that matter most, our health!
- Finally, I got my US citizenship! It has been a long journey, and I am happy to be part of this country.
What a sweet surprise from hubby!
And let me end with this quote from Judith Minty, ” I give you this to take with you: Nothing remains as it was. If you know this, you can begin again, with pure joy in the uprooting.”
Cheers to acceptance and new beginnings!!!
Enjoyed reading. Congrats on your citizenship! Hard to let go of what you had envisioned but sometimes what we envision is not what is meant to be.