2020 Reflections and Intentions for the year ahead

2020 needs no introduction.  It was the year of the burning dumpster fire that scorched all four corners of the earth.  It was nuts.

But amidst the craziness, there were so many little blessings.   So rather than focusing on the pain this year caused from a global health crisis to civil unrest and a bizarre election here in the US, I choose to ponder all the goodness that also happened.

On the home front

As many of you know, my husband and I moved to Austin, Tx from the SF Bay Area late last year.  While I still think that was a great decision for many reasons (ie, quarentining with a pool), it was also very isolating.  We don’t have any friends in Austin, and once the pandemic hit, we weren’t out making any new ones, either.  

While I don’t love Facetime and Zoom chats, I’m so grateful that this technology exists.  Not only do I have regular Zoom chats with my friends from all over the US, I also had 2 virtual surprise birthday parties when I turned 50 in May.  It was the weirdest, most wonderful birthday ever.

Expanding our Family

This year we started fostering through Austin Pug Rescue.  So far we’ve taken in several sweet dogs - 2 senior pugs (just for a night), and two non-pugs... a chihuahua named Tango (who is still available for adoption if you’re local and looking for a love-bug) and Jack, our 15-year old #fosterfail.

Little Jack is a PomChi that was surrendered with his sister (who is a pug).  The rescue couldn’t say no to his little face, so they took him in and I agreed to foster him.

He was a mess when we got him because his teeth were so rotted.  But the Pug rescue paid for his dental work and today this spunky monkey runs around our house stealing snacks and cuddles.  

I’m so grateful we adopted him and I'd encourage anyone to adopt a senior pup.  They’re a delight to hang out with, they sleep through the night and they know exactly where to do their business. 

Fitness, Health & Wellness

Well, I may not have gained any pandemic pounds, but as I write this, I still feel the weight of this year emotionally.  Not only has it been hard to witness the destruction caused by the pandemic, but closer to home, a dear friend recently received a life-threatening diagnosis.  Right now, it feels so overwhelming, it’s hard to comprehend.  

My method of dealing with most of the global heaviness was to ignore the news.  I realized early on that I cannot control what’s happening “out there”, so the healthiest thing I could do was focus on things that directly impact me, or the people I love.  That strategy has served me well and I feel like the trauma of this year won’t have a lasting impact.

One of the best things I did for my health this year was return to my yoga mat.  It’s a practice that has gotten me through some pretty challenging times in the past, and it didn’t disappoint this year. 

In fact, I just recently finished an online 200 hour yoga teacher training, not only  to refresh my teaching skills, but also just to immerse myself in something that was positive and uplifting.  That program saved me this year. 

Intentions for 2021

I heard one of my favorite people on Instagram say this and it landed so profoundly for me, I had make a meme out of it...

This year, I picked up a lot.  Most felt important at the time, but in retrospect, very little of it actually was.

For 2021, I don’t have any goals.  Ironically, aside from seeing my business continue to grow, I have everything I’ve ever dreamed of - family, friends, health, wealth and a home I love being in.  I want for nothing, and yet, I am still not at peace.  

I believe that a profound sense of peace is possible for all of us, but it won’t be found in a pair of Lululemons or that beach vacation you’ve been looking forward to (although I love them both). Peace happens when we are true to ourselves 100% of the time, and when our choices and actions match our values.  

So that is my only hope for the year ahead.  To live in complete alignment with my truth, so that I may be at peace.

I wish that for all of us.

Namaste and have a happy, healthy, prosperous year ahead.