can we please stop saying that 2020 is canceled?

Have you heard anyone say this lately?

"2020 is canceled"
"UGH 2020"
"$*$&@#& 2020!"

Please know, I'm not complaining. The loss of life, livelihood, income, are all real and I honor that.

At the time I’m writing this article we’re almost beginning September. Four whole months before we close this chapter.

A lot can happen in four months, yes.

And, you can make a lot happen in four months, too.

Sure, Halloween probably isn’t happening — sure kids are all in masks, but going to strangers’ homes to collect bags full of candy might become a fond memory. And if you spent last Thanksgiving complaining about all the work you had to do, then, hey — you can skip all the work (and complaining) this year.

2020 has been a big year of change and big ones at that.

It’s brought more uncomfortable moments than any other year, and that’s okay. It’s also had some gifts in it for me.

My goal in sharing these with you is to shine a light on some good things I’ve seen this year.

This year has taught me many things. To name some of the top lessons:

1. I really like my kids
   I’ve got to hang around my kids more this year than ever. They’ve been home with us since March, and they’re not going physically back to school until at least mid-December. They're actually rad AF little humans and I've gotten to know them so much more. This year, I feel no urge to “get them out of the house.” They’re doing really well with learning at home and we’re having our own little adventures and we all know each other more than we ever could have in our old life — the one where we often went through the motions, hurrying to the next “thing.”

2. TRUST myself
   Trust is a biggie. I trust there’s a bigger plan, I trust myself, I trust my process. I surrender to whatever’s in front of me and let go of the outcome. Mostly. Not to say this is easy to do all the time. I have many moments. It’s a process.

3. Control is an illusion
   Control really has been an illusion all this time. We certainly love to feel like we have control of everything, don’t we? There are many things I can control — and it all starts with my mind. I can control my thoughts, my reactions, and where I choose to focus. This lesson has helped me to stop trying to control all the things, and to let things unfold, even myself.

4. Where to invest time
   How I invest (notice I didn't say "spend") is more important than anything. Scrolling social media endlessly, engaging in gossip are all places I can put less time and energy. Instead, I’ve focused many hours in 2020 on me. Writing and editing my book, writing blog articles, copywriting for clients to help them in creating an impact that I believe in.

5. Looking after ME
   This lesson comes up over and over, and having been run down too many times this year, I have to be first on the list. Remember when I thought I was having a heart attack? I do many things to look after myself. Some of these happen daily, some don’t. Looking after me means sleeping at least 8-9 hours a night, eating good food, moving, hypnosis, working with a coach, having friends I can trust, doing things that feel good.

I hope this list inspires you to find some bright spots in 2020.

If you enjoyed this list, you might like these lists too:

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