2020 Year in Review

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In today's #30daysoflists prompt I documented some of the 2020 highlights. 

 I tend to procrastinate and do my year in review towards the 30th and 31st. In conjunction with my word for the year SAVOR, I am letting these events marinate for a bit. Some were were delightful and fun, some were surprising and some were devastating. I'm really grateful that I made it a point to document these life events. 

I always think that I'll remember details and memories, especially during the holidays. I really don't though, it all fades for me. I can look back at pictures (my phone is absolutely FULL of them) but there is something special about reading words that I've written. I can also tell my mental and emotional state by my handwriting. I don't have any regrets or guilt for not doing a better job of holiday recording, but I wish I had done that in the past when the kids were little. For new moms out there, or mothers with small children, this might be a fun tradition to start. All it takes is a simply notebook, pen and a few minutes to jot down the daily highlights (good and bad!) I know that time can be extremely crunched during holidays but what a fun thing to look back on when your kids get older! For those with older, grown or no children, journaling at this time of year can be therapeutic and beneficial. You never know who will come along, discover your journals and really appreciate you taking time to jot down the memories. 

In addition to a daily recap, journaling ideas include: 

  • Christmas Meal Planning and Food Lists
  • Special Recipes for the Holidays
  • Gifts Log
  • Small Celebrations leading up to Christmas
  • Favorite Movies, Games, 
  • Playlist 
  • Gratitude (daily list of what you are grateful for during this time) 

Time is such an illusive concept. Even though some days drag on, most pass by quickly. I used to think that nothing important was happening so there was nothing important to write down. I now feel differently. Journaling has become my written snapshot of a point in time that I lived and experienced, but I can never go back to. I can try to re-create or replicate an experience and....it will never be exactly the same. I've learned to appreciate and savor those little mundane, seemingly meaningless moments because they really are vastly precious. This year we lost our beautiful Aunt Patty, in June and our sweet, faithful, fluffy companion Marley, in July. My heart is very heavy with their absences. While we have fond memories, those memories don't bring us the same tangible experiences as giving/receiving a hug in real life, looking into the eyes of a loved one and sharing a bond that is beyond description. Yet words are about the best we can do to keep special memories alive and circulating. Journaling fans our heart flames. 

Here's a simple recap to show some highlights of 2020. I'd love to see what you create! Feel free to tag me on instagram @plan_it_carey or @rr_carey

AWESOME Events:

  • Joe moved to Curtis! I get to see my husband every day!
  • Great summer vacation to Seattle to visit the Buysse Family
  • Kitchen Renovation 
  • New Subaru in the color I've always wanted (olive green!)
  • Family fishing trips, experiences with my favorite people
Not Awesome Things that Happened: 
  • Aunt Patty left us on June 19th
  • Marley left us July 18th 
Surprises:
  • Ditched the Dye, March 10th
  • Pixie Hair Cut in August
  • Stopped Drinking Coffee every day (I still have a cup every now and then!)
Starts:
  • Pryce started high school
  • Parker started college at Chadron State
  • Pake started full time employment
Gratitude--way more than what is listed here!
  • Connections, loving family, sweet friends
  • Health
  • Income
  • Health Insurance
  • Having a purpose
                                


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