Working in an optometric clinic has given going into the year 2020 a whole new meaning! The jokes and marketing opportunities are endless and while I’m cautious, I have yet to tire of them! The reality for me is that walking out of this past year and into a new decade has given me an opportunity for a clearer vision for my future. As corny as that sounds, I feel like this is exactly what I need! It was filled with some wild ups and downs, but at the end of 2019, I am filled with so much peace and excitement for what is to come! But for those of you that know me well, know I would NEVER pass on an opportunity to look back and reflect on the path I’ve walked this last year, first! Here is a brief review of 2019.
The first half of 2019 is a true mix of highlights and heartaches, but I wanted to start off this post sharing about Arthur’s 6th birthday, once again, his party was incredible, but I could never pull it off without a lot of help!
Bear also graduated from Kindergarten! School was never his favourite activity, but he did enjoy being in the same class as his bestie! I just LOVE how much he loves her!
2019 was a rough year in many ways, namely the end of my marriage, and surprisingly, as a result, the end of some friendships. But far more significant in my mind are the people in my life that showed up in BIG ways to support Arthur and I! Without them, I may be writing a different story, but instead, I am able to say that my “word of the year” for 2019, Thrive, became a reality! Living in my parent’s basement certainly wasn’t what I envisioned when I wrote that word down just over a year ago, but I didn’t realize then, that thriving was so much more than where I live, my marital status or how much money I have to my name. Thriving to me, now, means making the best of non-ideal circumstances and finding joy and contentment in the midst of challenging growth! Walking through a storm and being better for it as you walk out the other side!
In the heartbreak and sadness that I experienced in 2019, I grew stronger, braver and more determined than ever! Although not the path I would have chosen myself, I have used my circumstances to work towards becoming a better version of the woman I already am. I felt the weight of people’s judgement and pity a lot this year, but none of it had anything to do with me, and everything to do with them! As I make goals for our future, they include many instances of pushing me out of my comfort zone and doing things that scare me. I can do hard things, I’ve already proven that to myself!
I’m so grateful that I have really amazing people in my village! This summer I was set on taking up hiking as a new hobby! My brother was kind enough to tag along with us as we completed Arthur’s first ever hike in the Whiteshell! I’m also so grateful for my friends who showed up in the moments I didn’t even ask, simply because they knew better than I did, how much I needed them! What a gift that was!
One of the highlights of my year was kicking it off with the news of baby Micah’s pending arrival! My dear friend Andrea and her husband Eric had been through some struggles trying to get pregnant, so this was extra special news! I was honoured to be the first to know his sex and reveal it to their friends and family, AND to co-host his baby shower! There is just this extra delight in watching people you care about join the parenthood club and be so naturally great at it! Also, who doesn’t love an adorable baby to snuggle!?
Another big event that took place this year, was Arthur starting full-time school! This kid took it all in stride! He had our separation, a move, a brand new school and as if that wasn’t enough, it was all in French! While there were rocky moments in the beginning, as soon as he realized that he was capable of learning a new language, he took off and hasn’t looked back! I’m so proud of this kid! Whenever I feel overwhelmed as an adult, I just think about how much he took on this year, and how well he adjusted, all things considered! He is such a rockstar!
Arthur is also now in his second year of hockey! He is a great little skater, and really seems to enjoy himself! It just warms my heart, at his first tournament, when he made it clear, he was only interested in helping his team get goals, not necessarily being the person to score them himself! I can’t even describe how much I love getting to watch him play!
We wrapped up 2019 with our annual extended family trip to Elkhorn! It is an amazing chance to spend quality time together, and this year was all about recharging our batteries! It is such a gift to spend this time together and focus on having fun! The perfect way to end our year!
All in all, our year had many more ups than downs! Although there were rough moments, I am proud of the way I carried myself through it all. I have shown myself just how strong I really am. I have every confidence that the 2020’s will be a decade that I continue to grow, but will also come with its own challenges that I am excited to take head on! Come at me, 2020, you don’t scare me!
Love ya,
We were so honoured to have you be a part of planning our gender reveal/shower! And even more to have you as a friend and “Auntie” Kalynn to Micah!
You and Micah have been such a bright spot in my year! Thank you for being such a great friend, and having such a cute and happy baby!