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2020

Hello 2020, Let’s Make Some Plans!

January 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

Do you ever feel conflicted between what feels good and what logically makes sense? Every single year, we get to the beginning of January and I find myself completely torn between wanting to make all kinds of promises and lofty goals for my life “New year, New me!” and all that, and the reality that I’m HIGHLY unlikely to ever maintain those goals or results on the long term! The struggle is real, and this year is absolutely no different! But why change it all now? Here is the lofty list of goals I am under no legal obligation to achieve this year!

I figure the worst that can happen is that I put my goals and plans out into the blogosphere and then absolutely nothing changes and I don’t achieve as much as I had hoped. So what?! If last year was any indication, the alternative outcome is that this is another year of measurable growth, and I will be grateful that I recorded my thoughts at the start of the year, to compare at the end! So, without further ado, here are my goals and dreams for the year 2020.

1. Do More of Whatever Sparks Joy

I feel like everyone went into the last few years with Marie Kondo ringing in their ears, “I must throw away all of my belongings” we all chanted! But this goes beyond that for me. The sacrifice of working full time is that I have fewer hours in the day to choose activities that bring me joy. Who has time to be doing things that don’t serve me or my family? Maybe before I was working, but I sure don’t any more! Aside from intentional time spent with Bear, I’d like to -write more for my website, -read more of the books I feel invested in, -be outside more and continue making self-care a priority. I also want to say “No” more often to the time killers that do not serve me. It’s not about being selfish, it’s about focusing on wellbeing!

2. Build Healthy Skin Habits

I have really noticed that after years of neglect, abuse, and mistreatment, my skin is struggling. My face especially is just looking a little rough, and I’d like to focus some time every day on repairing the damage I’ve done, and preventing further stress on my skin. This means cleansing, toning and moisturizing (yes folks, we’ve reached the age of needing an eye cream!) every night before bed, and wearing sun protection during the day! (I’m open to any suggestions for daily face SPF that is non-greasy for HIGHLY sensitive skin!). I also hope to be intentional about drinking more water and treating myself to quality products that are going on my skin! I’m not getting any younger, and let’s face it… I’m simply never going to attract a man if my skin is looking a hot mess! (Never mind my life is kind of a giant dumpster fire right now, but I’m sure some dreamboat will ignore all that if my skin is looking youthful! Right?)

I’m hoping to give my skin a little help this year!

3. Get Better at Being Organized

This is something I have made HUGE strides at in 2019! Thanks, anxiety! For the better part of last year, I found that when I felt anxious I would either crawl under my covers and hide from my responsibilities OR manically clean the house! Let me tell you, one of these things was actually a very helpful coping mechanism, the other…. less so! For 2020 I really want to hone those skills! From time management and getting the most out of my paper planner system, to getting scary adulting jobs done with and out of the way first (I’m looking at you, income taxes!), I want to keep on top of being organized in all areas of my life to avoid being overwhelmed. Especially living in such tight quarters, it doesn’t take much mess before the clutter feels suffocating. My goal here is to make it a priority to keep on top of the little jobs, so they don’t become big jobs. This also includes habits like -Making my bed, -Putting away clean laundry – Sorting paperwork as soon as it comes home and -less procrastinating in all areas!

4. Learn To Do Something Difficult, and DO NOT GIVE UP!

You know that feeling when the Ikea manual says the build requires two people, but you complete the project yourself and you feel hella empowered? No, you just get frustrated and cry? I don’t get that! In all seriousness, I LOVE building Ikea furniture, I always feel amazing when it’s done. Sometimes, I do get frustrated and cry, but when I finish the job and have a fully functioning, relatively cute shoe cupboard, that is a GOOD feeling! I want more of that feeling in 2020! Ideally without spending much money on low budget furniture! I am capable of so much more than I usually give myself credit for, so this is the year of proving to myself that “I CAN”!

5. Be More Adventurous

This year, I want to do the things I sat around last year waiting for someone else to make happen. I want to take Bear skiing (or snowboarding if he prefers), go on another couple of hikes, and possibly even learn to haul, park and level mum and dad’s fancy new trailer for a camping adventure, just Arthur and I! There is nothing specific that anyone else has that makes them more qualified than myself to do these things, but I have always had it in my mind that they do. I’m looking forward to going on more adventures and being less afraid of things I have no business worrying about! I am woman, hear me roar! Or at least, mumble quietly in the corner, but I have a good feeling about this!

These are just a few of the goals I feel confident sharing at the start of this new decade! I anticipate many new challenges and tests as the weeks, months and years go by, but I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to look back in 12 months and be proud of how far I’ve come!

Did you set any resolutions or goals for the new year? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Love ya,

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: 2020, divorce, goal setting, goals, hello 2020, make plans, mom, new years, new years resolutions, parenting, plans, setting goals, single mom

Reflections of the Past Year

January 2, 2020 2 Comments

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.

Christmas 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!

Bear turned 6 years old!
Arthur’s Kindergarten Graduation, and his best friend B.K!

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!

Our first time in a Helicopter, summer 2019

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!

Arthur and I did an 8km hike this summer at Pine Point Rapids! More hiking and camping is a priority for us this year!
Camping at Rushing River, near Kenora, ON

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!?

Arthur and I soaking up baby cuddles at little Micah’s shower!

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 started Grade 1!

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!

Our annual winter weekend at Elkhorn Resort!

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,

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: 2020, blog, co-parenting, divorce, growth, memories, Mommy blog, new year, reflection, review, single mom, word of the year

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