It Was the Best of Times...

So I was thinking that 2020 was one HELLUVA year, heavy on the hell! Amirite?? I know I've mentioned/written about it a few times already, but I think a year like this is worth the talk! I do try to accentuate the positive as often as possible and that's what I want to do with this last post of the year. Many times it seemed as though the bad times outweighed the good and there was plenty to complain about, but I want to end the year by highlighting 20 positive things in my life from the last year. In no particular order...some big, some small, some heart warming, some silly and ALL good!

1. Hip-hip hooray, for HSA! - For those who don't know, HSA stands for Health Savings Account and it is an account where you set aside money, pre-tax, usually through your employer. You receive a Visa or MC debit card and it can be used for medical expenses such as co-pays or prescriptions. But did you know it can also be used for certain over the counter medicines as well as items like lotions and feminine products? 🙌🏾
2. All God's children got robes - Well at least I do! LOL...I've been asking for a nice robe for Christmas for years and never got it, so this year I ordered one for myself; nice and cozy with a hood from...you'll never guess...Fashion Nova! Little did I know, my mother had decided to finally grant my request and she got me a robe for Christmas! Now this child's got TWO robes! 😆
3. Let's take a long walk... - This summer, into the early fall, I spent lots of time outside. I didn't feel comfortable going to anybody's gym, even after they opened back up, so I found other ways to stay active. I participated in a couple outdoor classes, went bike riding a time or two, walked the track a few days a week at 5AM and went to several different trails for long walks/light hikes. I would walk anywhere from 3 up to 10 miles! (I did 10 miles twice and thought I was gonna die. 😰I learned that 8 miles is my safe limit!) It was refreshing to be out and about in that way, especially since there wasn't much else to do this summer. Now if I could only get an indoor exercise routine in place while it's cold...
4. Comfort is key - I have never worn, let alone owned so may joggers, leggings, and hoodies before in my entire life. For 9 months, from morning to evening, my main wardrobe has consisted of those things along with t-shirts, sports bras, shorts, and pajamas. This is probably the most consistent physical comfort I've felt in all my 15,000+ days.
5. Who needs a library card? - Not me! I ordered a gang of extraordinary books and I can't wait to get more. I think I'm into books like some folk are into shoes. I can never have too many, even if I don't quite get around to reading them all, lol. You're welcome Amazon, Target, and ThriftBooks.
6. Every penny counts... - ...so I'm thankful for the lil raise I got at work. Seriously, with many people having lost their jobs, to even be able to still work every day is a blessing. 
7. Paid in full. - With travel and other extracurricular activities being limited, it was a bit easier to be disciplined. I paid off some bills, made arrangements on others, and I'm excited about the path I'm on as a result.
8. I found my person! - Probably not who you think though, lol! After years of botched haircuts, barbers over promising and under delivering, and disappointing referrals, I found the perfect barber! I received the best haircut of my life in Februrary, then COVID hit, barber shops were closed for a while, and I started back letting my hair grow. At least I know where to go now when I get the next big chop urge!
9. I'm alive! - I never stayed sleep, had no fatal accidents, and didn't succumb to any diseases. I'm thankful for that now more than ever!
10. Pomp and Circumstance - My son graduated from high school. Coronavirus (in my Cardi B voice) was a blessing in disguise to my household. The sudden transition to remote learning was a life saver. The virtual graduation wasn't ideal, but I've never been so ecstatic to see somebody's name and picture pop up on a screen!
11. Hi, I'm a Couch Potato. Nice to meet you! - Growing up, I LOVED TV and movies. I can remember and sing most commercials and theme songs from my childhood. When I hit my late 20s, early 30s, I got rid of cable and didn't miss it because good programming had become scarce anyway. When I did have cable, I only watched a couple channels. It got to the point where I could go for months without even turning the television on. When the various streaming services were introduced, there was more variety and better programming, but I could still go without for an extended period of time. I have definitely made up for all the time I missed. And it isn't only because I'm "stuck" in the house, but the quality of television just really seems to be at an all time high. Some of my favorites? Schitt's Creek, Jingle Jangle, This is Us, Good Girls, Little Fires Everywhere, Black-ish, Love is Blind, and Love on the Spectrum...just to name a few. I must admit, I do feel like I'll need to take a break from the "idiot box" at some point. Lol!!
12. I love the 90s! - Speaking of good TV, the revival of black sitcoms from the 90s (and early 2000s) on Netflix has been a treat. The sweet nostalgia was welcomed during these times, not to mention how shows like Girlfriends hit different since I've lived some life!
13. I'm obsessed. - The other way to my heart besides books? Some good pens and cute, yet efficient planners and journals! You can never have too many of these either!! I just snagged some really great journals (I have my every day journal, a prayer journal, and a therapy journal), my MKOS planner, and some nifty Rae Dunn pens. I'm super excited. It's the little things. 😉
14. Young Frankenstein - My youngest niece started walking a little before her 1st birthday in October and y'all KNOW when babies first start walking they look like a mix between Frankenstein and Fred Sanford! 😂It's the cutest thing to watch and brings me so much joy. 😍🥰
15. Surf, no turf - Lobster tails + 8 minutes in the air fryer = pescatarian bliss!
16. Teddy Riley and Babyface - Enough said. Unless you've been under a rock, you know what went down. Watching these 2 legends in a Verzuz battle was entertaining and the memes that came after kept me in stitches for days...maybe even weeks. It was just what we needed.
17. Allow me to reintroduce myself. - I revamped and relaunched my blog and business. It was on my to-do list for the year and I'm proud of myself for seeing it through. Onward and upward from here!
18. Creative juices are flowing. - I've been blessed with some awesome writing and creative opportunities this year and have been diligently working on some projects that will be revealed to the masses throughout 2021! I'm uber excited, a tad nervous, and all the way ready. It's my time!
19. Joe, we did it! - Biden/Harris 2020. History making. They're not perfect (who is?), but undoubtedly an improvement. Let's work!
20. My therapist said... - Last but certainly not least, I found my other person! I've been unsuccessful in my search for a therapist over the years. I've done a lot of the "work" on my own, but I was still in search of a professional touch to help me do the rest. I've only had 2 sessions and it has been a bit overwhelming, but not in a bad way. It's just that so much stuff has come up and been presented to me to think about and unpack, ALREADY! Another thing I'm ready for though! Anything to make me better and help me grow.

I hope you're also able to reflect on some good from 2020 and not just dwell on the bad. I pray for better days ahead for each of us and am thankful for the strength and resiliency that has been revealed in many of us. I am walking into 2021 with great expectation! Please feel free to share any 2020 reflections in the comments. I love to hear from you! Happy New Year!!