2020 has been a challenging year for me and so many others. However, I've learned so many great lessons, and I'm sharing 20 of them below. This year has challenged and stretched me. It's effected my relationships in a lot of new ways as well. No matter how hard these lessons were, I am grateful for every single one, and I hope they will encourage you as well.

1. I can love to be with my kids, and need time apart from them. Those feelings can coexist.

2. There is beauty in imperfection.

3. Every day I need to focus on taking care of myself physically & mentally.

4.God hears and answers prayers no matter how small or big.

5. Racism exists on so many levels in this country & has the power to change when privilege is acknowledged & used.

6. It's so important to delay gratification & save money for a "rainy" day or year.

7. Some people are not who they say they are, hard times reveal true colors.

8. Forgiveness does not mean I have to allow a toxic person back into my life. Also, I can forgive more than I expected, if someone means enough to me.

9. Hard work pays off, when I stay consistent in practices that lead to success.

10. My worth is not connected to someone's ability to see it.

11. The more I receive, the more I should give away.

12. Reading my Bible & praise music can be change my entire mood and perspective.

13. It's O.K. to take time to heal from hurt, there is no timeline. Don't rush it, but learn from it.

14. Financial planning & budgeting can make a big difference in your finances.

15. Don't automatically trust others just because, people you trust do. Believe people when they show you who they are.

16. Life is really short & brief. It's so important to walk in purpose & in Christ.

17. God is faithful in every season.

18. Many people have a victim mentality, don't everything personally.

19. Spending time individually with my children is important & valuable.

20. There is more good than bad that happens in every day. I can choose what I will focus on.

Many people may just look back on 2020 and see hurt, frustration, and all they have lost, but I choose to look at all I have gained. I am not the same person I was in the beginning of this year, and for that I am grateful. Many times, we grow the most in hard times and for that I wouldn't change a thing.

I hope each one of you can look back on this year and find the good in it! Here is to a easier 2021 full with love, joy, and peace!

Happy New Years, friends!!