EOY Self Evaluation: The Year of Proving Me Wrong

2020 has been nothing short of interesting. It has proven to provide challenges that required creative thinking as well as finding a "new normal." My personal goals weren't a complete bust (which I'm very happy about), but there are definitely areas that I've got to give more attention to for 2021. Here's my 2020 snapshot:

- Weight Loss: I absolutely NEVER thought I'd be the person that would workout everyday and actually enjoy it. I don't mind admitting that in my 20s I cared more about getting the weight off so I would do workouts that I may not have enjoyed, but were guaranteed to produce results. I definitely got results in the past, but I never was consistent. Now that I'm older and wiser, I recognize the importance of actually enjoying whatever workout I'm doing as well as challenging my body to ensure results. I'm hovering really closely to the 60 pound weight loss meter, but it goes up and down depending on my eating habits. At the beginning of the year, I was much more disciplined than I have been in the past few months. I'm not alone here, but I definitely recognize how detrimental poor eating habits are to working out so I'm working on being more mindful of what goes in because the baby pooch has to go (I can hide it, but I don't want to and even though I'm willing to pay I'd prefer to get rid of the old fashion way with hard work and discipline). Because of the weight loss, I need clothes and this is the dilemma. I'm home and yes I've purchased a few things that are necessary, but why buy cute stuff to sit on the couch?!? I need to work on this, but I have been keeping it super basic with either workout gear or jeans and a shirt. 

- Finances: Once again, the year started off strong with saving and being mindful of spending. I'm grateful for that time because we've needed to use a few of those dollars lately. I do cook regularly (about 4 days a week), but I have noticed that pandemic fatigue and just regular old fatigue (I'm constantly cleaning up after 5 people daily since we're all home and the my workouts are getting tougher) have caused me to be more willing to just eat out or grab something when I normally would cook. I recognize that this also impacts my weight loss, so I've been trying to be more aware of what I get if I do need to order out as well as making sure I have groceries in the house so I can eat something aligned with my goals. As far as shopping, there hasn't been too much outside of kids outgrowing clothes and home improvements. I did get two new subscriptions (Massage and waxing). I love them both, but going into 2021 I want to be more fiscally responsible so I will probably get rid of the massage and find great deals on Groupon versus paying monthly. 

-Relationships: I've been as good a friend as I can be. Great is not the word I would use, but I have definitely made an effort to make sure I check on my folks in some sort of continual manner...even if it's just to let them know they crossed my mind without having a full conversation. Zoom get togethers were also on the agenda for me and I thought they were cool, but I can admit there's nothing like face-to-face contact. My biggest improvement was my personal relationship with me. I have grown in my emotional intelligence as well as my willingness to do more critical thinking in my interactions with my children. Quarantine has definitely exposed my areas of weakness when I deal with my children, but I have been very intentional in ensuring that I develop a healthy relationship with my girls. The history of the family relationship in regards to Black women isn't always viewed positively and I refuse to be a statistic if at all possible. I never try to allow my position as a parent to overshadow their feelings, thoughts, and/or ideas. It's been a learning process, but I know that it will have a positive impact if I can do this successfully.

-Hobbies: This probably has been the biggest area of surprise for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed diving feet first into the crafting world. I'm so much into it that I've been considering more power tools as well as a cricket. 

I'm not sure if anyone does vision boards each year (or something similar), but I encourage you to see where you made improvements and areas that require more attention. Don't allow yourself to become complacent or stagnant just because circumstances aren't ideal or you don't feel like it!