Looking Back on 2019

My word of the year for 2019 was 'embrace'.  I really enjoyed this word.  It was helpful in reminding me to be accepting of others as they are and it reminded me to accept myself as I am.  I worked hard to do this and I think that it really improved my relationships with family and friends.

I made four resolutions last year.  Some went well, others did not.  Several things happened throughout the year that made keeping my resolutions difficult.  I became pregnant this year and then suffered a miscarriage.  I required surgery because of this.  My husband had surgery and was unable to work or lift anything for 6 weeks.  I had trouble with my ear that is still ongoing.  These interruptions made some of my resolutions difficult for me.

1.  Establish a Morning Routine   I did this at various intervals throughout the year.  When I was sick and going through my miscarriage, I did not even attempt to stick to this routine.  I have been working on re-establishing my calm mornings and it is going well so far.

2.  Treat the Earth Better.  I greatly decreased the number of baths I took this year.  I did not stick to my two per month limit, however.  I averaged about four baths per month.  I am still working towards reducing this.  My husband and I reduced the amount that we traveled this year which of course decreased our fuel consumption.  I walked as much as possible and continue to do so.  We definitely reduced our food waste this year, which was great.

3.  Save.  Hubby and I saved for and purchased a new furnace and hot water heater for our house.  We were happy to be able to cash flow this major purchase.

4.  Walk 5 or more times per week.  Nope.  This did not happen.  I walked as much as possible, but when I was sick I wasn't leaving my house much.  Some of my walking also did not translate into walks for my dog (which was the basis of this resolution).  Now that we are both feeling healthy, Hubby and I have been good about taking turns taking the dog out.  She loves to get out of the yard and smell new scents!

Overall, I am happy with how I did with my goals.  This year seemed to have its fair share of obstacles and I stuck with my goals to the best of my ability.

I do want to say that although this year included some difficult moments, it also included some fun ones.  Our oldest daughter started Kindergarten (which she loves!), I went back to school, I rediscovered my love of performing arts, I found people to form a Harry Potter reading group with, our youngest daughter learned so much, Hubby recovered well from his surgery, and my parents each celebrated their 60th birthdays.  The year had some really beautiful, wonderful moments.

How did your 2019 go?  Did you make and keep any resolutions?  I just want to add that sometimes it's okay if you just simply made it through the year.  That is enough.  It truly is.