There’s no need for me to talk about 2020 and how much of a dumpster fire it was. We all experienced it and hopefully came out relatively unscathed on the other side. But for all of the things that went wrong and sucked, there were oh so many that went right. For me, I enjoyed getting to spend some extra time in our old house before we sold it, as well as spending the extra time with Nick and Sebastian as we worked and learned from home, and creating our new traditions while making the best of crappy situations.

In November, I started a daily practice of gratitude that I’ve worked to continue into this new year.  Then a colleague & friend of mine on Facebook gave me the wonderful idea for this blog post: She posted one photo from each month of 2020 that captured joy and I wanted to do this same.

And honestly, the best part of this little project was realizing how hard it was to pick just ONE photo!

I’m so grateful that I had so many happy moments that I can cherish and remember when I look back on one the worst years ever.

So, here are my best parts of 2020.

I’ve concluded the final week of practicing gratitude every day this month for National Gratitude Month.

Here’s what I was thankful for:

Day 22: I’m thankful for podcasts. It took me a while to jump onto the bandwagon but now it’s one of my favorite forms of entertainment. I’m realizing I mostly like podcasts that teach me something, but I’m grateful for the variety that’s out there.

Day 23: I’m thankful for candles. Here lately I’ve been lighting a scented candle in my office while I work. The warmth of the flame and the sweet smell of “autumn wreath” have had a very uplifting effect on my mood. I’m grateful for something so simple.

Day 24: I’m thankful for therapy and Xanax. I have a wonderful therapist who does a great job of validating my feelings while helping me to reframe my negative thoughts. Sometimes I just need someone to whom I can unload all of my stress and anxiety, and she helps me figure out how to make it more manageable. And on the days when it is simply too much to handle and none of the reframing, meditation, or grounding works, I can turn to the medication to calm my racing thoughts and pounding heart. I’ll never be ashamed of getting help when and where I need it, and I hope that in sharing my experiences, others will seek help without fear or shame. For this, I am grateful.

I’ve concluded the second week of practicing gratitude every day this month for National Gratitude Month.

Here’s what I was thankful for:

Day 8: I’m thankful for my dogs. Y’all know how much I love these puppers, and even though we’ve had a rough time training Milo (and we still have a ways to go), they still bring me so much joy. I love how they keep me company in my office while I work during the days and cuddle on the couch in evenings while we’re watching TV. They help make my heart feel full.

Day 9: I’m thankful for the cheesy Christmas movies that are always playing this time of year. They’re always so positive and predictable, but that’s what I love about them; sometimes it’s exactly what my anxious mind needs. I’m grateful that on days like today, when things start to feel like they’re just a little too much, I can get lost in a fictional winter wonderland. Btw, Hallmark has the best ones but without cable I’m making due with those on Amazon and Netflix!

Day 10: I’m thankful for the opportunity to always learn new things, even if it’s stuff I have very little interest in or feel like I’ll never use in “real life.” There’s a world full of knowledge out there and getting to access even a fraction of it over a lifetime is pretty cool.

Here’s the next outfit in my Work From Home Wardrobe Series where I display the cute outfits I’m wearing while working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

So, the purpose of this series is to show you what I’m actually wearing while I work from home, and y’all, this is it. Most days I try to wear something that I might wear to the office but there are plenty of days like this one where I just throw on some clothes I like. I would never wear denim shorts to the office–although I *have* worn shorts to the office before–but in my home office, anything goes!

Top: One New Day via Target | Shorts: Gap | Shoe: Tommy Hilfiger 

I’m also looking forward to using this time to experiment a little more with my wardrobe. While we’re trying to save money for our upcoming move — and since I don’t have anywhere to go– I’m not really spending a lot of money on clothes right now and instead I’m trying to use what I already have in fun, new ways. I’ve been browsing Pinterest and Instagram a lot more than usual lately so I’m getting inspired. And I’m not saying this is new, but I haven’t worn it before and it looks great!

Here’s the next outfit in my Work From Home Wardrobe Series where I display the cute outfits I’m wearing while working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s a rainy week here in Durham so I’m pulling from some outfits that I wore last week when it was sunny and warm. This one is a repeat outfit that I’ve worn to my office before. When it’s a good one, there’s no reason not to wear it multiple times, and this one is a very good one!

Blouse: LOFT Outlet | Skirt: J. Crew Outlet | Shoes: Rothy’s

In real life, the skirt feels like it might be too short to be appropriate for a business setting but it looks fine in photos, so it might just be my imagination. I also prefer wearing this skirt (and this outfit) with heels or wedges, but there’s just no need for them when I’m at home. Good thing flats look really cute with it, as well.