Thank you, 2020.

Dear 2020,

Thank you for affording me the time to sit with myself. I can honestly say that I experienced the darkest days of my life during your presence. You brought upon hard times for the entire world, but I want to look back 20 years from now and remember why I am so thankful for this insane year.

Our lives came to abrupt halt on that day in March- everything changed.

1. 1. I learned more about myself than I ever have. Finding a therapist/life coach has been the greatest gift I have ever given myself. I am incredibly thankful for all of the hard work I have put in to healing myself. To give my family the very best version of me.
   2. I am learning to give myself grace and space to grow. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it.
   3. I learned more about the Gospel than I ever have in my entire life. My faith has strengthened through this storm.  I thank God for opening my eyes and heart. For never leaving my side and showing me constantly how to live in faith.
   4. Our family dynamic changed in October and we are all growing in this space. It has been the hardest times of my life, but everyone is putting in the effort to make the very best of it. Healing, learning, and growing. Incredible joy in a dark storm.
   5. David, I thank God every day for you. For being there on my ugliest of days and walking this storm alongside me, always. You have the kindest heart and you’re an amazing human. I love you, mostest.
   6. My precious Kingston, the incredibly intelligent teenager with a genuinely soft heart.  Thank you for trusting the process and walking along side me. I love you more than you could ever imagine. You will do great things.
   7. My precious Everett, the helper, the talker, and the one who is there for the morally straight decision- an old soul like your mama. Thank you for the constant reminders of the good in the world.
   8. My sweet Fynn for giving constant reminders of pure child like joy. Your zeal for life. Thank you for teaching me a new level of patience.
   9. Graduated with Honors to earn my Associates Degree. Officially entered the BA-Business Management Track at Texas Woman’s University. This is huge and should be at the top of the list, but all of these other obstacles have made this accomplishment so such sweeter. 15 years to get this dang degree, lots of twists and turns, screwups, and makeups. I am so stinking proud of myself.
   10. I work with an amazing group of women. I am so thankful for both their support professionally and the amazing friendships we have built.
   11. For choosing faith over fear and traveling a few times. Hot Springs in May, Rockport in August, and Denver in December. Wonderful memories made on each trip to hold us over during our other times of quarantine. Missing my family, but blessed to say we are all here.
   12. Put skincare back on the top of my priority list. My goal is to take the 5 minutes to myself every morning and night.
   13. A new found love of wood working. David brought home a slab of solid oak. I sanded on that sucker for about 6 hours and turned it into our new mantle. I was able to meditate, pray, and spend time with myself (all you can hear over a belt sander are the thoughts in your head.)
   14. The amazing DYI Renovations happening at HouseofLaskey!!! Paint, floors, coffee bar, living room, and more. I cannot wait to share all of the hard work we’ve put in this year and the projects we will take on in 2021!
   15. Making new friends, because friend dating in your 30s is.. weird. However, I took a leap and some of the best friendships have blossomed.
   16. The sweetest family that moved in next door. We have a wonderful neighborhood, but this little family has been such a blessing to our family and I look forward to the many happy times to come!
   17. Rediscovered my love for fitness. I spent so many years away from strength training, and vow to never do that again. I lost 30 pounds this year, gained muscle, and it helped tremendously with my mental state. The worst workout you’ll ever have is the one you don’t do!
   18. The ability to revamp my wardrobe. With weight loss and a new level of self confidence, I went shopping and had so much fun including the hubs on my adventures. I have followed a local mama for a couple of years and her sweet boutique, Talulah. Now I need to stay off Instagram on Talulah Tuesday & Thursday. I think my closet is good for a while.
   19. Learning technology on a new level. Insert work from home here. The capabilities are truly endless and I look forward to putting some of this R&D into action in my professional life, soon!
   20. My sweet little corner of the internet, HouseofLaskey, a project I have put off for years because I let doubt and fear control my output. I am still figuring this space out, but one thing is for sure. Writing is cathartic and I look forward to all of the content to come!

That wraps up the twenty things I am thankful to have gained in 2020. I know there has bee much heartache throughout the world, but I do hope that everyone will take a moment to find their pockets of joy. Keep searching, keep learning, and keep growing. Thank you sweet friends for following along!

Happy New Year!