Lessons from 2020 and looking ahead to 2021

As many of you know, I write myself a “thank you” letter during the month of December for the year ahead. It is a way for me to focus my goals and set intentions for the following year. I have kept up this tradition for the last several years. 

My goals and intentions range from personal to professional. I have set goals for working on improved race times and working on stronger relationships. I have set intentions to grow my business and to take a trip with my family.

In the letters I write to myself, nothing is too outlandish or off the table. Anything goes. 

Over this last weekend, I read my letter from December 2019. It is safe to say that many of us had no idea what was in store for 2020. I remember all the memes from this time last year referring to 2020 as the year of perfect vision.

While I want to look back and enjoy a big belly laugh about what I thought might happen for me on a personal and professional level, it turns out that my letter of intention ultimately hit the nail on the head. 

Last year, my letter mentioned slowing down to focus on family and making them a priority. When life came to a screeching halt on March 13th, we were forced to prioritize our family members’ health and well-being.

Additionally, mental health became even more important, as we dealt with changes in work and school. I saw that we needed to work together as a family to make sure we were all doing as well as we could while recognizing and honoring the hard days. I feel very grateful I could be “present” for my family when they needed extra support. 

In 2019, I wrote that I wanted to relaunch and grow my business after having come back from an 18-month break, and this was one of the highlights of my year. Relaunching Stephanie Mitchell Fitness gave me so much joy, even during the pandemic.

I was able to connect with women and help them to achieve their health and wellness goals. It has been the greatest pleasure to work with so many incredible women. All year long, I have been sustained by blogging and creating content to help educate and inspire women to live their strongest, most mindful and feisty lives. 

Another goal I outlined last year was taking time to let my body heal after a few years of racing. Then, in February, I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I was so bummed because this news meant I would not be able to run for quite some time, and all the races I signed up for would have to wait while I healed and recovered.

In the beginning, I was so sad and frustrated, but as the year went on and race after race was canceled due to the pandemic, I could take some comfort in knowing that most of my planned events would then happen in 2021. Meanwhile, COVID forced me into the period of rest and recovery that my body sorely needed and that I had promised myself I would do. 

Finally, last year I wrote that I wanted to make sure I continued to develop personally and professionally by taking certification classes as well as by challenging myself to read more. I have always placed incredible value on personal and professional growth. For me, I can’t have one without the other.

Reading, self-reflection, listening to others, and participating in classes and certifications all help me stay on my toes and keep my creative juices flowing. This year was filled with growth in a variety of capacities, and while it was overwhelming at times, I am all the better for it.

I can’t wait to share everything I have learned with the SMF community in 2021. 

It turns out 2020 gave me the chance to do what I needed and wanted. My heart aches that a pandemic hit our world and that so many people have suffered by being sick, losing a loved one, or facing economic hardship. Many are juggling jobs and trying to aid their children in staying on track for school. I know folks are struggling every single day. 

While 2020 was by no means an easy year on anyone, I do feel gratitude for the year that helped me slow down, learn, grow and heal. I look forward to seeing what 2021 offers. For now, my letter with goals and intentions has been written and carefully tucked away until I read it this time next year.

I wish all of you a happy holiday season, and may 2021 bring us joy, peace, laughter and love.