After taking this first month of 2020 to look back on the previous year, collecting my thoughts for the year that lies ahead, I realized that 2019 was by far one of the most epic years I’ve had! In every aspect.

Half of the year we were preparing for baby girl to arrive, which includes a nursery makeover, birth classes, and not one, but two baby showers. I tried my hand at forcing tulip bulbs, hit a major milestone of five years of service at work, and took my very first trip to the emergency room because I almost amputated my big toe. I’m not proud about that last one but it was epic lol. On top of all of that, I gave birth to the sweetest, happiest baby in the world. We were bold enough to take a week long family vacation with a 3 month old, and the icing on the cake was ………I turned 30!  

I don’t know how other people’s years typically look like but for us this past year was beyond crazy, in the best way.  2020 has a lot to live up to! With that said, I have high expectations for this new year and I think we are off to a pretty good start. 

Let’s talk resolutions.  I love a good New Year’s Resolution list, don’t you? I’ve listed a few of my big ones below. 

• Grow my very first cut flower garden.

This year I’d like to step up my gardening game and not only grow my own fruit and vegetables but also grow my very own flowers for arrangements to brighten up my home or to give to family and friends. I’ve already started working on this goal and ordered seeds for several flower varieties. I’ll start sowing indoors this month and I am so excited to see how this goes! 

• Prep professionally to transition into my forever career.

While I have thoroughly enjoyed my current position with the university I have for some time now felt that I was meant for a higher calling. One where I’d share my passion for animals, plants, and learning. I want to use this year as my transition year to prep professionally for my official dive into teaching agriculture education. I’m creating a plan to work on one career building task each month. Some plans include updating my resume, building a portfolio, and attending conferences. 

• Getting back to my pre-baby weight and shape.

I’m really just looking to get back to feeling healthy and like myself again. That means reconnecting with myself and nature through running and yoga like I used to. Also getting back into the weight room. It’s funny because I’m really not that far off of my pre-baby weight but my body shape has changed completely. It still amazes me how much a woman’s body can endure and change to accomodate and create the perfect space for a baby to grow.  

The theme word for 2020 is: COMMIT

I am going to commit to working on me personally, physically, mentally, and professionally. I have to just do it, even though at this point I feel like this seems a bit selfish considering I have a soon to be nine month old that depends on me for everything. I feel like I should be focusing solely on her, then I think back to every airplane I’ve ever been on and you know what? There’s a reason why they tell you to secure your own oxygen mask before your children’s. If you don’t take care of yourself first, then there won’t be anyone to take care of your child. So yea, I’m taking the year 2020 to refocus on me for the benefit of all!

What are some of your new year resolutions or goals for 2020? Do you have any professional preparation advice? Or do you think it’s selfish of me to want to take this year and focus on myself? I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the above. Just drop a comment below!