2020 Reminiscing.

To be honest, I would love to just forget a lot of this year. Just like everyone else, 2020 was a rough 12 months for me. However, every year I try to reflect with an optimistic outlook on life and what I have accomplished. While it may be harder to find, I am DETERMINED to be able to do the same this year. 2020 did NOT get the best of me; and when I think hard enough, there ARE a lot of good things that happened!

So, I present to you, 20 good things that happened in 2020 (don’t worry...I added pictures where I could:)):

1. I was reunited with one of my closest friends after a summer and semester abroad (for her) apart! 8 months apart, returned closer than ever:).

2. I went to my second BIG basketball game at Syracuse, and actually felt like I knew what it was all about this time.

3. I met my little in my sorority, who I ALSO got to live with in the fall. She is now one of my closest friends and greatest supporters.

4. I got to spend the majority of the year spent in quarantine with one of my closest and oldest friends! This was the most time we had spent together in YEARS, and I owe all of my sanity to her.

5. I fell deeply in love with oatmeal. And that is such a blessing.

6. I ran a 5k! Running was something I always told myself I was just “incapable” of doing. I proved to myself that I was perfectly capable of anything I put my mind to.

7. I spent more time with my parents and brothers this year than I have since 5th grade. We reconnected and revamped our cooking regimen; family dinners were a big savior throughout quarantine.

8. I learned to view exercise as a joyful movement rather than a forced chore. This led me to maintain some form of routine for most of the year...something that I hadn’t been able to do in a while! I felt harmonious and in tune with my body, rather than like I was fighting against it.

9. I got to spend TWO WEEKS. With my ABSOLUTE closest friends. In NYC. Granted, in quarantine. But still! Spending 24/7 with my friends in the city of our dreams was an incredible experience that I will cherish for my entire life.

10. With NYC came all the AMAZING NYC food I got to enjoy. Bagels. The fanciest Starbucks EVER. Macarons. YUM.

11. I was reunited with all of my friends after seven. Months. Apart. THAT felt amazing.

12. I went apple picking with my friends/future roommates for next year. I laughed so hard that day I cried. It made me excited for the future.

13. Speaking of which...I found housing and roommates for my senior year of college! And am living with amazing people who I hold so close to my heart.

14. I got my first remote internship related to nutrition! I got to work with an amazing mentor on a topic that I am passionate about, feeling like I am on track with where I’m meant to be in life.

15. I got to take long walks with my friend (which doubled as therapy sessions). I also prioritized my mental health throughout the entire semester, which was a first for me!

16. I went to a cat. CAFE. And cuddled with cats for HOURS. And then spent copious hours cooking, watching movies, and playing with my FRIEND’s cat at her apartment when she decided to purchase one.

17. My friends took it upon themselves to make my birthday fun, while still being safe and smart. They surprised me throughout the day, then all took me out to dinner, then celebrated back at a house with ice cream. I’m so incredibly grateful to have such a supportive and loving group of people that I care so deeply for.

18. I had a new roommate for the fall semester, who turned into one of my closest companions. We share a lot of the same ideals and values, and both care deeply for the people we love. It was amazing getting close to someone new this year, especially since it was certainly harder to do so. When we got stuck quarantined in our room, I TRULY could not have survived without her. That’s an experience that bonds you for life.

For some reason this is the only photo I have of us...but you get the vibe:)

19. I got a SECOND internship, once again feeling solid in my future plans. I also started this blog! Everything I’ve added into my life feels like it is contributing to my greater purpose, which I value deeply.

20. For the first time in YEARS, I gained confidence. I learned the habits and ways of intuitive eating and for the first time ever gave up on fighting with my body. I entered the March quarantine tired and hopeless. I had felt so stuck in a cycle of restricting and binging, and decided to dedicate my time to breaking free from it. And I did. It is not a linear process, but I am in a much better headspace now than I have been in years when it comes to my relationship with my body and food. And THAT is the greatest gift I could have possible given myself this year.

There we have it! 2020 sucked. There’s no denying it. But when you really search for it, you’ll find there’s still good out there. There’s still good in your life. And you can handle ANYTHING.

I encourage you to reflect: what’s one good thing that happened to you this year? Reflect and then KISS this year goodbye:).