Reflections on 2020, a year of growth

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

I think it's safe to say that 2020 didn't turn out the way we expected it would. I can remember sitting down and writing my goals toward the end of last year and surviving a global pandemic was definitely not on that list. The one thing I can say without a doubt is that this year has been the biggest growth year that I have experienced yet.

We successfully opened a branch office for our real estate company, EXP Realty. If you've been following our journey, you know that this is something that I had on my goal list for the last couple of years. We're still making changes and adjustments as the world changes around us, and that's okay. I have had to let go of the idea of "perfect" and trust that "done" sometimes is good enough. I'll tell you one thing that's been a light in my life: those people I share the office with.

I have also gone through some of the darkest days of my life this year. Our marriage has seen its biggest challenge. I'm sure many marriages have seen tough times, as many have experienced job loss, childcare difficulties, virtually schooling, and on top of all that, not being able to see family.

It's also been a challenging year for many of the people close to me. I've watched friends experience the loss of their parents and children. I've seen others get COVID-19 and end up in the hospital or lose their family member to the virus. Some have lost jobs, gone through divorce, have had relationships strained over politics. The world just felt so heavy this year.

The bright side, although sometimes hard to see, is the growth we have all experienced. Each person I watched struggle this year has handled their challenges head on and become so much stronger because of it. The pain and discomfort each of us has gone through, while oftentimes extremely difficult to navigate, has led us to where we are now and is continuing to guide us to become the people we are meant to be.

Through it all, our son has become the center and absolute joy of our lives. He's growing and smiling and laughing and learning like nothing is going on. That alone has taught me a lot. Sometimes, when the world feels crazy, all we need to do is take a step back and realize what's truly important in our lives: family, friends and health!

I am looking forward to 2021, and not just to move on from 2020. I am looking forward to taking all of the incredible, and challenging, life lessons that were given me this year and applying them to have a happier and healthier 2021!