When 2020 started, I was excited — 2020 — clear vision — 365 days of new possibilities…
Growing up I can remember my mom saying, “Never pray for patience, because God will allow challenges that let you learn it…the hard way.” Okay, not very encouraging advice, but I feel that that is what 2020 was. A year filled with opportunities to learn patience — and grace — and mercy — and not just survive, but thrive in a world turned upside down.
At the start of 2020 I had three business goals — create 2 surface pattern design collections and 1 Skillshare class.
I had my goals, but I also faced the year with an injury — I tore my hip labrum in a bicycle accident. It was painful, I walked with a bad limp, and had trouble getting around. Surgery wasn’t an option — in the beginning — and I spent months going to physical therapy trying to avoid surgery. I did improve some, but not enough, so surgery was performed October 6th. Healing has been slow — in fact, I named my walker “patience” as a reminder of my mom’s words, and the fact that I did need to learn patience — the hard way. It is a-l-m-o-s-t 3 months post surgery, and the pain is now minimal, but I still walk a bit like John Wayne in one of his western movies…
In regards to the goals set at the beginning of the year —I am happy to share that I created 2 surface pattern design collections, 2 Skillshare classes, revamped my website, created 4 dated planners, and started offering Paw Print art and pet portraits — art and pet portraits created from a tiny paw print shaped brush.
So how do you stay focused in a world turned upside down? All I can say is prayer and planning. Inspired by Bonnie Christine, I focused on doing one thing every day. In fact I created the “One Thing Every Day” planner to help establish my goals, and work towards them, by doing one thing every day.
When you break it down, and focus on just one thing….big or small, it doesn’t matter, because it is progress, and each “thing” moves you one step closer towards meeting your goal.
Goals are good to have. They keep us focused, moving forward, reaching higher. What are your dreams? Are you moving towards achieving them, or are they dreams dancing in your head? I encourage you to let them out — give them breath — let them be fulfilled — and then celebrate.
One of my favorite books is Anne of Green Gables, (and the movie with Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst = ) — I’ll leave you with a quote from the book:
“Oh, it’s delightful to have ambitions. I’m so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them–that’s the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting.”
May your 2021 be a year filled with hope, ambition and the fulfillment of your dreams!
