In years past I have struggled over my word choice. This year Strength came to me and I never second guessed it. It was perfect.

Strength of character, of body, of resolve.

If this past year has taught me anything, it’s that strength is so important.  Life isn’t always easy, it’s messy and sometimes really hard. But having inner strength can take you a long way.

Physical strength is a good thing as well. This will be important for my gardening goals this summer.

As I go through the coming year, strength will play a big part in a variety of ways.

As we all are fully aware of…this year has been been a crazy one. I can only imagine the chapters in the history books devoted to this time. I had no idea what was in store when I decided on my 2020 Word of the Year: Mindful.

Practicing being mindful has been at the forefront for me lately. Taking time to reflect on the day, the little things is so important. Especially when the days all begin to drift together. Same place, same people, same tasks, same conversations…same, same, same. It’s easy to get discouraged, disheartened or depressed. I know…I have struggled with this as well.

I keep circling back to my WOTY. Mindful can mean different things to different people at different times. Often times for me being mindful means having gratitude. Not in the writing a thank you note type of gratitude but being appreciative of the things we so often take for granted. Food security, shelter, a job, your health, a working vehicle just to name a few.

This crazy year has made me and so many others very mindful of all the old timey skills that had almost been forgotten. I’ve written a couple posts on this in the past. The skills of our ancestors are essential, and must not be forgotten.

With the whole country dealing with some form of food insecurity this year, it had me baking bread, expanding my garden, pickling, canning, fermenting and drying herbs just off the top of my head. Fermenting was a new skill I learned over the summer, I made kimchi and sauerkraut.  I also learned that I could get a second crop of a few items in my garden…something I’d never thought about trying in zone 4. Now that I know this, I will continue to be mindful when planning new my crops.

Being mindful of how my actions or lack of action affect others was also on my heart. Sewing masks for my family and friends was a no brainer for me but also making a bunch of extras to donate to the elder community only made sense as well. Taking care of our fellow man is important to me. Sometimes financial help isn’t exactly what is needed. It can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, help with yard work…you get the picture. Be kind, do good things.

During the beginning of the lockdown and subsequent at home all-the-time period, I found myself like so many others, sitting more, eating more and generally lacking in healthy choices. After a while I realized that this was going in a very bad direction. I decided to make a change and began being mindful of my choices. I started walking a couple miles most days, adding more fresh fruits & veggies to diet and cutting back on empty calories such as drinks and junk food. It’s simple in theory…harder in application. I am happy with the results of my choices though…to date, I have lost over 20 lbs. I am ever mindful this is not a diet, this is a lifestyle change. I have been down this road before. Making big changes with big impact then falling back to the old easy habits. Thankfully having been through this before I am acutely aware of the importance of remaining mindful of my choices.

As I choose a new WOTY for 2021, I will not forget the lessons that my previous words of the year have taught me and continue to be mindful in my daily life.