I don’t have to tell you it’s been a really hard year. The world has been hammered with the toughest storm that most of us have ever faced. From financial to emotional and physical—this has been a really hard blow for the majority of people. And we all manage that stress and fear differently.

For me, I ate and drank my feelings. While I have been fortunate to maintain an amazing job, the uncertainties and stress of the pandemic really weighed on me (literally). In 2019 I had lost almost 25 pounds—my final baby weight plus a LOT more—but after six months of 2020 anxiety, I had put a large portion of that BACK on. My body got used to the 5 o’clock wine time and that resulted in some really, really poor nutrition decisions.

Guys, I felt gross and exhausted and just tired of this “Groundhog Day” effect 2020 has created. So, I finally told myself it was enough. After three months of resetting and focusing on me, I’ve almost lost that entire “COVID” 15lbs. I don’t have to tell you it’s really tough to balance work, family, and selfcare. I’ve actually forced myself to make it a priority by blocking a lunch hour on my work calendar so I can work out—typically, I would eat lunch at my desk while working or taking phone calls.

So, this morning, I’m drinking a cup of coffee and celebrating me. I have so many dreams and goals and aspirations as we head in 2021. But today, I’m determined not to let the lessons and challenges of 2020 be missed. They help shape who we are meant to be, and they help us to persevere and be stronger. If you’re struggling right now, take a breath. Let it out slowly. Now take another breath.

As we head into 2021, I hope to start sharing some more inspiration with you all. It helps to keep me out of the fears of my own head, and I pray it does the same for you. I’d gotten out of that habit this year because, well, LIFE happened. It happened to all of us, and many of us are still reeling. And we may be reeling for quite some more time, But, remember, this moment does NOT define you. It’s simply shaping you into so much more.