3 Reasons 2020 Became My Best Year Ever

Looking back to the start of last year, it’s still hard to fathom what was lurking just around the corner and about to implode in early March (earlier depending on where in the world you might have been). One might immediately think Covid-19 of course…. let’s not overlook the seemingly self-implosion of the U.S….. don’t worry I’m not about to go political on you. I just can’t imagine reflecting on 2020 without taking a pause to remember lives lost in the chaos and hatred seeping out from the bowels of America.

On another note…. one of hope, possibility, and insight into what we can control, influence, and inspire in others…. Love, kindness, compassion, courage, gratitude?

In my first blog of 2020, I exposed my discomfort with the traditional “guru” inspired goal setting models and shared what has worked increasingly well for me since I chose my own path -.it’s not necessarily unique but it was to me at the time. If you haven’t read it and would like to, check it out right HERE.This time last year, I took a slight pivot from earlier years of creating a mantra, and instead, I chose 3 words to guide how I wanted the year to look, feel, and evolve.

3 words… * Achieve * Balance * Create *

Wow, they really served me well for 2020! Amidst the challenges and shortcomings, I confidently claim another “Best Year Ever” (the mantra I carry with me year to year). At the heart of it all, these 3 words freed me from the worry and despair I might have succumbed otherwise, as the pandemic spread and hatred manifested, threatening to envelop our lives.

Reason #1

To be honest, I had little idea of what I wanted to achieve… well, I had one idea. I was crystal clear in my desire to have an amazing relationship with Hugh and excited to start our lives living together… yep, chalk that up as a 2020 highlight!A mid-year achievement worthy of mention… our adventurous kayak trip to Jedediah Island… you can read all about the magic and wonder of this uniquely personal destination.It occurs to me, this year more than any other the value in taking stock of your life, making note of your encounters in the past year, celebrating your wins, acknowledging your lessons, and stepping into another year with optimism, enthusiasm, and gratitude. Without intending to “preach”, how can we not?While this is a first for me, I am compelled to share openly that of which I would never have imagined divulging even to my closest friends, let alone in a blog for everyone to read. If I were to measure 2020 in the way I once measured my life (my worth), it would be a colossal failure. For this past year my earnings… net income…. whatever you reference, was my lowest in nearly 30 years. But here’s the thing... I have never felt more joy, more freedom, more alive... and it all started in 2017 with 2 significant events - for the purpose of this blog I’ll refer to just one - exiting the corporate world and subsequently…. learning to follow my heart (cliche perhaps, but true).If not for these earlier changes and the self-imposed (mostly) journey I endeavoured to embody, 2020 may have been filled with fear, anxiety, and financial doom. Yes, my work disappeared like so many client-facing businesses, yes I was left to wonder how I might pay the bills… leading me to more of the astonishing highlights of the year - Creating my “Love Your Camera” free webinar series, evolving into my “Through The Lens” photography workshops and allowing me to experience my love of photography in a way I never thought possible.Let’s be clear, there was no financial windfall… albeit it is the most fun I have ever been paid to have… In the interest of being transparent and real, I eventually dipped into my RRSP funds and I did so with gratitude…. and a BIG SMILE on my face. After all, I was having my “Best Year Ever”.

Reason #2

Practicing balance did not come without struggle and at times I found myself in deep conflict, often disguised as conflict with others (okay, let’s be real - by others, I mean Hugh). It’s only through deep inner reflection I’m able to accept the true culprit as the one looking back in the mirror.Any battle I experienced with finding balance came from within, from the dark recesses of my own past surrender to societal influences and expectations of others (only to discover as mostly self-imposed). I remain acutely aware of the power our past experiences, societal influences, and ingrained belief systems hold in our minds. Mostly, I am motivated (perhaps destined) to help others recognize, interrupt, and overcome their own patterns and beliefs... Oops, I digress to 2021.In the end, I found balance amidst the battle of ‘doing’ versus ‘being’. Instead of chasing an idea or devising a plan/method to accomplish “something”, I allowed ideas to flow, initiated action where it felt right, and simply let the rest flow…. I can “feel” some of you rolling your eyes as I would have not so long ago. What I can also feel, are those of you with a knowing of the truth and the beauty of what I write...

Reason #3

I am blown away in acknowledging what I (and Hugh) were able to create in 2020 and I share some of it with you purely in the spirit of exploring how powerful this model of living can be.Here’s just some of what fills my “create” list for 2020:

• Launched my website (I’d insert a link but you’re already here… LOL)
• Wrote and published 13 blogs sharing my personal journey
• Co-hosted (with Hugh) “Love Under Pressure” in the midst of the pandemic and more recently “Your Last 30 Days”
• Converted our carport into a 2 car garage - bringing a long-held dream to reality for Hugh
• Painted the exterior (interior now in progress) of our home (a DIY project)
• Created and hosted 16 Love Your Camera webinars (connecting with many beautiful, like-minded people)
• Created and hosted 8 in-person Through The Lens photography workshops

Most importantly…

I created space for myself... space to… explore… be mindful… go within… dig deep… step into my discomfort and seek a new soul connection, allowing me to leap beyond my own limitations - I created space for a true Feminine Warrior - Deanna Deacon.

So where does that leave me for 2021?

Bringing a new twist to a new year, Hugh and I crafted 12 monthly challenges. January’s challenge is “Throw One Thing Out A Day”. I have to say 13 days in, it feels FANTASTIC. It’s pushed us to take action versus simply “thinking about it” and there is FREEDOM in clearing out the old. We also chose to go dry for the month and it’s been the easiest dry month I’ve encountered - I’ve been doing it since 2013.Without a doubt, it will be my new “Best Year Ever” and to design it as such, I choose a single yet powerful guiding word… * FLOURISH *I will continue to FLOURISH… I will help others FLOURISH… My relationships will FLOURISH… Love and kindness will FLOURISH.How would you define your 2020? What does the next year hold for you? Email me your highlights, struggles, deepest desires... whatever you wish to share. I’d love to hear from you.