2020 in a Nutshell
Letter board with the quote “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” by Neale Donald Walsch, displayed in front of a dandelion knitted blanket.
Editor’s note: This post continues to evolve as I do, updated to reflect the growth, gratitude, and perspective gained since it was first written.
Hello resilient souls and fellow adventure-seekers. Thank you for being here. As we step into a new year, I can’t help but pause and reflect on everything 2020 brought with it: the highs, the lows, and the unexpected in-betweens. It was a year unlike any other. One marked by uncertainty, resilience, and lessons I never saw coming.
In this post, I’ll be looking back at the moments that shaped me from the accomplishments I’m proud of, to the struggles I pushed through, to the quiet experiences that left the deepest mark. However your 2020 unfolded, I hope this reflection reminds you that every step forward, no matter how imperfect or unseen, is worth honoring.
Let’s take a look back at a year that changed so many of us.
Now that 2020 is officially behind us, it’s tempting to focus only on what’s next. But before diving into the unknown of a new year, I want to pause and honor what came before from the new experiences I stepped into, the goals I reached, and yes, even the heartbreaks I carried through it. Maybe parts of this will feel familiar to you, too.
One of the biggest themes of my 2020 was trying new things. Whether it was experimenting with different cuisines, finally joining in on activities I’d always been curious about, or showing up to events that stretched my comfort zone. And what better place to begin than with food?
Food has always been an important part of my life, though for years I stuck to what felt familiar. As someone who grew up as a picky eater, I made a quiet promise to myself a few years ago to be more adventurous, one bite at a time. 2020 gave me the space to keep that promise, and I’m excited to share a few of those flavorful discoveries with you.
Mr. A’s Resturant – Recommended by someone I knew, this cozy pancake house had the best Chicken Noodle Soup I’ve ever had. But the standout? Their Banana Nutella French Toast. It was rich, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet.
Einstein Bagels – Bagels were always familiar, but the spreads? Not so much. One flavor in particular changed that for me. It’s the Honey Almond Schmear. Creamy, lightly sweet, and unexpectedly comforting. It was the kind of flavor that sticks with you long after the last bite.
True Food Kitchen – A connection of mine introduced me to this health-conscious spot focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients. We split the Margherita pizza and it was simply but satisfying in the best way.
Buttermilk – I was unfamiliar with this spot but it was suggested to me and I’m glad I went. This place left a lasting impression on me from the unique coffee flavors to the hint of southern food. But it was their French Toast that left me wanting more. It was soft, warm, and full of comfort.
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant – Trying sushi here for the first time was quite a surprise. From the raw salmon and cucumber role with fish eggs, it was intriguing. However, it was the perfectly seasoned edamame that really drew me in.
North of the Border – A huge, delicious Enchilada Burrito stuffed with beans, rice, cheese, and meat. Enough to last for days. It was a frequent recommendation.
Apple Villa Pancake House – One of my all-time favorite brunch spots, known for their uniquely flavored pancake options and cozy atmosphere. Sadly, it appears a new brunch spot is in its place.
Beef Shack – Comfort food at its best. Their mini Cheesy Beef on Garlic is now my go-to. They also offer a variety of burgers and sandwiches.
Rejoice – A vegan and gluten-free gem hidden nestled within a bike shop has a little something for everyone. I tried their oatmeal with chocolate, banana, and walnuts while inside of a heated igloo.
Lyfe Kitchen – Organic, plant-based meals that surprised me on my birthday visit. The Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowl remains as my favorite, to this day.
Village Squire – Medieval-themed with Greek inspired food. It was their few bread with butter and their salads were unforgettable.
Briana’s Pancake House – Cinnamon French Toast was great, but their sausages really stole the show.
World Market’s Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup – One of my favorite shopping spots, offers a spicy tortilla soup mix that blew me away. It’s sold dry and without chicken. Either way, it’s a flavorful meal I can’t recommend enough.
Partake’s Birthday Cake Cookies – These cookies come in a few flavors but they are gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. In other words, it’s a tasty treat everyone can enjoy.
Homemade Vietnamese Food – Someone I know had a little get together and there were all different kinds of Vietnamese dishes. The fried rice with shrimp was delicious. I tried the spring roll as well but learned after the fact that it tastes better dipped in the sauce.
Other new and exciting adventures in 2020 were:
Car parades – Participated in a couple of these to show support and appreciation.
Essential oils – Someone I knew had samples of essential oils they received and they gave me a couple to try out on my own. While the gesture was really sweet, the scents were too overpowering for me.
Kayaking – This was the first time ever being in my own, individual water vessel. It was fun and challenging, no doubt.
Retirement – A loved one had a retirement celebration. Not only did the weather cooperate with a beautiful, sunny day, but it was great hearing memories from their former team. It was a day full of laughs, good vibes, and nostalgia.
Babysitting mice – Someone I knew left for vacation and I agree to watching their pet mice. Despite the slight stench, they were the cutest little things.
Haunted House – I put on a brave face and went to a haunted house this year. Thankfully, it wasn’t too scary. But the decorations from the walls to the costumes were outstanding.
Halloween Decorations – I haven’t ever been someone who was way into Halloween but this year, a group of us got together and decorated. And it was truly something special.
Nails Done – A connection of mine is a nail technician and they recommended I give it a try. I was blown away by their skill.
Among Us Bandwagon – A few of us got together and played this wildly popular game. While I wasn’t very good, it was a lot of fun!
Love Languages – I don’t remember what inspired me to read this book, but I found it to be an interesting read.
Quick reminder before I share my accomplishments of 2020, achievements come in all forms. Sometimes just getting through the day is worth celebrating, and other times, celebrating dreams you’ve been working towards for a while, is just as important. Your journey is special to you. Honor it without comparison.
With that in mind, I spent my downtime tapping into new outlets from programming to finding a bridesmaid dress. I experienced two microburst storms and a derecho, moments that reminded me how unpredictable life can be. One unexpected highlight was trying a dancing game at a crowded arcade. Something my old, more self-conscious self never would have done. And yes, I voted. A quiet but meaningful way to be part of a bigger picture.
Of course, 2020 also brought its own share of challenges for my loved ones and I from health issues to unexpected losses, to emergencies and broken-down equipment. So, if you faced similar hardships, please know this: you are far stronger than you realize. Often, its through these difficult times that we discover our deepest resilience and learn the most valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for new adventures, lessons, and moments of growth 2021 has to offer. If you have any thoughts, questions, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to me through any of the links at the beginning of this post. For now, thank you for following along and being part of this evolving journey with me.
Next Wednesday, January 12th, 2021, I’ll share a post about how this blog came to be, and I hope you’ll join me on that journey.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
