Why 2020 is a Big Deal

Here we are, in the first weeks of the new year: my first post of 2020, a fresh start, and a fresh look at what’s ahead.

I’m not the only one who’s at least moderately hyped for the Barbara Walters of new years (the diet and fitness industry would never miss an opportunity for a cheap tie-in), but this year in particular holds some significance for me. 2020 is a year of twos: this year will mark two years since quitting corporate and going freelance, two years of marriage, and two decades since graduating from high school and embarking on a “real” adult life, whatever that means.

I’ve shared that I don’t do new year’s resolutions. Like last year, I’m choosing a word to guide me throughout 2020; something I can look to as a thematic beacon for my decision making. For this year, I thought that perhaps FEARLESS would be a good choice, as overcoming my fears (of failure; of putting my real self out there and being ridiculed) is something I’m working on.

But when I really think critically about this concept, it’s less about fear and more about belief. Becoming a business owner has changed what I fundamentally believe about money, time, and value. I’m ready to talk about the things we "shouldn't" talk about: jealousy, comparison, shortcomings, and failure. Last year, I chose TRUTH as my word, which quickly transformed into a new word—BOUNDARIES—that served me much better. This year, BELIEVE is my word.

My whole life, I’ve struggled with self-confidence issues: belief in myself, my abilities, and my inherent worth is something that only now as a person well into adulthood am I truly able to accept. If I believe I can do it, I can. It’s the Pygmalion effect at work.

2019 was a year of deconstruction for me as I tore down old identities and rewrote the stories I told myself. I learned that everything is indeed figureoutable, just like Marie Forleo said.

Because I believe, I can.

(The image for this post is by the estimable Jessica Arroyo, who continues to wow me not only with her artistic talent, but also with her tremendous heart and love for fellow humans. If you want beautiful, soulful portraits that will have you seeing yourself in a new light, she’s who you want.)