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Looking Back + Moving Forward: 2020

January 8, 2020 by Rachel 19 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links

What. a. year! I keep seeing posts from friends regarding how 2019 was awful. I have to say, while we had some rough times, the good far outweighed the bad times.

Professional Life

2019 Summed Up

My professional life blossomed this year. It took a lot of hard work, including long hours and late nights. But I set big goals and surpassed my own expectations!

View this post on Instagram

Just over here cracking jokes with @clevelandbrowns alumni, Frank Stams! ? • This weekends Field Day event at Stow @gianteagle was SO much fun! We met Chomps, got a couple of autographs from Frank, and played Browns trivia for a chance to win tickets to a game. • Tell me — what has been your favorite Summer to Savor event at Giant Eagle this year?! . . . . . . #ad #Instafood #foodie #delicious #tasty #ohiofindithere #neofoodies #midwestbloggers #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #ohiobloggers #cbusfoodscene #ohiofood #614eats #akroneats #akronblogger #gsmbsquad #rootandrise #614food #clevelandbrowns #clevelandbrownsnews

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Sep 22, 2019 at 3:55pm PDT

2020 Goals

I’m going to push it even harder this upcoming year. I’m going to work smarter and harder. I may even hire some help (whether it be a VA or someone to help watch the kids one day a week while I work), which is huge for me!

I’m really excited to continue several partnerships and to take on a major undertaking with a local brand! It’s going to push me beyond my comfort zone, but I’m ready for it. Speaking of comfort zones, I really stayed out of photos this year. I featured mostly food, spaces, and my kids. But in 2020 I vow to be IN my content more! Stay tuned!

Personal Life

2019 Summed Up

Old House Stress

This year was a really stressful year for our little family. Chad spent most of his ‘spare’ time at our old house, getting it ready to be put on the market. This largely meant that we rarely saw him. The kids craved his attention in the moments where he was home and, well, he was just plain ol’ exhausted.

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Tomorrow! Tomorrow is THE day! . To be honest, I never imagined I would be part of the home-buying process. My husband purchased our current home long before we began dating, and I just assumed we would always make-do with our tiny, but cozy, home. . And then this all happened so suddenly. I fell in love with a century home just a block from our current home. And tomorrow we get the keys (even though I DID already sneak over and put this doormat out — in my defense the house is currently empty so I wasn’t creepin’ on anyone’s space). . Now let me go to sleep so tomorrow can come! ? . #imsobloggingthis #midwestbloggers #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Dec 3, 2018 at 3:28pm PST

Travel Time

The good news is that when he was around, we made the most of our time together. We took trips to Great Wolf Lodge, went camping at Jellystone Park in Pennsylvania, and even snuck in a trip to Kalahari!

We also (somehow) made it to Columbus several times as well as a trip to Kentucky! It was a crazy travel year, for sure.

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“I think I’m gonna kick it with my mom today.” ❤️ (Shirt courtesy of our favorite local shop, @reverie.gifts.xo) • In the last 24-hours that her two older siblings have been gone, she’s cut another tooth AND taken her first unassisted step! ? So yeah… I think she’s enjoying being the only little at home right now! ? • How’s your Monday going?! . . #reveriegifts #ohioblogger #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #midwestbloggers #shoplocal #ohioexplored #exploreohio #cuyahogafalls #justakidfromakron #letthembelittle #letthembekids #rootandrise #cbusfoodscene #ohiofood

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Jul 22, 2019 at 3:43pm PDT

Celebrations

We celebrated our final babies first birthday by throwing a big birthday bash at our forever home — our first real time hosting! It was a lot of work, but we were finally able to show our family and friends this incredible space.

The kids had so much fun playing in the yard and jumping on the trampoline.

2020 Goals

This year offers a fairly blank slate. I’d like to do some local travel ahead of our big trip to Hilton Head Island late this Summer. But other than that, we have no official plans.

I’ll be taking my kids on new adventures here in Ohio and exploring new neighborhoods in an effort to connect more with my community and to help nurture their curiosity.

Health

2019 Summed Up

Guys, I mildly failed at all things ‘health’ related this year. The stress of life and a serious time-management issue on my part resulted in very poor year of health and fitness for me. The one and only thing I did that is deserving of any credit is running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon.

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Wanna know a secret? You can be a social media influencer. YES YOU CAN use your influence to get discounts! With as little as 100 followers you can use your influence to get offers on LOTS of website offers. Go to the website in my bio to start getting awesome discounts from @localfluence. https://localfluence.com/offers-web?onboardSource=weboffers.itsahero.nov . . . . #ad #Local #BuyLocal #Instafood #foodie #delicious #tasty #craftbeer #craftbeerblogger #gsmbsquad #ohiofindithere #neofoodies #midwestbloggers #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #ohiobloggers #cbusfoodscene #ohiofood #614eats #akroneats #akronblogger #akroneats #akrowdy #614 #clevelandfood #clefood #clefoodies #akronohio #rootandrise

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Nov 8, 2019 at 4:22pm PST

2020 Goals

Things are changing. In fact, I’ve already started making changes. I’m being MUCH more conscious of my food choices and making MY health a top priority this year.

As cliché as it sounds, I am going to get back to my regular weight this year. For those of you who haven’t been following along since before this year, you’ll know that I used to be workout fanatic. I’ve lost some of my mojo thanks to pregnancy and kids, but I think I’ve figured out what I need to get my excitement back.

View this post on Instagram

Don’t let the fear of not being “good enough” hold you back from achieving your goals! . Today I finished my first postpartum race after having Mila and my second half marathon, the @pghmarathon . I was underprepared. Crazy, crazy underprepared. The days and hours where I should have been running were spent tending to sick children. . But I still got out there today. I still showed up. I realized in the wee hours of this morning that I CAN DO VERY HARD THINGS. HECK, I birthed three babies on very little sleep (and one without an epidural). So I knew my body was (and is) capable for more than I think. . So if you think “I could never do ___,” take a step back and give yourself some darn credit! YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! . Thank you to @brooksrunning for helping me remember how strong my body truly is. . . #sponsored #runhappy #brooksrunning #2run6 #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #midwestbloggers #MOVEpittsburgh #pittsburghhalfmarathon #pittsburghmarathon #ohioblogger #womensrunningcommunity #instarunners #runnersofinstagram #runningmom #runtoinspire #sweatpink #this_is_postpartum

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on May 5, 2019 at 5:27pm PDT

Try new things

As a previous obsessive yogi, it has been years since I was ‘active’ in the community. I’ve tried the at-home practice, but it just wasn’t my thing. A new studio opened in my town and I’m going to try their hot power classes!

I’m also signed up for an OrangeTheory Fitness class trial. Now, if only I could get my hands on a Peleton 😛

Get back on track

Having babies and adjusting to being a work-from-home mom four years ago really did a number on my nutrition. I was no longer tied to a desk. You would think working from home would offer more balance, right? For me it did not. I have struggled with the freedom and my diet has suffered.

Now that we are officially finished with having babies (and now that we’re through the newborn phase entirely), I’m able to get a bit of my life back. And, for me, that means getting back in control.

For me, it’s less about weight than it is about comfort. And I just haven’t felt comfortable in my own skin for the last few years. I do have a goal-weight, but it is not unrealistic. I’ve set an attainable goal for myself as a ‘big picture’ thought.

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These kids had a BLAST at @discover_pinecrest and @neohioparent Family Fun Day this week. They played HARD and I got a reprieve from the grind of parenting! ? • I’m so excited that Pinecrest is offering so many family-friendly events this Summer, including two more family fun days! Head on over to my blog post to read more about the fun events happening this summer! [link in profile] . . . #ad #clevelandohio #clevelandfood #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #ohioblogger #midwestbloggers #cbus #216 #akrowdy #justakidfromakron #targetdollarspot #targetdoesitagain

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:47pm PDT

Writing it all out feels surreal. I cannot believe what this last year has brought our family (and I can’t believe we made it through). But I’m infinitely excited for what’s to come.

What goals do you have for 2020?

woman with wine glass in hotel

Filed Under: #GetFit, #MomLife, cleveland, family, fitness, goals, health, mommyhood, parenthood, postpartum, wellness Tagged With: #MomLife, family, fitness, goals, health and beauty, motherhood, parenthood, postpartum, wellness

Previous Post: « Tips to Tackle Sick Days with Johnson & Johnson
Next Post: Easy Tips to Help Stay on Track This Year »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah Afshar

    January 8, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    Fantastic blog. I feel extremely inspired after reading. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Adriana

    January 9, 2020 at 12:22 am

    WOW 2019 was great and 2020 will be bettr. BTW love your blog. So cute

    Reply
  3. Kileen

    January 9, 2020 at 1:14 am

    So glad you had such a great year! I hope you continue shredding this year too!!

    Kileen
    cute & little

    Reply
  4. The Tale of Mummyhood

    January 9, 2020 at 8:39 am

    What a year you’ve had! We’re going through similar with moving houses right now and it is stressful, worth it when it’s done though!

    Reply
  5. Amber

    January 9, 2020 at 9:00 am

    Last year was a big year for you! Lots going on. I found it hard after kids to get on track with fitness and nutrition also. The kids just want to snack all the time and are always hungry so you end up snacking too and then they only eat half of their dinner so you take bites off their plate… its terrible!

    Reply
  6. Laura

    January 9, 2020 at 9:21 am

    Sounds like 2019 was great for you and I hope 2020 is even better. Good luck with your goals x

    Reply
  7. Chad

    January 9, 2020 at 11:12 am

    I am so happy you had such an amazing 2019, i did as well! I am so looking forward to 2020, yay!!!

    Reply
  8. Alissa

    January 9, 2020 at 12:16 pm

    Come to my gym and workout with meeeee!!! Lifting weights changed my liffffe. Down 17lbs and up 6 lbs muscle!

    Reply
    • Rachel

      January 11, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      Where are you working out!?

      Reply
  9. Blogging Mechanic

    January 9, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    Wow, you’ve had an action-packed year for sure. Congrats on the youngest’s first birthday! Glad to hear that your career expectations have been surpassed. Onwards and upwards. Bring on 2020!

    Reply
  10. Rosemary

    January 9, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    Prioritizing health is a great goal. And, I love Orange Fitness. Despite everything you had going on in 2019, you successfully met your goals. There is no reason you will not exceed your goals in 2020. Good luck!

    Reply
  11. Christa

    January 9, 2020 at 11:46 pm

    I loved reading this review! Running a half marathon is a HUGE accomplishment and deserves A LOT of credit. Wishing you a joyous and successful 2020!

    Reply
  12. Kevin Akidi

    January 10, 2020 at 3:23 am

    I try not to judge my year from just one situation. There is always a lot to be grateful for. Your 2019 looked great, wishing a better and prosperous 2020.

    Reply
  13. aisasami

    January 10, 2020 at 7:31 am

    I love how you reflected back on your 2019 and got some nifty goals for 2020! Good luck and Happy New YEar!

    Reply
  14. Kiwi

    January 21, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    2020 is a year of me trying new things too. I also want to revamp some things in my life this year.

    Reply
  15. Jho Pasquin

    March 4, 2020 at 8:13 am

    Wow good luck to your 2020 goals. Yes, it may be tiring, but there’s no way to go but up:)

    Reply
  16. Jho Pasquin

    March 8, 2020 at 10:38 am

    Congratulations for having a great 2019 . Now wishing you a more fabulous 2020.

    Reply
  17. Sagar Sahay

    March 9, 2020 at 12:07 am

    What a phenomenal year you have had in 2019, it is very encouraging to know that you will keep raising the bar, really inspiring.

    Reply
  18. Denise Gabbard

    March 9, 2020 at 7:48 am

    Love reading your blog. I grew up in Cleveland (Newburg Hrs) and I know Cuyahoga Falls well. If it wasn’t so darn cold in the winter, we’d be living there.

    Reply

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