A Hard 2019 and 2020

Each new year, I think “Wow, this year has been a roller coaster…” or “This has been a hard year…” I say, “I hope this year will be better.”

But now reflecting back on this decade and where I was at each year, I realized that every year WAS hard, but I HOPE every year to come is hard, because if it was hard then that means:

• I was pushed out of my comfort zone
• I learned something more about my emotions
• I did something new

Hard means growth

This New Years, I am back in Minnesota with family, which I haven't done in 5 years. This decade, I have celebrated new years by exploring the streets of Cape Town, South Africa, celebrating with friends around the world in South Korea, dancing at an afterparty in Denver. Even though this New Years does not have any party poppers or dancing, it will include some movies, quiet time, and the most important part...community.

I am excited to ring in 2020 how I have been living my 2019, surrounded by people who care, love and support me. After reflecting each month, I realized the highlights were when I was around my community who I lean on when things are good and bad, who push me to be the best person I can be, who love me when I cannot love myself.

So before the ball drops in 2019, take time to reflect on the person or people who are your community and the person or people you want to grow even more with.

For all of my Pineapples and myself, I hope for another hard 2020.