Year 25

Wow. What a year. 2020 stood still and flew by simultaneously! Do you feel similarly? You know that saying “the days are long, but the years are short”? That was 2020. That was Year 25.

Over and over, my roommates and I talked about how we couldn’t imagine waking up to do the SAME day again during the middle of our nationwide quarantine. We broke up the hours with outside activities and dressed up to move to the porch for happy hour right at 5! And then there were the nights of lying in bed wondering if the pain of missing my mom would always be this excruciating, or the unexpected 4 am wake ups with panicked crying that made it impossible to breathe. But I also think back to my birthday last year, and it feels like our trip and surprise brunch happened yesterday! Or I replay the beach days singing to Sam Hunt as if it were all last week. The painful moments felt as though they would last forever, then we blinked, and the joys of the fading summer sun and Christmas cheer came and went.

Like me, I’m sure you had your celebrations and your setbacks that defined your year. I continued to learn a lesson that’s been at the forefront of my mind for the last few years:

I have to trust Jesus with today.

2020 taught us that we truly never know what’s coming next. We felt the stress and strain financially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and beyond. Throughout the year we held plans with loose hands not knowing what the next day would bring. That lack of control fuels anxiety and leaves us feeling powerless to our ever-changing circumstances.

Yet, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

In grieving the disappointment of losing my mom, I wrestled with how to truly trust God’s goodness. My world changed in losing my best friend, but the entire world changed in the midst of a global pandemic. It felt impossible to grieve both. But, God used my 25^th year to remind me that regardless of my doubts, I’ll never turn away from Him. I never want to live a life devoid of hope— the hope He bought on the Cross of Calvary. And when I choose to trust Him with the day, my eyes are opened to see how He’s moving in the midst. The Lord used the uncertainty to draw me back to Him, because He is the only constant.

Through choices and circumstances, the Lord asked me to trust Him with what was right in front of me. Down to the minute. Sometimes the second. My mom always prayed Philippians 4:6 over me, which says,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

During my 25^th year, I prayed and begged God for so many things, and He showed me how to be grateful through it all. Most of all, I realize that growing old is a privilege not everyone is guaranteed. In the midst of the madness, another year is a gift. So as I turn 26, I wanted to share 25 things I experienced/accomplished this year and 25 things I am grateful for!

25 Things I Accomplished/Experienced

I survived a full year without my mom, and I cried a lot.
I bought a house! My beloved bungalow in San Marco with two of my lifelong friends.
I wrote a book proposal- WOW! I had no idea what I was getting into, but it reawakened a dream inside of me.
I took 100 pure barre classes! (And I can’t imagine how many I’ve done over the last 5 years at 4 different studios)
I helped my company, Root Realty, win VOID #1 for the second year in a row!
I completed so.many.puzzles, but Kels will always be the Queen.
I learned to play mahjong and drug that pleather, heavy briefcase around town with friends.
I watched lots of sunsets (even when our spot was closed!)
I traveled to 30A twice! For my birthday and B’s
I cuddled my Annie B A LOT!
I went back to my favorite place in the Bahamas with one of my dearest, Kaylee, and her family!
I treated myself at the spa and learned to truly relax and rest.
I accomplished the goal to spend as much of the summer on the beach as I could.
I supported local as much as I possible. Clothes, coffee, food, and more!
I thoroughly enjoyed living in the same city as my sister.
I taught a lot of pure barre- both virtual and in person. AND started running our social media accounts!
I watched all of Outerbanks with B and Kels in one sitting.
I lamented and learned with the world about how to actively fight racial injustice .
I started hosting the Let’s Get Real Estate podcast with my boss MaryAnne!
I sipped on margaritas to go (especially Case’s favorite from La Nop!)
I traveled to Athens, Highlands, and Durham.
I met and became friends with my lovely neighbors.
I read more books- reread old favorites, discovered new mysteries, and learned how to grieve in a healthy way.
I got a second ear piercing (shoutout to Piercing Pagoda in the Avenues Mall)
I laughed uncontrollably- with my friends, at my myself, about my pup, and in the midst of sadness.

25 Things I’m Thankful For

My Mom- Her wisdom still guides me daily. I’m thankful for the hours upon hours we spent talking to one another. I can’t even begin to describe what it’s like to miss her every second of every day, but our relationship still sustains me.
Family- Even when it’s tough, we persevere. I’m so thankful that the craziness of COVID meant I got so much quality time with my sister. During the spring, we played tennis in the street, went for runs in the middle of the day, made new recipes in the kitchen, and watched old movies. It felt like we were kids again, and that is a gift when we feel like a lot of young adulthood was robbed from us.
Roommates- Kels and Case, what would I do without you two? We stayed inside and had FUN for months! Between porch happy hours, lots of walks, and learning TikTok dances, I’m so glad it’s us 3.
B- You’ve supported me and showed up when I needed it most. You made countless yummy meals, planned group adventures, and fixed so many things around Thacker. Beyond the surprises and trips, I’ve laughed hard and cried hard with you, and I am so grateful.
Friends- Wow. I’ve experienced firsthand that they hold you up when things are rough. Even when we didn’t see each other every day, I can say I felt so connected to each of you. Thank you.
The Book Proposal Bootcamp- I learned invaluable information with inside access to the wisdom of one of my very favorite authors, Lysa TerKeurst. Through this process, God reawakened a dream He put in my heart to become an author. Not only that, He used the bootcamp to graciously push me to process my grief, and He introduced me to dear people who remind me of my mom and her friends that I used to spend so much time with. I’m still in awe and hope Faith Like Jane ends up in your hands on day.
The Beach- My happy place. Listening to the waves, sand in my toes, and drink in hand makes me feel closer to my mama.
San Marco- Our community means so much to me, because I feel like I belong. I love sitting and chatting with our friends at Grape and Grain or smiling to familiar faces in Bold Bean.
A Good Margarita- That’s all.
Surprises- I am TERRIBLE at them, but love them. I always do my best to sniff them out. My people got me so many times this year, and that feeling of shock never wears off!
Home- It’s where I belong. I feel it deep inside me.
Podcasts- I love listening and learning on so many different subjects! I feel like I made so many good companions that I’ll most likely never meet, and yet they accompanied me throughout my daily chores and tasks.
Good Music- I have so many favorite songs and albums that tie to different moments of this year. My most popular artists this year: Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Hillsong United, Dua Lipa, needtobreathe, Sam Hunt, and Taylor Swift. (basic, but they’re special to me for so many different moments!)
Health- Living in the constant battle of cancer for years, this year was triggering on a lot of levels. However, I’m thankful to stay negative and for the ability to workout and reduce stress!
Living in Florida- One of my greatest blessings. The opportunity to be near water, feel the sunshine on my face, and to get outside often is such a gift.
Annie- The prettiest girl in the world. Her personality shines, and she’s the sweetest companion that never leaves my side. Her cuddles comfort me like no other.
Football- PRAISE THE LORD we still had football to watch this year!
Work- My job has taught me so much! I’m thankful for the friendships of the Root women, the opportunity to lead creatively, and the support in helping me buy my house.
Home Cooked Meals- I love restaurants and take out, but this year I learned to love home cooked meals just as much! Favorites include: Burrito Bowls, White Bean Chicken Chili, Steaks + Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Travel- Seeing new places is SO refreshing! In a year when leaving home was limited, I’m grateful I had the opportunity to get out of town a few times.
Technology- I love old school everything- a handwritten letter, sitting around a dinner table together, playing board games, etc. But what would we have done without technology this year?! I’m so thankful for the way it keeps us connected and entertained.
Truth- In a world with a lot of lies and distractions, I’m grateful for the Word of God, which is always true and constant.
Bottomless Brunch- So much laughter and a great nap after. What more could you need?!
Counseling- I’ve met with a counselor for 3 years now, and she helps me be the healthiest version of myself. I think it’s so important to understand ourselves and our actions better. BEYOND thankful for Alice!
Jesus- My only hope. Because of Jesus, I have confidence in the promise of tomorrow, this next year, and the future when I’m united with Him and my mama in Heaven.