Reflecting on OLW from 2020

                                                                 It is time to reflect on 2020 

Thank goodness 2020 is in the hindsight! 

How did I do fulfilling my OLW for 2020? 

Did I …..REACH….in 2020?

This is what I wrote about REACH for 2020  

Reach....for my loved ones. Spending that quality time with each of my children.  Knowing their love language. Giving hugs. to touch.  Connecting with them. Same for my spouse! Taking the time to reach out to other family members too. Whether it's picking up the phone to call, commenting on a Facebook post, sending a package or letter, making the effort to attend that family gathering or hosting it for that matter! 

Reach......and stretch! Yes, to stretch my body feels so good. If only for 5 minutes while the coffee brews to ignite those muscles. Maybe that will lead to more opportunities to pursue exercise for me. Yoga...that's stretching right?....that's my kind of exercise! 

Reach....... out to others. It might be actually lending a helping hand or  it could be a simple smile or wave. Be open. Reach  out to others -co-workers, neighbors, even strangers.  A kind word or compliment can brighten someone's day. Those sunshine rays will fill my soul too. 

Yes committed to connecting with my family.  Still in great communication with my sister in Arizona even though we delayed and postponed her regular visits back here to KC she did make it here in time for Thanksgiving. We were giving thanks for some time together. Soon after the COVID restrictions began we continued with a family camping and canoeing trip with Mia, Lori’s family & , Amys family.   Our family had to get creative with communication and connecting (because of COVID) we had several siblings video calls with all 5 of us on the line. A little while  after struggling through COVID restrictions & fear,  we  reached out and pulled my mamma out of assisted living and into the arms of loved ones to be with and care for her.  Through that I was able to connect more with Leilani and family and even Kevin Sr. and Jr and JJ. I visited,  called and connected with Cathy and family too (now that they have moved back from Hawaii)& visited frequently when Mamma was staying with her in Weston.   We went to Amy’s house many times and try to continue making memories for my children with her kids there at her Lake House.   I sent packages to Jeni (to get well after falling and breaking her leg) to Dave and Mara, Treigh and Tina for Christmas. I hand knit a chunky blanket for Mia and painted a snowglobe of her grandchildren. 

Reaching my kids… connecting with, quality time- Kaitlyn played on a volleyball team and I stepped up to coach it.  I did stretch myself by listening to my child’s love &  allowing her to pursue her passions, not only did she do horseback riding lessons every week and camp during the summer but towards the end of the year,  I pushed for her to be able to lease a horse (She leased Rusty for the first time this year for 3 months, Sept, Oct & Nov)   Helping Michael find and do what he enjoys...quitting baseball and began racing dirt bikes this summer. Spent lots of time fishing & hunting. Got to mount his deer skull, make his own turkey fan mount at school in woodshop class, turn his own duck call. Possibly starting archery and shooting trap through the school too. Encouraging and supporting him in the things he loves.  

Reach and stretch- Id say yes, I did this too. I joined BeachBody and committed to T20 then the 21 Day Fix twice. This summer I was walking everyday at least 2 miles- to the point at the lake or to the beach &  back. I tuned into Phit n Phat podcast and took the No BS weightloss course. I joined the weightloss Facebook group at school and lost some weight. 

Did I Reach out to others?..... Stop and ask Pam (coworker)  about her mom and was there for her when her mom passed away.  Reached out to Peggy when she wasn;t working any more. Reaching out to (Alice) & Farmer Family mom has cancer and K and Alice nurturing a friendship. Leave little gifts and presents, treats and food at their door has been so fulfilling to us.  Hosted a Friends-mas for Katilyn and a few of her friends They stayed after school, decorated cookies, drank cocoa and exchanged gifts with each other. 

I am happy to realize this desire to REACH in 2020 followed me throughout the entire year. I did take steps into the unknown, I did extend a hand, I did stretch out my neck and do things I had never done before, I did do things I had never done before all in an effort to REACH. I feel satisfied that is had become who I am to REACH :)