Top 3 Things To Leave Behind In 2020

To say that 2020 has been a year for the history books is an understatement. So many of us started this year with so much hope, many dreams, and what we thought was 20/20 vision. Yet as the year unfolded, it became filled with unexpected, unprecedented, and uncertain twists and turns. There have been so many lessons learned. However I know there are things as we look toward the new year that we want to leave behind in 2020.

It is often said that there is no testimony with a test. 2020 has definitely tested us in so many ways. For me, my faith, marriage, and parenting were tested. In the last year, my husband and I have spent more continuous time together than ever before, and that caused its own set of tests and challenges.

Then I became a homeschool teacher and principal to my three school-aged daughters. That also was filled with tests, challenges, frustrations, and tears at times from all parties. The tests in life at times can be overwhelming, but it is in these times when our faith is grown, our marriages are strengthened, and our parenting skills are refined.

So many of us have experiences in 2020 have changed us forever. If we take a moment to really think about those changes, some have been for the better. Taking a better version of yourself in the new year will require you to embrace some new things and let go of some old things. Here are the top three things we all need to leave behind in 2020.

Leave Behind Focusing On What Was

It is so easy to want what was. The things that we were comfortable with, used to, and accustomed to. Yet, when we focus so much on what was it becomes very hard, if not impossible, to see what could be and to actually work towards it.

But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
Isaiah 43:18-19

There is something exciting about the new and the unknown. I remember those days of anticipating the arrival of my first child. We chose to not find out if we were having a boy or a girl. That added its own level of anticipation.

When we go from being just a married couple enjoying life to married with kids, life is never the same. Are there things you miss about your life before having kids? Yes!

Yet, the blessing of what is and embracing the new is greater. Much like when we look at our lives before 2020, there are so many things we miss. There is so much ahead of us if we would only shift our focus.

Leave Behind In 2020 Keeping Up Appearances

I do not know about you, but trying to keep up appearances is exhausting. Trying to be and present yourself to others as they want you can take a lot of work. Not necessarily trying to be perfect, yet that is something we all can struggle with from time to time, but not showing up fully as who you are.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
Pslams 139:14 (NKJV)

When you embrace the beauty and the fullness in which you were created, so much changes. You become less worried about trying to be perfect and embrace being present. You become okay with showing your imperfections and others around you start to do the same. This also allows you to build stronger and more authentic relationships.

As you enter this new year, leaving behind the appearance of what others want you to be and embracing who you are and who you want to be is key. It is also one of the first steps in giving yourself permission to become the Beyond You.

Leave Behind Self-Reliance

Yes, you are strong, capable, and able. However, you are not supposed to try to take on and do everything on your own. God created us to be in relationship with Him and with each other.

2020 has separated us physically in so many ways and it makes it easy for us to think we have to do everything on our own. Yet, it is in community, whether with those in your home or virtually, that we get so much more done.

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there’s no one to help, tough!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (MSG)

Allowing other people both into your life and to help you along this journey is so important. To grow as women we need other women. To grow as wives we need other wives. And to grow as mothers we need other mothers. Being independent is good, but being in relationships and community is better.

As we reflect on the past year and look to 2021, letting go of focusing on what was, keeping up appearances, and self-reliance is key. This new year is an opportunity for you to grow in ways like never before, but it is going to require you to leave behind somethings in 2020.

I’d love to know what you are leaving behind in 2020 in the comments!