Hello Mama!

We finally made it to the last month of 2020. Can I get an “Amen” from the seats in the back?! And, what a wild ride it has been!

I recently read a post on social media that resonated with me:

“Plot twist: 2020 has actually been the best year of your life. You’ve faced challenge after challenge, you’ve adapted, and you’ve overcome. 2020 has forced you to grow exponentially. Don’t take that for granted.”—Unknown

So, as you look back on all that was 2020, what do YOU see? Do you see what I see?

No, I’m not breaking into the Christmas song, but I am encouraging you to look a little deeper to see what holds true for your growth this past year. Here’s what I see…

I see a mom who, despite having her world turned upside down by a global pandemic, still chose to get up every single day to make breakfast for her children, helped them log on to their virtual classroom, and learned how to Zoom at home and at work.

I see a mom who learned to cook more than she ever thought possible! She tried out new recipes via Pinterest, Rachel Ray and good ole’ Betty Crocker. She failed at some but overall provided healthy, home-cooked meals for her family.

I see a mom who was declared an Essential Worker from day one. Who pushed past her fear of Covid-19 to take care of others. Who wore ALL the PPE! All. The. Time. And, no matter how she was feeling, chose to get up every day to save lives.

I see a mom who chose to sit with her pain and the pain of others when racial tensions almost broke her. But, instead of avoiding hard

conversations, she leaned in to that very pain to support others and to make the necessary steps toward her own healing.

I see a mom who is emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted but who never gave up. Who chose to show up for her children, her community, and most importantly, for herself.

I see a mom who is wonderfully and beautifully made. Who may rock sweat pants, business suits, or dress in full PPE for others. Who wears a smile behind her mask, even on the hardest days.

I see you.

Yes, I feel like this year has given me 20/20 vision to really see “All The Things” in 2020. What I now see with extreme clarity is that I can do hard things, learn new things, and be willing to take a pause on almost everything. I see my children and family who have bonded more over the last year than we have in the last decade. I see friends who have come together during tough times despite their differences. And, I believe that we will take all these lessons learned and personal growth into a New Year that is full of possibilities.

Oh, Mama, it has been a pleasure writing for you. I want to thank my publisher and friend, LJ Radon, for the opportunity to share my voice with you in this column over the past year and a half. We have laughed, we have cried, we may have challenged our own beliefs and mindset, but I hope, overall, that we have learned to lean in and support each other on this journey of motherhood.

This is my last article in this monthly series, but I know it won’t be the last time I contribute a story to this treasured family magazine.

Please stay in touch via social @hellomama on Facebook or Instagram, or send me an email to Janelle@caprapr.com with subject: Hello Happy Mama. From my family to yours, I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!