Shell's Sentiments

If you could change one thing about your life today that would positively impact all your tomorrows, what would it be ?Have you thought about it? Would it be:• Getting slim and healthy so you can keep up with your kids and enjoy life for the first time in years?• Moving on from a toxic workplace to a fulfilling job you’re passionate about?• Reaching your first $100,000 in a retirement account?• Paying off your credit card debts or student loans?• Some other goal?

For most people, 2020 wasn’t a whole lot of fun. I am one of the weirdos that didn't see 2020 as a failure. It was a good year for me. Aside from the need to plan ahead and be careful, we had to master some new skills and vocabulary like “social distancing” and “flatten the curve”  

Wow, 2020 and friends…I know I could not have made it through 2020 without my friends. Between Virtual Zoom Coffee date, trading bad memes through Facebook Messenger, the numerous check-in texts, and my favorite the drive-in girls night outs, sitting in our trunks sharing dinners and secrets all while staying 6 feet apart. 

This December, more than any other year, we’re reminded of the importance of faith. As the world in 2020 stumbles through one crisis after another, did you set some personal goals in 2020 for strengthening your faith walk?For instance, did you plan to start a daily Bible study or join an online small group, or get connected to a faith community for the first time in years? 

Here’s a question for ya: do you want the same job in 2021 that you had in 2020? Was job stress (or even job loss) at the top of your list of worries this past year?  

The holidays are a stressful time for many people. Not only is there more to do, but there’s also a family dynamic that often brings more stress. Siblings, Parents, Cousins...and let’s not forget that uncle who, every year, you wish would just stay at home.But instead of wrapping one more package this holiday season, why not “wrap up” those pressing family matters that are a source of ongoing stress.   This is not fun for anyone, but….

Holiday spending often leads to bigger bills in January. But have you thought about rolling into 2021 with finances that are solid, a budget, you can follow and laser-beam focus on getting out of debt? In a recent post, I talked about wrapping up 2020 so you can create the life you want next year.  But for too many people, “wrapping up” their finances in December means ignoring their credit limit, spending too much, and saying “I’ll get to it” when it comes to eliminating debt. Stop being a slave to money and debt. That’s not cool. 

There is something about homemade sausage balls that lets you know the Holidays are near. Well, if we are being honest, this recipe is so good I make sausage balls year round.  Especially during the school year. Sausage balls are my go-to quick breakfast on those lazy mornings. 

I think it is safe to say that 2020 was a year that many people were focused on their health.Were you?  While many people were busy social distancing and stockpiling, many people overlooked other health conditions, zoned out or skipped their workouts altogether,  rationalized work-at-home snacking, and saw their stress levels skyrocket. 

I know most people are ready for 2020 to be over with. Tossed to the side like it never happened, but can I offer up a suggestion? Go back and count your blessings & accomplishments. Take inventory of the things in your life.  I am sure many good things, if not great things happened to you this year. They have just been overlooked by all the distractions going on.