Happy 2020!

Happy 2020! It’s a new year and a new decade. The thought of a new year always fills me with hope and excitement. I love looking back at the previous year (or decade in this case) to find some inspiration and intentions for the year to come.

The 2010’s

2010 was a big year for me. I remember dubbing it “The Year of Jenna” and it turned out to be a huge turning point in my life. I got into running and baking, two hobbies that completely changed my life. I made & strengthened some fierce, life-long friendships with women who continue to inspire me today. I learned that I was an independent, strong person.

The things I learned and did in 2010 helped build the foundation for the person I am today.

Now, here we are 10 years later and I can’t move forward without looking back first.

Here’s a brief look at the big things that happened in the 2010’s:

• I learned that I was obsessed with baking.
• I started this blog.
• I learned that I was obsessed with running.
• I ran 7 (or 8?) half marathons, 5 full marathons, and 2 Ragnar Relays.

• I joined running related organizations – City Running Tours, Marketing Committee for the Twin Cities Marathon, and Colorado Brewery Running Series.
• I moved from Tennessee to Minnesota and then from Minnesota to Colorado.
• I bought and sold a condo in Minneapolis.
• I opened my heart and had it broken.
• I learned that I was obsessed with hiking and backpacking.
• I backpacked the Inca Trail in Peru and the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota and have gone on other unforgettable hikes and backpacking adventures in Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington.

• I visited a few National Parks: Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Tetons, Canyonlands, Arches, Rocky Mountain, North Cascades, and Crater Lake.
• I hiked up to the top of 8 14ers.

• I became friends with some of the most interesting and inspiring people.
• I learned that I did’t have to wash and dry my hair everyday.
• I became a certified personal trainer.
• I worked at General Mills and Noosa Yoghurt and am currently at VF Corporation all within Supply Chain.
• I went on 10 international trips with Natalie.

• I wrote for Minneapolis Running and for The Trek.
• I learned how to ski and snowshoe.
• I went on fun weekend trips to places like San Fransisco, Napa, Atlanta, Nashville, Denver, Austin, New Orleans, Portland, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Boston, and Seattle.

• I found out that I had some pretty serious heart problems.
• I went into cardiac arrest, got an internal defibrillator, had open heart surgery, found out I had a blood clot, had a cardiac ablation, thought I was good-to-go, and then found out I wasn’t.
• I had dreams of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail that were thwarted (twice) by my heart problems.
• I gained a sister-in-law, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew.

• I lost two grandparents.
• I met the man of my dreams.
• I got engaged to the man of my dreams.

In between those moments I also laughed so hard I cried, I experienced times I was so happy I thought I might burst, I cried a lot, I had some very low, dark moments that still hurt to think about, I ate some of the most delicious food, I celebrated fun moments with friends and family, I went to a lot of weddings, I started planning my own wedding, I gained and lost weight, I tried and failed at a lot of things, I tried and succeeded at a lot of things, I was lazy, I challenged myself, I grew.

2020

I was 22 at the turn on the 2010’s. I was half a year out of college, so young and excited about the future. Life was easy and full of all the opportunities. I set goals and worked to achieve them. Ten years later at 32 with some additional life experience under my belt, I’m still young and excited about the future, but my outlook is slightly different. I’m going to work to regain some of that 22 year old’s zest for life.

We are less than a week in, but so far 2020 has been awesome. I finally learned to accept what I can’t change and already feel significantly lighter and happier. I am so, soooooo excited to see what this year will bring.

Here are my intentions for 2020:

• Self-Discovery. I have never focused on self-discovery before, but I’d like it to be a big part of my life this year. I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to do this yet, but practicing gratitude and indulging in self-discovery-related books and podcasts are on the list. If you have been on a similar journey, please send me tips!
• Hobbies. Running and hiking used to be such a giant part of my life. I can’t really do those things right now (although I hope to be able to by the summer!), so I need to discover some new hobbies in the mean time that will drive and inspire me. I plan to start baking again (primarily healthy treats), since it always gives me a lot of joy. Also, Michael and I are hoping to start fly fishing, which I am really excited about. It’ll be a great way for us to get outside together until I can dive back into hiking.
• More Plants. I already do a good job of eating a lot of veggies. I love them! This year I would like to focus on eating more plant-based foods and less meat, primarily for environmental reasons. Somewhat related, I would also like to fill my house with more plants.
• Move. I will be completely off my anti-arrhythmia medication this week, so my exercise methods will be super limited, because I can’t get my heart rate above 110 bpm (per my doctor) until I recover from my ablation in March. That doesn’t mean I can’t move. I’ll be able to go on walks, do yoga, barre, pilates, and simple strength training. Just because I can’t do anything intense doesn’t mean I can’t do anything! Then, once I recover from my surgery, I’ll be able to slowly pick up the intensity.
• Stretch. Stretching will be a part of my New Year’s intentions now and forever. I can always use some more stretching! And water. And sleep.

See previous years’ reflections and goals: 2014, 2015, 2017, & 2019.