A year ago, today, I took off work to spend my son’s first birthday with him at home. Little did I know I wouldn’t be going back into the office. The next began the work from home order, due to Covid 19. A year later, I am still home, celebrating my son’s 2nd birthday day.

I am thankful that I have a career with a company that has allowed me to be home for the last year. I was able to stay home with my husband and children and still have a steady position without worry. I was able to be home for my son’s first steps. I have had the ability to watch him grow and learn every day and I haven’t had to miss his milestones. And not just my son. Our daughter has been doing virtual learning and stayed home with us as well. I have had more time to sit and have breakfast and morning chats with her this past year. I have learned more about her and watched as she began the transition from a little girl to a young lady. I’ve watched as her personality has expanded and she has become her own person with her own style.

I had no idea a year ago that 365 days later I would still be working from home. I don’t think anyone thought things would play out the way they have. The past year has had so many ups and downs. It has impacted so many in such negative ways. I know how lucky I am to be home and healthy. The last year has made me even more thankful for my life. I have watched my children grow and change. I have laughed with my husband and our relationship has become deeper and stronger, as we have navigated this new normal together.

I have learned so much in the last year. I was able to take time to focus on bettering myself. I discovered a new love of cooking that I never had before. I was able to take the time to really embrace yoga and practice almost daily. I was able to not only practice yoga, but have had the time to really learn yoga and the emotional and spiritual aspect. I now have a love of cycling and cannot wait to get on my Peloton every morning. I perfected my more latte and chia tea. I was able to slow down and really reflect on myself, my life, my past, and what I want for my future. For the future of my family. All the things I want to teach my children. All the things I want to experience with my husband.

I am so grateful for what this past year has given me. I wish it hadn’t taken a devastating event to allow us all to slow down, but for me, the year helped me grow in so many ways. I know there is also the possibility I will be sitting here, in my home office, again next year. Which, for me, would be perfectly welcome. I have truly enjoyed the work from home life. No, it hasn’t been easy, taking calls, meeting deadlines, caring for a toddler, helping a child with school work and don’t forget the dogs. There have been days that it has all been too much and overwhelming and I have felt totally defeated. But something this year has really shown us is no guarantee what tomorrow is going to bring. So, I am working on focusing more on the present and enjoying each day as it is given to me.

And Happy Birthday to my big two year old!!!!