Year In Review: Looking Back on 2020

Dec 31, 2020 | Bedroom, DIY, Home Office, Kids Room, Office, Year in Review | 9 comments

Oh 2020. How are we to review such a year that has been? I could definitely focus on all the turmoil, sadness, loss, isolation…really, there are numerous words to describe this year. But no. I’m going to choose today, like so many days this past year, to focus on the good that came from 2020.

2020 is the year that stopped the world. But in that quiet, I grew the courage to give life to a dream that had been sitting idle for close to 10 years.

In the midst of chaos from lockdowns, working from home, online school and the such, I somehow was able to get my website launched just in the nick of time to participate in my very first One Room Challenge. Which also meant I was officially a blogger.

Why, oh why, did I decided to participate for the very first time, during a pandemic is beyond me. It brought many challenges, but also great joy in knowing that something I followed, and dreamed of one day doing myself, actually came to be. It was a special moment of personal growth and vulnerability. I mean my face and my work were out there for everyone to see. That was scary.

If you have been following along, you saw that I originally had our home office space slated for the ORC, but when my husband suddenly was taking up residence in that space to work from home, I almost gave up on the idea and nearly threw in the towel. But then that voice in me said, no way. There was so much being taken away, but I could control this.

So I switched focus to my youngest daughter’s room. It was such a joy to work with her and see the excitement that she had in seeing her new room take form.

This window bench STILL isn’t done. I just need to paint it…but still it sits.

You can catch up on all the posts for her room here.

After finishing her room, I realized I loved blogging. Putting words to what I do was much easier than I thought it would be. My husband is my editor and he kept reassuring me that my writing was good and often times funny. I don’t know…it’s hard to describe the feeling. But it was fulfilling, awesome, rad.  All the above.

I took a much needed break during the summer to focus on the family and myself. But it zoomed by and I found myself signing up for my second One Room Challenge. What?!

This time, the office got its time to shine.

I’m super proud of the office project. I like to challenge my DIY skills with every new project. There were several elements to the office that I had already mastered, but I knew I wanted something extra special in there.

The office is fairly small and narrow, but with high ceilings. I wanted that ceiling to be highlighted. So, I managed to install a plank ceiling for the first time, almost entirely on my own. There were a few times I needed assistant with a second pair of hands. It was hard and ugly at times…if I’m being honest. But so, so worth it in the end, like I say with all my projects. Sometimes cursing myself and questioning why I’m doing it and then praising the awesomeness when it’s all over!

You can see all the home office posts here.

So, while there are many things that will go down in history for the year 2020, I can look back with joy, for it became a year of personal growth – stepping out of my comfort zone and following a dream.

 

I look forward to 2021 with hope and a renewed energy. Thank you for following along with me and for your continued support of this dream.

Blessings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 Comments

  1. Janet Lorusso

    Awesome job on both projects (that ceiling is TOTALLY worth whatever it took!) and cheers to you for persevering and following your dream! Here’s to a fabulous 2021!

    Reply
    • Amie Druehl

      Thank you Janet! I’m looking forward to this knew beginning for my business. Lots of changes coming and I’m excited!! Happy new year!

      Reply
  2. Leslie Carothers

    Dear Amie: It makes me happy to be the first person commenting on this post in the New Year! Happy New Year 2021!

    Congratulations on stepping out of your comfort zone and becoming a blogger, and making yourself vulnerable. Those are all such major accomplishments, just on their own.

    And congratulations, too, on completing 2 #OneRoomChallenges. I remember watching all your posts during the first one, and how delighted your little girl was to be getting a room re-do.

    Your plank ceiling for the office? I can’t believe you did it yourself! What a project, but it turned out so well.

    I wish you every continued success as a blogger/Mom and designer in 2021, Amie.

    Thanks for being a part of my Facebook Group.

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Amie Druehl

      Thank you so much for your kind words. I look forward to 2021 and learning more from your group! Happy new year to you!

      Reply
  3. Diana

    What a great challenging project you completed. It’s not easy to do during client needing more time and trying to get everyone on board for a self challenge. Awesome way to create this space. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  4. Sheri Bruneau

    I give you all the props to take on the ORC – especially during the pandemic! Both of your spaces are beautifully done. And welcome to the blogging world!

    Wishing you all the best in 2021!

    Reply
    • Amie Druehl

      Thank you so much! Here’s to a new year!

      Reply
  5. Kirsten

    Well done, and congrats on finding inspiration and bright spots during such a bonkers year. ( I had a very similar experience, deciding to do my first ORC last minute, during lockdown – and it’s still not done!) Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Amie Druehl

      Thank you so much! It was a challenging time to do the ORC. Even if the project isn’t complete…it’s so nice to get a good start on it for sure!

      Reply

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Hi there! I'm Amie.

I’m an interior decorator, blogger and enthusiastic DIYer.  I help turn uncertainty into confident curation, breaking through preconceived rules of design to create a home you will love.

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