My 2020 Year in Review
I’ve been putting off my year in review for 2020 for a few reasons. I’ve jumped in full steam ahead for 2021, like usual, and there is a lot to still process for me, both personally and professionally, after the past year. I decided to break it up into months because that is probably the easiest way for me to remember everything. So here we go!
January 2020
By far my worst month of the year, BY FAR. In Fall 2019, I decided to take on a fitness-related job at U of T, where I had gone to school and worked for many years beforehand. Needless to say, it certainly did not turn out as I had planned. I had never felt so worn out, depleted, and energetically defeated than this point in my life. I knew I couldn’t spend another minute in the position. Life is far too short for that. I left at the end of the month for my sights set on refocusing my energy towards teaching for myself and two local studios in Toronto.
February 2020
After some reflecting, I realized I truly needed this month to get back to feeling my best. My energy was so low from the job I had left that although my work schedule was not as full as I intended for it to be, I needed the time to take care of myself, move my body, and spend time with friends. It was such a relief to have my schedule completely back in my own hands.
March 2020 - first half
I felt like I was in the swing of things! Getting a busier schedule professionally, feeling WAY better personally, and just so happy!
March 2020 - second half
I remember the final Saturday class I taught before the first lockdown. I still hadn’t fully grasped the severity of Covid-19, but I felt worried and uncomfortable taking the subway, covering my face with my scarf, trying not to touch anything (which I probably always tried to do), and turning away to avoid being face-to-face with anyone. To this day, I still have yet to take public transit. Studios shut down completely, so I was basically out of a job while I tried to figure out my next move, and the studios I worked for tried to understand what their next move was too. I saw a few people doing it, so I decided to run some Instagram Live workouts and they were a hit! I knew people needed to feel connected during a time of such uncertainty and I was really happy to provide that for them.
April 2020
I literally went full force into an online schedule, paying for Zoom, and reconfiguring my condo to be able to work in my kitchen space. I remember feeling SO afraid and anxious to leave my home that I would stock up with my cart I brought to the grocery store. There was a time period where I literally did not open my condo door for 10 days straight for anything. I even colour-coded my grocery list and organized it better than ever before so I wouldn’t have to circle back to any part twice.
May 2020
I launched my At-Home Wellness Program, which helped me solidify my DY Online Membership offerings that I launched in the Fall of 2020. I had so much positive feedback. People just really needed a place to feel supported and focus on what they could control - themselves and their actions. I was happy to escape to my cottage for the first week of the month with a slightly reduced work schedule. What a wonderful escape after being in my condo for so long.
June 2020
June was actually a bit of a dip in momentum for me. Zoom fatigue, Black Lives Matter and systemic racism actually being discussed, and warmer weather, among other factors I’m sure caused my classes to get a little quiet. As a society, this was a big month of awareness, learning and even more unlearning for a lot of us. I am happy to know systemic issues are being brought to the table, but I am saddened to know of the deaths and other unimaginable instances that had to occur for us to get here. I began a lot of reading and educating myself in June.
July 2020
I launched DY On Demand! Entering the online world was something I had always imagined for myself, but I never quite knew where I fit in or how it would come together. I guess the only push I needed was having virtual offerings as the only way to connect and build my community. Personally, I am thankful for the summer months, as I could escape the four walls of my condo and spend a lot of time at my cottage. I recognize that I am extremely fortunate to have this opportunity, as I know a lot of people lost their homes during this time, or only have those four walls and/or crowded spaces.
August 2020
We wrapped up the Self-Discovery Tuesday webinars, which have now turned into a monthly offering on Sundays as of September. We were also in the peak of our outdoor sessions! It was awesome to connect with so many of my community members safely in person in the park! I also began working at a local sustainable general and clothing store, Logan & Finley. I worked there August - October, which not only helped support me during this time, but also helped Julie the owner, as she was navigating her small business in Covid on her own.
September 2020
Our Discover You Online Memberships were launched! They are a great opportunity to bundle and combine multiple offerings you love to save. I have always envisioned that our DY community could provide more than just workouts and I am happy to be able to do just that. We have connection, education, and support too. Sometimes what we are looking for goes beyond the physical workout, and more into our emotional support and connections. I even celebrated a very covid-safe birthday celebration! I walk in Collingwood at the Scenic Caves!
October 2020
Funny because I really can’t think of anything that stood out in October for me. Honestly, I feel like I’ve been in the thick of things since March. I guess October was filled with work. I left this month for the end and still nothing comes to mind! Every other month I have a vivid memory of what I accomplished. Guess it was just SO much I can’t even remember?! :P
November 2020
Probably the biggest month for me personally! I bought my first home! I still have yet to fully grasp what this truly means for my future, but I am beyond happy and proud! I casually went to look at 3 homes one Saturday, and by the following Monday I was a home owner! I recognize just how truly fortunate I am to be in this situation. I can’t wait to share it with all of you through outdoor backyard workouts and small groups inside when it is safe to do so!
December 2020
I was so anxious and out of sorts throughout this month. The anxiousness was positive, as I was really just that excited to move and start fresh in the new year. I was trying to pack yet keep my condo clutter-free for my online classes and clients. I then spent the last two weeks of the year with things in my condo, in my house, and at my parents’. Needless to say, I was happy to settle into my new space and ring in the new year at home!
This year has been a true whirlwind and when I think back, I am just so extremely grateful to have connected with so many people. I am thankful I was in a position to help influence your year in a positive way, especially during times when so many of us were struggling. Because of you, I am able to expand my business offerings and stay connected in so many ways. I appreciate all of your kind words, referrals, and energy through the screen! I couldn’t have had such a wonderful 2020 without each and every one of you.
Here’s to 2021!
Yours in self-discovery,
Rachel