My 2020 Word of the Year

The roaring ’20s have arrived and I couldn’t be more excited.

Not because I plan on attending Gatsby-like parties (though we do host a good party) or because I’m planning on bringing back the flapper dress; but because this year is going to be all things magical. We’re turning our house into a home, planning a winter vacation together, and oh you know—getting married!

But before I talk about 2020, shoutout to 2019 for being arguably the best year of my life. My word of the year for 2019 was FUN and FUN WAS HAD.

I said yes to almost every amazing opportunity, partnership, or experience that came along. If it sounded even remotely fun, the answer was YES.

I travelled. A lot. I mean, A LOT. To destinations new and old, with adventures back to Peru, a few trips to New York City and a little time soaking up in the sun in the desert of Palm Springs, just to name a few.

In the summer, I followed my mermaid heart to the beaches of my beloved Fundy Isles, soaking up the sun and salty air on ferries to Grand Manan and Campobello Island. I played with the whales (and didn’t think twice about booking MULTIPLE whale watching cruises, because FUN!)

And I picked A LOT of seaglass.

I won awards. I spoke on stages. I grew both of my companies in ways I never thought possible and yup—smashed those goals I set all over again.

And as if travelling the globe and taking my companies to new levels wasn’t enough, we bought our first home together and we got engaged. I mean, how does one even begin to one-up a year like that?

But by the end of 2019, the year of FUN, I was exhausted. And after travelling so much, getting sick on more than one trip, experiencing my first earthquake and dealing with long custom lines and missed connections, I quickly realized what my heart was craving for 2020.

It craved rest. It craved a slower pace. It craved home ❤️

So what’s my word for 2020?

BASK

Lie exposed to warmth and light, typically from the sun, for relaxation and pleasure.

Revel in and make the most of (something pleasing)

You know those ridiculously cute sea lions or seals that just lay on a rock by the ocean all day and bask in the heat of the sun and the salty air? Yeah, I want to be more like them in 2020. I want to have fun and splash around and eat a lot of seafood like usual—but I also want to rest when I need it.

Instead of rushing to the next meeting, next flight, or next destination, I want to spend more time basking in the moments, no matter how big or small.

Here’s a glimpse at what BASKING in 2020 looks like for me:

Travel less to love it more.

Here’s the thing about travelling a lot: you actually CAN get tired of it. By the end of 2019, getting on another plane became a source of dread. I just wanted to stay home, especially once we bought the house.

2020 will be the year I travel less, so that I can fall in love with it again. The only exception? A long overdue winter vacation for Dan and I, because just the thought of that gets me excited.

Soak up date nights and day dates.

Planning a wedding makes it so easy to ignore date nights, but not only do I want to prioritize date nights—I want more day dates like hitting the slopes or taking a Sunday drive.

More time with friends in yoga pants and bathrobes.

Spa dates. Movie nights. This year, I’m making more time for making memories with my girlfriends.

Bring dream projects to life.

I have not one, but TWO big plans for Crystal Richard & Co. this year and I knew I’d never pull either off if I didn’t slow down. This is the year I bring these projects (and probably a few more along the way) to life.

Enjoy EVERY moment about getting married.

Let the planning begin. We’re planning a dreamy coastal wedding for summer 2020 and that means, sh*t is about to get REAL! Pardon my french!

I made a promise to myself to enjoy each and every moment throughout the experience, from saying yes to the dress to walking down the aisle. I’ll be basking in it all.

This year, if you catch me smiling uncontrollably, swaying in the salty air, or soaking up the moment, don’t mind me. I’m just blissfully basking in the magic of 2020.

So cheers to each of you! May your 2020 be bright, full of magic, and everything your dreams are made of ✨