The Last 100 Days…
This post, The Last 100 Days, has been such a popular one that I couldn’t imagine not including it in our Encouragement of the Month series.
While I wrote it specifically to mark the last 100 days of what I thought would be the end of the pandemic, I’m realizing now the message is one that will continue to resonate for years to come.
My hope in sharing this updated version is twofold:
- 1.) You’ll see how far you’ve come
- 2.) You’ll realize it’s never too late to change the direction of your life, even in the last 100 days of the year.
As I write this, the house is completely quiet save for the sounds of rain pounding on the roof and the sides of our island cottage.
Rainy days always feel like an invitation to slow down and enjoy the moment.
So, I’m happily sitting here with a steaming cup of pumpkin spice coffee, wearing well-loved corduroys and a grandpa-style cardigan, wrapped up in cozy blankets, breathing in the sweet scent of an apple cinnamon simmer pot while our sweet rescue Piper is snuggled up at my feet.
I can hardly believe we officially usher in the Fall season today while simultaneously marking the last 100 days of the year.
It’s all flown by so fast, and I don’t want to take a single moment for granted.
My family and I recently met to celebrate my nephew’s birthday.
As a teenager, he’s navigating the journey of becoming a young man with relative ease.
And while we’re excited to watch him grow, I’ll admit the occasion was kind of bittersweet.
In fact, it hit my baby sister harder than expected, I think.
“Where did the time go?” she asked with an aching tenderness specifically reserved for the heart.
It was all I could do to hold it together.
But I knew exactly where the time had gone.
It went in moments.
Big ones and little ones.
Moments that were significant and moments that barely registered as mundane.
It went in late-night feedings, in too many boxes of diapers and meals made solely on mac n cheese. It went by in ordinary trips to grab donuts with sprinkles, vacations to Yellowstone, long days on the beach, time spent with Nana, Mimi camp, numerous trips to the soccer fields, horse riding lessons, cousins’ sleepovers, adventures ranging from mountain trails to theme parks, catching fish, reminders to finish homework, take a bath, feed the animals, load the dishwasher, and holiday events in between.
It was spent getting off track and getting back on again, loving him through each and every setback and celebrating each and every triumph.
It was thousands of tiny moments, strung together…one minute at a time…one day at a time…one week at a time…one year at a time.
Even now, as I look back on the events of the past few years, I feel a sense of nostalgia thinking about all we’ve been through.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s been pure survival at times.
We’ve had to learn how to pivot and reassess, be without basics we took for granted, deal with the isolation, parent while working and teaching, adjust our budgets and way of life, look for daily silver linings while adapting to a new normal, and in some cases we’ve had to learn how to completely let go.
It hasn’t been easy.
But you guys, we’re making it, and every one of those moments is something to celebrate.
I’ve often wondered why my grandparents never really talked about their lives during WW II.
I always knew it was an important benchmark, though, because they referenced it often.
Mostly with phrases like, “before the war…” and “after the war…”
While I’m not saying our lives during the pandemic have been anything close to the horrors of World War II, this time in our lives has been significant and feels like a historical benchmark in so many ways.
For in years to come, when the days get really hard, we’ll be able to look back on these trying years and say, “If I can make it through that, I can make it through anything.”
I know we’ve all handled this time differently.
Some have moved across the country, some have taken the time to rest, some are working harder than ever before, some are reconnecting with family and lost friends, while others are in the depths of deep grief.
Some have sought out new adventures and hobbies, while others are quietly rediscovering the meaning of home.
Some have even taken the bold step of reevaluating nearly every single aspect of their life and have started making important changes.
No matter how you’ve dealt with the rollercoaster ride that has become this year, there are only 100 days left to embrace.
And while there is no right or wrong way to spend the time, I want to encourage you to make the most of it.
To shake off the past 265 days, whatever they may have looked like, and fully welcome the change in season and the good things that are on the way.
To…
- Finish what you’ve started.
- Keep your word
- Find a way to get unstuck.
- Start something you’ve been dreaming about.
- Finally address those things you’ve been putting off for years. Even the heart stuff you know will be painful to deal with.
- Find a daily ritual you truly enjoy.
- Stop doing the things you know are no longer serving your needs or the needs of your family.
- Make new memories.
- Say you’re sorry and make amends.
- Buy bigger pants.
- Learn from your failures.
- Celebrate your success.
- Create, make, bake, and decorate a home you love and can thrive in.
- Decide you can.
I know at first glance 100 days might seem like a long time. It might even seem unnecessary to get so excited about a milestone in what has been a crazy year.
But on December 31st, when we look back on the past 364 days, I don’t want any of us to be disappointed or feel that we didn’t do enough with the time we’ve been given.
Because the truth is, we have a chance to change it all right now.
My greatest hope is we’ll be able to take a step back and reflect on the thousands of tiny moments we strung together, minute by minute and day by day, to create a life we genuinely love.
Time is truly our greatest resource.
And this year, more than any other year, we’ve been presented with an extraordinary opportunity to rise to the occasion and make it count.
The question is, how do you plan to spend it?
Cheering you on as you intentionally begin stringing thousands of purpose-filled moments together as we embark on the 100 days of the year.
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
CoCo, you have an absolute gift for writing – I love reading through your posts and I always feel inspired, encouraged to do better and uplifted. I love that you’re so positive about this year and what we can all achieve. It’s been a huge change for us all but here in Canberra we have been blessed and so lucky to have very low infections (and nothing in the last 2.5 months or so) and even then, our lives are completely different. A lot of things end and new things begin and we’ve all had to adjust. I agree that our Christmas this year and other holidays will look quite different. I am looking forward to seeing what we can do to make them all fun, even if they’re not the same as last year. All the best of luck with all your projects.
Such sweet and thoughtful words, Katerina, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. It’s been amazing to see how people and countries around the world have been handling the virus and the pandemic. I’m so glad to hear Canberra has been blessed with a low infection rate. It really is a true testament to how you guys are all pulling together for a common cause. While this certainly has been a year we’ll never forget I hope we can hold onto the good things and continue to practice the lessons we’ve learned along the way. 2020 has been a wild and adventurous classroom that’s for sure 🙂 Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
I really enjoyed this post! We were chatting with an older friend the other night, and she told so many stories of her dad. He was in “the war” and it really made me reflect on what it must have been like to live through that time. Her stories and my grandparents stories all have a positive, my life was enriched spirit about them. I love how you brought out the positive of this year. I too believe that we will all see good come from this, in some form anyway! Thank you for sharing at Embracing Home and Family!
Thank you so much for your sweet and kind words, Jenn. I think sometimes we don’t realize just how unprecedented these times are and how days of learning how to deal with precautions and social distancing have quietly turned into our new normal. While I certainly hope 2021 is much better than 2020 there are still moments of joy to be had right now. Sending you hugs, CoCo
I love this post so much, CoCo! This has been a year of so many challenges and changes! With our move behind us, we still have many tasks ahead…but I am definitely taking time to the be present in the moments!
That is so exciting to hear, Linda! I know you guys have had a lot of changes and decisions to make lately so I’m really proud of you for tackling them all with grace. I know it’s not always easy but every day you put one foot in front of the other and do the next right thing is worth celebrating 🙂 Sending you hugs, CoCo
I can hardly believe we only have 100 more days until 2021. That’s exciting to me. Next year I hope to expand my comfort zone, go out on a limb, check out new places, make new friends, be a better mom, friend and wife and show both houses a little more love. But for now, with the 100 days left, I plan to make more of life, show the family they are cherished and definitely glorify the Lord in the mundane and do it everyday. I was reading 1 Cor. 10:31 again the other day and realized that when He says do everything for the glory of God, that also means EVEN IN THE WAITING. I have a hard time with that but the Lord said, He is there in that as well. What peace.
Loved this post. Great reminder. Hope you accomplish all you want in the days ahead. You seem like the busiest person I know! 😉 Big hugs!
Those are all such great ways to celebrate the rest of 2020 and fantastic goals for 2021 too Cindy! I love that scripture so much. It’s an immediate reminder that this is all temporary and how our daily goal should be His glory and not our own. Even in the waiting and the mundane 🙂 Ruth Cho Simmons wrote one of my favorite devotionals called Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship and it talks about finding joy and peace in daily life. Fingers crossed we can get it all done, I’m definitely ready to feel settled again. Sending you big hugs, CoCo
I am so excited that the Crowned Goat Cottage is almost complete! Thank you for sharing so much encouragement and I totally agree with your statement that “different does not mean bad.”
Aww thanks so much for your encouragement, Heidi. You’ve been such a supportive cheerleader despite all the ups, downs, and delays and I really appreciate it. Here’s to making the holidays a special one. Even if Santa is social distancing and wearing a mask 🙂 Hugs, CoCo
Great post and I can’t believe only 100 days left. This year has had its obvious challenges but my husband and I have many good outcomes in life with a few unexpected challenges.
I get tired of the challenges but it’s life and I put myself into our home and being creative and it’s my therapy besides daily exercise.
Cindy
Thank you so much, Cindy! I love your attitude about everything and how you and your husband are navigating the challenges along the way. Every time I see one of your new Fall projects I get excited. It’s like a peek into your creative space and studio. Hope your week is richly blessed, CoCo
I agree, the pandemic has certainly given us all a new perspective and plenty of time to reflect. Good luck with your upcoming projects as well!
Oh my gosh for sure! Here’s hoping all the good stuff sticks 🙂 Hope your week is peace-filled and productive, CoCo
What a wonderful post! Now I filled with joy at the thought of all the wonderful things I’ll get to create, and experience in my last 100 days of the year! You are right Coco, 100 days sounds like a long time but I know it will be over in the blink of an eye and we’d better make sure we cherish the time!
So glad you like this post, Jayne! I can hardly believe we only have 100 days left either. In some ways it has gone by really slow and in other ways, it’s flown by. I’m definitely committed to making the last 100 days as beautiful as possible and I’m so excited you’re on board too. Hugs, CoCo
You have such an amazing gift of putting everything into perspective and inspiring with your words! This year has definitely been a difficult one in so many ways, but it has also been a huge learning experience. It’s taught our family the true meaning of family and how important it is for all of us to put aside our differences and just spend quality time together. Even if it is from a distance. I often find whenever I need clarity in my thinking, I need go no further than your weekly posts! Thank you my friend!
I’m getting all kinds of teary, Christine, thank you so much for your sweet compliment. In late 2016, three of the stores I was a vendor at closed down and took a huge chunk of my monthly income with it. Naturally, I was devastated and felt completely lost. While I was finding my way again, I was able to spend time with my parents and grandparents which was a blessing. Three months after the stores closed down my grandparents died within 36 hours of each other. Had those stores never closed down, I wouldn’t have been afforded the extra time with them. I share this because every time I go through a learning experience (even the painful ones) I remind myself, I’ll never get this time back so I have to make it count. Of course, it doesn’t make the situation perfect. But it does remind me that being a work in progress is a big part of our journey and every moment matters. Sending you big hugs and thank yous, CoCo
What great thoughts to ruminate on – it has really been a roller coaster of a year, at least for my family. It seems like worrying and waiting have become my daily rituals. Trying to trust that all will end well is definitely a challenge, but I maintain a strong faith. I think you do, too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing such heartfelt things with all of us at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen
Faith is the only thing that is getting us through right now, Kathleen! I’ve been keeping a journal specifically for this year and have to remind myself daily to hold onto the good things and celebrate the micro joys. Things probably won’t be going back to “normal” any time soon so I’m currently working on “expectation management” and trying to see this year as a gift. There has truly been no better time for personal growth 🙂 Sending you hugs for a happy week, CoCo
Wonderful post and I have to say, I won’t be sad to say goodbye to 2020. Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.
Thank you so much, Ann! 2020 has been like nothing I could have ever imagined. I just keep telling myself every day to hold onto the good stuff 🙂 Hope your day is filled with unexpected blessings too. Hugs, CoCo
Your blog posts are such a gift CoCo. You are so talented and you always seem to give me a different perspective.. Our peace of mind depends on how we look at the last 100 days of the year. Thank you for sharing with Charming Homes and Gardens. I always take such pleasure reading your beautiful posts.
Such sweet and kind words, Kim, thank you! This year has definitely been such a huge year of personal growth. It’s not anything I would have ever expected given our circumstances but I’m thankful for the lessons and I know you are too. It will definitely make 2021 that much sweeter 🙂 Sending you big hugs, CoCo
I was captivated by what you wrote that I flew pass all your gorgeous pictures. Now I’ll go back to enjoy the photos
Such a sweet compliment, Gail, thank you! These Encouragement of the Month post are always fun and I can’t seem to resist Fall anything these days 🙌 Hope your season is off to a fabulous start, CoCo
So happy we get to fill our lives with time together. What a great gift.
Aww, thanks, sis. And thanks for letting me use your story to help others. I can’t wait to spend the next 100 days making memories with you, CoCo
Thank you for this post!!!!
This for sure has made me think in a different way about tomorrow and the other tomorrows.
Thank you:)
You are so welcome, Maria! I know it’s hard to keep the tomorrows in mind when life gets kind of crazy but it definitely helps to remember we’re actually creating our tomorrows today. And when you put it that way, it really makes you realize there is not a minute to waste 🙌 Hope your Fall season is all that you need it to be, CoCo
Coco what a wonderful way to start the first day of fall. My daughters 45 birthday. Thank you so much for your very poignant thoughts and beautiful images. It is crisp and cool here in Omaha and I’m so appreciative that you shared your 100 days.
So sweet of you to say, Shelley, thank you so much. I really appreciate it! Hope your and your family have a fabulous time celebrating your daughter. Milestone birthdays are always so much fun. Especially on a crisp and cool Fall day. Hope your week has been extra special, CoCo
CoCo,
I loved this post. Thanks for your encouraging words and thought.
Thanks so much, Rachel, I really appreciate it. Hope your week has been filled with blessings and adventures, CoCo
Sweet Coco I love reading these posts. They’re always heart felt and beautiful. I can’t be 100 days left either.
We try to enjoy every moment. With my husband working out of the house now the days seem to move in a blink
That being said we have become closer and stronger. We try to enjoy the extra time we have gained. He’s gained 20 hours a week back.
Be well and strong
That means so much to me, Cindy, thank you! It’s crazy to think we’re so close to the end of the year. I’m excited you guys have become closer during the transition. I know it can be a lot with changes like that. Hopefully, you’ll be able to go on lots of dinner dates and trips to enjoy the Fall season. I bet it’s so beautiful up there. Hugs, CoCo
I’m so glad you shared the link to this post! It’s one of my new favorites! So many of the things you mentioned have been in my head, but I’ve never stopped to actually put them into words. I love this!
I love this post, CoCo! It’s definitely one of my favorites. So encouraging and full of reminders of what we have come through. I love the photos, too! Reminds me of a couple of favorite places in Georgia that are perfect for visiting in the fall. 🙂
Have a beautiful, colorful, and healthy (!) fall,
LeAnne
I never get tired of reading this. I’m sharing it with my daughter and teenage granddaughters. One of them is always sending me quotes on this very topic. ❤️
Hi coco, i am laid up with my back and was delighted to find you on my phone.i never use my phone for any social media. Lol
What a great post, so enjoyed it and you are truly a gifted writer, that was some good gratefuls as well. Hard to think we are just 100 days out fro. New years. This year has truly just flown by, for us at least.
Thank you for all your wonderful posts,
I find them so sweet. Entertaining. And interesting and fun. So thak you because what you do maatters to me and others. Your llke a ray of sunshine.
Have a great w.
Love and blessings, nellie