“If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong.”
Masaru Emoto
I cannot believe how much time has passed since my last post. A lot has happened, good and bad. You know when I come back from a hiatus, I have all the tea of what has been going on in my life. Clearly, I have been hiding under a rock for the past few months. Do you have time? Lol.
2020 was one hell of a year.
In all transparency, it was one of my toughest years. I refuse to lie and say otherwise or try to find some forced silver lining that preaches how 2020 was actually my best year. Was it necessary? ABSOLUTELY. Was it enjoyable? It was sprinkled with joy, but the foundation was a lot of pain and loss. Am I okay with this? Yes and no. I’m still grieving and processing the relationships I have lost this past year with people I would have never expected. I’m currently dealing with some deep-rooted abandonment issues because of this. I’m angry and confused on how certain things escalated and ended. I’m resentful that I lost so much all at once. I had to let go of people I love deeply for the sake of my own peace and boundaries. And that, can be heartbreaking, as I was forced to make that difficult choice. But I am at a stage in my life where I must truly honor and love myself. Where I only tolerate what I deserve and nothing less. I have to choose me. So out of all the pain and lessons, came a further understanding of self.
You know how they say, “Check on your strong friend.” Well, I am that strong friend. That person who puts aside their own feelings, issues, and fears to make compromises for the people they love. I show up, time and time again. But I started to feel like my energy was not matched with several people in my life. I began to feel used and unimportant. It began to feel like I was surrounded by energy vampires. I got tired of feeling overlooked, my issues and subtle cries for help ignored because of the assumption that I was okay. Because I always get through it.
Let me tell you, you do not know pain until you are uncontrollably sobbing and the only person there to comfort you in that moment is your own reflection.
However, I have been gifted with the superpower of putting broken pieces of myself back together as if I am brand new and shiny again. I pride myself on that kind of resilience. So here I am, not exactly doing bad, but struggling. And that’s okay. Just another level of healing in my life. If this year taught me anything, it has taught me to realize that lessons do not always come before blessings. Sometimes, the lesson IS the blessing.
I do not care to disclose the individuals I fell out with. I have no intention of bashing anyone or painting those individuals as bad people. This is my truth, and I am sharing it with you all, while protecting the identity of those individuals. At the end of the day, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. We all grow and evolve and sometimes, certain individuals can no longer be a part of our journey. Just another chapter ended in the story of your life. I am learning to accept this because it hurts, still.
These past few months have not been all bad. Even with the heartaches, I can wholeheartedly say that overall, 2020 was a prosperous year. So, let’s shift the perspective, shall we?
Here’s a recap ❤
My Blog
2020 was a great year for Ang Meets Soul, even with the lack of consistency. I am so grateful for the support I continue to receive despite this and hope you all continue to support me as I learn and grow throughout this process! A few noteworthy accomplishments were:
- I completely revamped my site and created a logo to brand my blog.
- Learned a bit about Google Analytics.
- Found a way to monetize my blog through ads and have made my first dollar…baby steps lol.
- Created a Facebook page for my blog.
- Achieved my first 500 subscribers on my blog.
- Grew my following and engagement on Instagram and Twitter (shoutout to achieving my first 1k on IG).
- Participated in several podcast interviews with the opportunity to talk about my blog.
- Participated in my first collaboration post with a fellow blogger. One of my more popular posts found here.
- Participated in several brand ambassador programs. I have learned my lesson since lol.
- Launched my first giveaway! I’m still in shock over how successful it was- thank you guys so much!

It’s been such a crazy and amazing learning experience and I am so pumped to see how much further I can push the envelope on growing my brand.
Travel
2020 was such a great year for travel! I never had the opportunity to travel so much within one year before. Because of the pandemic, flights were very affordable, so I took full advantage. Plus, my job provides a generous vacation package and encourages us to take time off for a healthy work/life balance. But don’t worry, I traveled safely and within travel restrictions. In 2020, I was able to explore:
- Gatlinburg, TN
- Austin, TX
- Denver, CO
- New Orleans, LA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Charleston, SC
- Savannah, GA
Traveling truly makes my heart and soul so happy. I am looking forward to more wanderlusting in 2021.
Work
Speaking of work, the levels unlocked in my position within one year was INSANE. I am blessed to have a supervisor who encourages me to have confidence within myself, who does not believe in micromanaging, and pushes me to step out of my comfort zone for personal growth. But this is not just my supervisor, all my colleagues are so encouraging and supportive. I’ve never worked for a company that saw so much potential in me before, and 2020 gifted me that. I even received a promotion with a generous raise only 8 months after starting with the company!

Personal life
2020 taught me the importance of slowing down and listening to what my mind and body needed. I began cooking more. I started painting. I read more and journaled. I even developed the habit of yoga and meditation. I spent more time outside soaking up the sun and breathing in the fresh air. I grounded. I remained active.
However, I fell off my routine towards the last few months of 2020. Because of all the obstacles I was facing in my life, I took less and less off my plate. My only concern during this time was survival. But besides this, I was in the middle of planning a wedding during a pandemic. Very stressful! Which leads me to my biggest blessing in 2020…I AM OFFICIALLY A MARRIED WOMAN!

On December 19, 2020, I married my best friend; on the 6-year anniversary of our very first date. The wedding planning process was difficult for me, heartbreaking to say the least. It was not what I hoped for during a time that should have been the happiest time in my life. Even leading up to the days before the wedding, I was faced with obstacle after obstacle. But the moment I walked down that aisle and saw him waiting for me at the altar, none of this mattered. NONE OF IT. I’ve never felt so happy, terrified, relieved, inspired, and hopeful all at once. In that moment, everything I had went through up to that point was worth it. I am beyond grateful that I was able to end a trying year on such a positive note, with the man who continues to stay by my side to weather any storm that may come our way. To step into a new year with so much love and support from our family and friends. For the first time in this whole process, I felt loved and celebrated. It was an amazing and unmatched feeling.
So that’s it! That’s what I have been up to. I am happy to be back, focused and rejuvenated. Happy to be inspired again to share with all of you. Thank you for catching up with me. But mostly, thank you for continuing to support me throughout my growing pains. For acknowledging that I am human and granting me the patience and grace to find my way back. I love ya’ll, for real! All of you, this blog, it saves me in ways I could never properly explain. So, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.
What have you all been up to? Any reflections of 2020 you would like to share? I love hearing from you. Sending all of you lots of love. Until next time!
XOXO

Don’t forget to check out my handles!
Instagram: angmeetssoul
Facebook: Ang Meets Soul
Twitter: AngieSoul2
Glad to have you back writing!☺️💜 I love that you are honest in your blogs about the good & the bad parts of life. It was definitely a year for the books in survival. 😩 lol You’re a strong person to go thru things back to back & still try to keep your peace. I agree when you said sometimes the blessings can be the lesson. The pain & hurt I experienced in 2020 has taught me to value myself more. 2020 has forced me to remove the toxic out of my life & appreciate myself more. It’s a constant thing to work at, but I’ve grown a different perspective in life last year for the better. Can’t wait to see what this year has in store for your blogging. You remind of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in The City ( Latina version) lol. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading love ❤️ 2020 almost took us out but we rise above! 👏🏼👏🏼 and from now on, I’m self proclaiming myself as the Latina Carrie Bradshaw 😂😂♥️
LikeLike
This was a breathe of fresh air.😊 So much growth and love. You’re strong and it shows through your words. I’m so happy 2020 was a year of lessons and growth. This definitely was a year for most to sit and realize what matters and what doesn’t. Self love, self healing and growth. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Props to you love. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading and hope encouraging words ♥️ I truly appreciate you! 2020 was definitely the year for healing and growth and it’s still not done 😩 2021 is all about choosing ourselves and no longer accepting anything less than we deserve, no matter how scary or hurtful ✨
LikeLike
Beautiful writing as always. Glad you are back ☺️.
2020 was one hell of a year for us all I hope we all survived it as best we could and continue to be there for each other ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to that ✨ strength comes in unity! May we continue learning and growing together. Thank you for reading ♥️
LikeLike
Wow…a great recap there. Congratulations for your wedding. All the best in your marriage journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words and for reading! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome dear
LikeLike
Well done on everything you’ve achieved in 2020! I hope this year is good for you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the well wishes and for reading!
LikeLike
Welcome back! 2020 was definitely A YEAR. You look absolutely beautiful in your wedding dress! Congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to refer to 2020 as the year that shall not be mentioned 😂 thank you for reading and your kind words! Feels good to be back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome back from your hiatus and congratulations on getting married, the pictures look great. Sorry to hear about the issues you had with some of the people in your life, but I’m sure they’ll be replaced with better people
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the reading and the well wishes! Yes, when once door closes, another one opens.
LikeLike
congratulations on your come back and most of all your wedding! The pictures showed just what a happy day it must have been! I just landed on your blog for the first time, but I’ll come back for more! Resilience seems to be your strength! Despite the loss, it seemed like you had plenty of positive outcomes for a challenging year! Hope this year will bring you even more 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading and your kind words! I truly appreciate it. Resilience is definitely my strength. Not the path I would voluntarily choose lol but I am grateful to be able to bounce back despite the obstacles. Hope this year bring you lots of peace and prosperity!
LikeLike
This is my first time on your blog, and I would say you are a strong woman, It’s amazing that what you have achieved through your blog, Congrats on getting married to your friend and sweetheart.
Just like you, blogging was a solace for me during all 2020 and still is.
Wish you a happy, healthy and successful 2021.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and your kind words! Towards the end of the year, I was feeling really down and like I did not accomplish all I wanted to in 2020. But I focused on shifting my perspective and turns out, it was an accomplished year, still! Wishing you a year of lots of peace and prosperity!
LikeLike
It sounds like 2020 was such a rollercoaster of emotions for you. Despite a pandemic, you managed to achieve so many amazing things. Huge congratulations on getting married too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It most definitely was some year! But I am grateful for all the lessons learned and for having the resilience to push through. Thank you for reading and your well wishes!
LikeLike
Reflecting is such a perfect way to come back after a hiatus of posting blogs! Good for you to take that initiative. The part you talked about checking in on your strong friends really hit home to me. I am currently going through a lot with my family (since mid December). People just assume that everything is “fine” with me. However, I am really struggling. I do have a few close friends who always check in on me. They know and understand. Thank you for sharing this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading and your kind words. Make sure you are taking time to yourself to truly process and honor what you are feeling. Be kind to yourself and know that whatever it is you are going through, you will overcome!
LikeLike
2020 was a YEAR for sure. It sounds like you achieve some incredible things throughout it though! Congrats on getting married, you looked amazing 🙂 x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, so grateful for being able to accomplish so much given the circumstances. Thank you for reading and your kind words!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your marriage and blog accomplishments! I can relate 100% to being the strong friend. It’s not always my favorite position to be in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It can be a very sucky and overwhelming position to be in, for sure. That’s why it is so important to voice boundaries. Thank you for reading and your well wishes!
LikeLike
Hey I love this tribute blog post. One of your best
LikeLike
Hey, I love your name lol thanks!
LikeLike
I swear you are one of the strongest woman I know! You’ve been through sooo much and yet you always pick yourself right back up. You’re such an inspiration! God bless you and everything you’ve been through and I’m so happy to have been a part of all the good moments in your life ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words my love ❤️ I’m grateful that you are in my life. Thank you for always encouraging me through the rough times! 😘
LikeLike
You were a gorgeous bride, congratulations. It sounds as if you had a solid year in spite of covid!
LikeLike
Most definitely did! Thank you for reading and your kind words!
LikeLike