Jessica Simpson Credits Her 'Resilient' Kids For Being The 'Peaceful Force' That Helped Her Stay Positive Throughout 2020
Jessica Simpson was busier than ever during 2020, but the chaos taught the star "that I am capable of so much more than I thought I was."
"I definitely had to multitask on a whole new level this year," shared the mom-of-three. "Between my kids being in school on Zoom and being a working mom, keeping the Jessica Simpson Collection running remotely and pushing through inspired ideas that became endless."
On March 29, the singer revealed she secretly battled COVID-19, and she's sharing her experience in a new Amazon Original Stories essay titled Take the Lead.
"I decided instead of being driven by fear, I would manifest a hopeful conversation with you," she explained of the piece.
Simpson, who shares daughters Maxwell Drew, 8, and Birdie Mae, 2, and son Ace Knute, 7, with husband Eric Johnson, admitted she did experience a few breakdowns over the past several months, explaining she sometimes felt "overwhelmed," but she managed to stay strong.
"I think the takeaway is that it's not easy and every day presents challenges and blessings," she told PEOPLE. "Life is a blessing to be lived, and the more we overthink things, the more we fall behind on our personal journey."
She also credited her children for keeping her spirits lifted.
"Kids are way more resilient than we give them credit for," she noted. "In many ways, they were the peaceful force that made life precious in this trying time."
In fact, Simpson was able to spend more time than ever with her family, joking she's "learned just about every project with tie-dye and slime [and] every sport you can play in a backyard. I have memorized what every single cul-de-sac in my neighborhood looks like."
The fashion designer also worked on the paperback version of her bestseller Open Book, adding in new journal excerpts she wrote from years ago.
Though the memoir recounts some of her most difficult experiences such as sexual assault, body shaming and divorce, the health crisis has reminded her that "my faith, God, husband, kids, extended family, friends, health and safety are all to be held with more gratitude than ever before."