Happy New Year’s Eve! I hope that this year has been fulfilling for you. For some reason, I’ve been more reflective this year than I have on any year prior to this one. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or because Matt and I have experienced many life changes this year…but for whatever reason, I’ve spent these last few days reminiscing about everything that we’ve been through in 2018.
I thought it would be fun to do a recap/share some of my thoughts with you guys here on my blog. Partially so I can look back at the end of 2019 to see how I’ve grown and also in case it resonates with you. Oftentimes, we start a new year with a ton of goals in mind, but life throws challenges our way that cause us to learn and grow in ways we never anticipated would happen. So, I’d like to share a little of my own personal journey with you here.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my professional life is to follow your heart, not your head. I made some very big mistakes in the past that I’ve definitely learned from…and I never want to be in those places again. I can proudly say that this year I’ve stayed true to myself. You guys have been so supportive of me and my efforts here on this blog, on my YouTube channel, & on Instagram and I am forever grateful for you. It truly has meant the world to me! I also focused on progressing forward in my career gracefully, without comparing my journey to anyone else’s. I actually find comfort in going at my own pace. I find freedom in that now…and I’m content with where I’m at and where I’m going from here.
In my personal life, Matt and I finally moved to a new home. Although we’re still renting, I think we’re getting a better idea of the area where we’d like to eventually settle down and plant our roots. We’ve also traveled more this year – some for work and some for play, but traveling was our goals for 2018 and I’d like to continue that in the new year, too. We had our share of low moments as well. Some of our close family members have really struggled with their health this year. I just experienced my first Christmas at my grandma’s without my grandfather since his passing. But, for the most part we can’t complain, life has been pretty good to us this year.
2018 Life Highlights:
- Watching my little sister and brother in-law fulfill their dreams and move to Bali from NYC
- Purchasing my other little sister’s books {here and here} and seeing them sold in stores
- Moving to a new home with Matt and beginning to re-decorate our new place
- Visiting Disneyland in California for the first time
- Finally selling my car from high school after having it for 15 years {yes, I know…crazy}
- Connecticut vacation with Matt {already planning another visit for 2019!}
- Our vacation with Matt’s family last August in Charleston
- Seeing snow in Charleston {this never happens, y’all!} at the start of this year.
- Taking our families to Disney World
2018 Career Highlights:
- Partnering with EcoTools and being part of the year-long Make Life Happen campaign
- Landing my first partnership on my blog with my dream brand/favorite retailer, Nordstrom
- Traveling to LA with EcoTools and attending Create & Cultivate in February {and seeing so many inspiring bloggers and women like Chrissy Teigen, Lauren Conrad, and Kim Kardashian speak on panels}
- Attending VidCon with Matt in June
- Working with Matt on our entertaining series {with more to come in the new year!}
- Being featured on Draper James and Gal Meets Glam Collection
Goals for 2019:
- Complete decorations in our new home
- Think less, do more
- Workout more regularly
- Serve others
- Learn how to edit videos on Adobe Premiere + buy a new filming camera/lens
- Travel to Europe and learn French
- Read more books
- Go to bed earlier
- Get better at work/life balance
- Don’t wait, make it happen
Thank you so much for reading my thoughts & supporting me this year! I hope you all have a happy New Year and make 2019 your best year yet!! xx
