2014 - A Year in Review

       This has been a crazy year, and the approach of 2015 has me taking a look back and doing some reflecting on the ups and downs of 2014, and on the major changes I’ve made to my life.

        2014 was the year that I decided to not tolerate toxic & negative people in my life.  Granted, sometimes it seems like there’s no shortage of negativity surrounding me, but then I take a moment and try to remember that I have a fantastic husband who loves me, and a group of amazing friends and family who support me.  Those bad days don’t last all that long, even though they’re usually the days that seem to move the slowest.     

        It took a while, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to have those bad days, as long as I remember that there is a little bit of sunshine in every day.  And with my husband around, there’s going to be laughter sometime soon.  It’s like that really famous quote that we see everywhere: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”  Dance around and splash, baby.

        2014 was about becoming more positive and about learning exactly who I am and what type of person I want to become, and taking the steps to get there.  It seems absolutely crazy that at the age of 26 I still wasn’t sure who I was, but it’s the truth.  I was always trying to please others and make sure that everyone around me was happy, even at the expense of my own happiness.  And the worst part is that most of the time I didn’t even realize that I was doing it.  Weird, yes, but also true.

        I’m a people-pleaser, and that’s not a bad thing.  It’s only a problem when I focus on everyone else for too long and completely forget about myself & my own needs.  Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who doesn’t let me forget about myself. 

        I’ve learned to make sure that I take time to myself, to do what I love and what makes me happy.  And 99% of the time, he joins me – and that just makes everything better.  I know exactly how lucky I am to have him, and I’m grateful every day that he’s my husband. (Yes, I know…that’s super sappy and so sweet it’ll make your teeth hurt, but…tough, it’s the truth & I’m not in the habit of lying about how awesome he is).

        This last year I was able to meet some really awesome new people (you all know who you are!), and I decided to start this blog (even though it took me a couple of months to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with it). 

        I also made the decision (thanks mostly to NaNoWriMo) to write my own novel (which is not even close to being finished, shh).  It’s a big step & a lofty goal, but I’m starting to gain more confidence in my ability.  It helps to have really great people in my corner cheering me on.  You all rock!

        So, what are my hopes for the coming year?  Well, I would really love to finish that novel I started.  I would love to see this blog grow…into what, I’m not sure, but that’s half the fun, right?

        I want to keep growing into the person I want to be, and finally take that honeymoon with that husband I keep raving about.  I hope to keep meeting new amazing people who inspire me to chase after my dreams, and I want to spend more time with my mom learning her delicious recipes.  She makes the best apple pies, you don’t even know.

        That was my year.  How was yours?  (I would love to hear about something you accomplished this year or about a fear you overcame, or anything else you would like to share!  I love hearing from everyone!) <3

        xoxo