A Look Back on 2017

As I alluded in a previous post, the last six weeks of 2017 were a total blur. Between the death of my father in early December and being really really sick, calling 2017 a bust was an easy way to throw in the towel on summing up the entire year. But even though there were some really low lows, there was an equal amount of highs.

I knew 2017 was not going to be easy. Adjusting my mindset from feeling victimized by circumstance to focusing on the lesson to learn was key. Practicing gratitude and finding positive in the negative was what helped me change my mindset when things got tough.

Travel

Travel played a huge role this year. I got on airplane for the first time in three years. I know air travel can be a pain these days but even so I still find the "romance" in it. 

The first trip of the year was to surprise my friend Katy for her 30th birthday in NYC. I feel like we ate the entire city in under 48 hours. I'd like a repeat, please and thank you!

Our second big trip was to California to visit family and it was Charlotte's first time flying. Talk about a magical experience, minus the part where we had to carry a 30 pound car seat through the airport.

The Bay Area, just like New York City, is my happy place and feels like home for so many reasons. 

The last big trip of the year was to NYC to see my dearest friend get married. There were so many moments when we thought we wouldn't be able to make it but all the stars aligned in the nick of time. I'm beyond grateful that I got to witness their exchange of vows and for my husband who came prepared with a pack of tissues.

So. Many. (Happy). Tears.

We've also taken several smaller, but still memorable, trips by car around North Carolina: Southport for a wedding in January, several trips to Raleigh to see the family, West Jefferson to float down the New River in July, Brevard for Brandon's best friend's wedding in August, a handful of day trips to Asheville, and to Emerald Isle for our annual family beach vacation in September.

Celebrations

We love nothing more than to throw a party and to host friends and family at our house. This year was no different. From birthday parties to holidays to impromptu get togethers we honed our hosting skills and streamlined our processes. Pretty sure I have a future in event planning if this whole marketing consultant thing doesn't work out.

Professional

Professional growth was a big priority for me in 2017 and even more so this year. I worked on restructuring and re-branding my business and can't wait to re-launch in the first quarter of this year. Until then shoot me an email if you need digital marketing help!

This year I joined the board of the local chapter of American Marketing Association as the Director of Social Media. I've been part of the organization for years and it feels good to be back on board and to continue to spread our message. 

I also focused more on this blog with partnerships, sponsored content, and joining affiliate networks. I find this space to be a great creative outlet and hope to continue to grow it.

There's a lot of things that has been happening behind the scenes that I can't wait to show you guys!

Quiet but not gone.

Health

My immune system got a beating the moment Charlotte started pre-school in the fall and peaked at the end of the year with a full on knock down.

Spoiler alert: I lost.

Having said that, I've started eating a bit healthier and have become more mindful of what I put in and on my body. I've also taken up yoga for the nth time and finally sticking to it after 11 years of trying and failing.

Life, Love, Family, and Friends

2017 marked ten years of Brandon and I dating. I still pinch myself that I get to wake up next to the man on my dreams, my rock, my love, and my best friend.

I also can't believe we created the brightest little light. Charlotte started pre-school this year and she's thriving. She's soaking up information like a sponge and her personality is ever growing and evolving. 

I'm grateful for my mother and her selfless love. I have so much left to learn.

And this entire crew. It really does take a village and I'm glad I'm part of this one.

Speaking of family, I'm grateful for our "extended family" of friends, I love seeing our kids grow up together and be friends, too. I'm also grateful for Twitter for bringing so many amazing people into my life over the years and the beautiful friendships that have formed offline. 

Grateful

I'm grateful for everything that happened in 2017, good and bad. There were many uncomfortable, difficult, and heartbreaking moments, but without them there would be no growth. There were also many beautiful and happy moments and I hope for more of those in 2018. 

Cheers!