Another year is coming to an end and it seems like this year really just flew by like The Flash. Thinking about everything that has happened in the past year seems really close and really far at the same time. It’s insane to think that I’m a year older, a year wiser and I wanted to take the time to reflect on the past year.
2018 was a memorable year. I got to expand on some great things – horizons, social circle, knowledge – all of these to make me even better. I got to make new friends this year and these people are incredible and I’m glad I got to keep them around. I also got to keep some old friends from the year before – and we accomplished some great things and the bonds we already had grown stronger. To all the friends I’ve made and kept from before – thank you all for being a part of my life and I can’t wait to see our futures shine brightly.
I also got to cross some firsts off of my lists. I started a podcast with my friend, and while we haven’t been able to film and release episodes lately, it has been an amazing experience working on it this year and I can’t wait to get back into filming more episodes. I also started my blog this year which has been incredible. To have something that’s mine that I have free rein and control over to share with others is something I’m so thankful to do and it’s why I want to become a journalist.
I also started a new job with a company that I love. It’s been a blessing to have the opportunity at this company and I’ve gotten to meet some incredible ladies so far. I know I haven’t been there for long at all, but I’m so glad that I’ve had the experience so far and I’m looking forward to meeting even more people, putting smiles on women’s faces and having a bunch of fun.
But don’t get me wrong, 2018 still had its trials and tribulations. Every year, it seems like I may have the potential of having a grasp on learning how to deal with stress and anxiety – and every year I’m proven wrong. I push myself to limits and I don’t always deal with stress in the best way, which makes it even worse. So, it’s been a struggle learning to handle it, but I’m learning the best that I can.
I also felt the struggle this year in my personal life. I had to experience some things that I didn’t really want to. I’ll be honest, there were times in my life where I was scared. I like when things have a plan and I don’t do the greatest with sudden changes – which is a lot of what happened this year. I’m learning how to let go, how to roll with the punches more, but not always having control is really hard for me. I had points in this year where I didn’t have ANY idea about tomorrow and that was terrifying for me. It wasn’t all the greatest.
Yet, you take the good with the bad. I say this almost every year but I don’t think I would change anything about this year. I think that everything I’ve been through as a daughter, a student, a woman/lady has added another piece of the puzzle that is who I am today. Believe it or not, I really like the person that is ending 2018. She is resilient, wiser, stronger and bravely willing to go into 2019 head first. Don’t get me wrong, she still has more growing and evolving to do, but she’s ready to do that.
So, what do I look forward to in 2019? I’m looking forward to breaking out of my shell more. Whether that’s with making more friends, trying new adventures or finding love – I’m ready for it all. With everything I’ve been through and learned in 2018, I have a feeling 2019 is going to be a good year. I’m looking forward to expanding myself as a writer and as a woman trying to create her own brand. I’m ready to share my gift of writing with more people, and I’m so grateful for the ways that I get to do it. And lastly, I look forward to just living life. To learning more about myself and getting to know the world a little more. I’m sure it’s going to be just as mesmerizing as 2018.
So we may be saying goodbye to 2018, but it’s time to say hello to 2019. From me to you, I wish you happy holidays and a great new year.
Delivered with love,
Melanie