Oh what a year!

Typically for me, I start thinking back on the past year whenever I do my Christmas cards. As I flip through my address book and see the names of friends and family and all the memories we shared come flooding back. This year was no exception and boy did we have so much to reflect upon!

I started the year still soaking in my personal fitness accomplishment of losing about 35 lbs and finishing my first full marathon in 2015. All things that I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to do. I had finally found the workout that worked best for me, and a great support system as well. Sadly, I let myself fall away and sitting at the end of 2016, I am frustrated that I let that happen. However, I just found out that someone who remains anonymous, bought me the gift pack to my favorite gym. So thank you to whoever you are, because you pretty much gave me back hope.

By the end of 2015, my husband and I decided it was time for me to leave my government job after 13 years to finally pursue what I have been dreaming about for the longest time. In February of 2016, I said my farewells and haven’t looked back since. While I appreciated that job and it got us through some pretty crazy life stuff, the stress and frustration far outweighed what it could provide. I started my blog and also took on clients and while it’s been a slow start, it’s been a great one and my goals for 2017 is to really focus on making both the blog and business better. I’m still learning and if you’re still reading my posts to this day, you’re the best.

Because I took the leap and started my own gig, it’s given me the opportunity to go to a lot of the school functions and to stay home with the girls in the summer. Never had we been in a position to do this and I don’t take this opportunity for granted. Just over Christmas break Kennedy told me that she hated school parties before this year, because she knew I couldn’t make it. I pretty much ended up in a sobbing mess on the floor. Just when you think you may be doing it wrong, they tell you stuff like that, and changes your whole perspective. I hadn’t stayed home with them since I was on maternity leave the year I had Kelsey.  It wasn’t an easy task to keep them entertained and busy and I did learn a lot. Not to mention it was one of the hottest summers since moving to SC. We made it through and I’m truly looking forward to this coming up summer with the two of them.

A house we fell in love with before we bought our first house in SC came back on the market. We decided to get it and downsize because at the same time we took a long hard look at our finances and wanted to be “gazelle intense” to get rid of as much debt as possible, as we learned from Dave Ramsey. The week of closing was as close to a nightmare as we wanted to get, but it wasn’t until exactly a week after we moved that we had to evacuate our new home thanks to Hurricane Matthew. Since our return we have been non stop painting and doing minor improvements. It has been a great move for our family and I’m looking forward to making a million memories.

With the projects in the new house, I learned that I have a limit on what I can multitask. As a result, my blog and business took a huge backseat. Overall I was ok with the decision because I have been building blog content with all of the projects. On the other hand I’m not making money if I’m not working with clients or building my blog. Thankfully, I have a few projects lined up for the new year and I’m taking time to think about what direction I want to go. I’ve had a lot of people say “I wish you were closer” and I’m toying with the idea of virtual services. Needless to say I have a lot to work on, but I’m excited.

Oh and did I mention we rescued another puppy? We’re up to three now and I love all those fur nuggets!

All and all the year was a good one even though it had it’s fair share of scary and less than ideal moments. I know that I have a lot to work on, and a lot to rebuild. What hasn’t changed is the love I have for the people closest to me in my life. My love for my family and my love and loyalty to my true friends is unwavering. I want nothing more than for us all to support each other and get through this life in one piece. I am truly excited for this next year and all that I can learn and grow my blog and business.

I thank YOU. For reading this and supporting me through the infancy of my dream.

XOXO,
Brooke