2018: My Year in Review.
If I had to sum up 2018 with a phrase, I'd say it was the year I leaned in. I'm confident I'm a different man today than I was last year. More growth. More change. More confidence. More resilience. More hope. More resolve.
My intentions for 2018 were joy, compassion, and connection. And though I didn't always live those and keep them front and center as I had hoped, I still remember them so hey, that counts for something, right? I am ending 2018 anchored and grounded. I know who and what is important to me and I invested energy into the people and things that mattered and did my best to walk away and disconnect from the people and things that didn't. I tried to be more present with people. Focus on connection. Extend more grace and compassion. And celebrate life more.
I swung for the fences this year. Invested in three men at different points during the year that I thought were worth it. They are worth it. And though none resulted in successful relationships, I'm grateful I didn't play small. I'm not looking back with regret. I learned some tough lessons (and some I'm still learning) but I didn't let fear keep me from leaning in. I fell and got back up.
2018 wasn't all wins. There's the above. This year was also the misfortune of my car accident and the months of of dealing with the WORST CAR REPAIR PLACE IN HISTORY. And the ants. And the termites. The air conditioner. The water damage. The revolving door of hospital visits for my grandmothers. Job rejection. Feeling alone and lonely and not being able to shake it for an extended period of time. Doubt. Shame. Fear.
I end 2018 mulling over a quote my sister shared with me by William Paul Young: "The opposite of more is enough." Sure 2018 isn't ending with a new dream job, a winning lottery ticket, a husband (or hell, a stable boyfriend and partner), but the year is coming to a close with a lot of wins. I have more than enough. I am enough. I have an amazing network and community around me. My family has my back. I have a faith community that I feel welcomed in and included by. I've become more comfortable and active in Stonewall sports. I successfully got my real estate license (my 2018 goal) and sold my first house and leased a couple places to help launch my identity as a realtor. My team at work is unstoppable and I'm beyond lucky to work in an environment where the people matter more than the projects.
Other big highlights of the year?
My intentions for 2018 were joy, compassion, and connection. And though I didn't always live those and keep them front and center as I had hoped, I still remember them so hey, that counts for something, right? I am ending 2018 anchored and grounded. I know who and what is important to me and I invested energy into the people and things that mattered and did my best to walk away and disconnect from the people and things that didn't. I tried to be more present with people. Focus on connection. Extend more grace and compassion. And celebrate life more.
I swung for the fences this year. Invested in three men at different points during the year that I thought were worth it. They are worth it. And though none resulted in successful relationships, I'm grateful I didn't play small. I'm not looking back with regret. I learned some tough lessons (and some I'm still learning) but I didn't let fear keep me from leaning in. I fell and got back up.
2018 wasn't all wins. There's the above. This year was also the misfortune of my car accident and the months of of dealing with the WORST CAR REPAIR PLACE IN HISTORY. And the ants. And the termites. The air conditioner. The water damage. The revolving door of hospital visits for my grandmothers. Job rejection. Feeling alone and lonely and not being able to shake it for an extended period of time. Doubt. Shame. Fear.
I end 2018 mulling over a quote my sister shared with me by William Paul Young: "The opposite of more is enough." Sure 2018 isn't ending with a new dream job, a winning lottery ticket, a husband (or hell, a stable boyfriend and partner), but the year is coming to a close with a lot of wins. I have more than enough. I am enough. I have an amazing network and community around me. My family has my back. I have a faith community that I feel welcomed in and included by. I've become more comfortable and active in Stonewall sports. I successfully got my real estate license (my 2018 goal) and sold my first house and leased a couple places to help launch my identity as a realtor. My team at work is unstoppable and I'm beyond lucky to work in an environment where the people matter more than the projects.
Other big highlights of the year?
- Two LeaderShape sessions: The Pocono Mountains in January (GORGEOUS) and Jacksonville Beach in May.
- Officiating one of my best friend's weddings in May. (Yep, I'm now licensed to officiate weddings, too).
- Waitress at the Saenger with my mom for Mother's Day.
- A weekend getaway to Pensacola Beach in July.
- Sam Smith and Sugarland in concert.
- Celebrating my grandmother's 90th birthday in October with my mom's side of the family.
- Conference travel to San Diego and Orlando this fall and presenting nationally twice!
- St. Louis in November to fill my cup with some amazing humans I don't see enough.
I'm ready for 2019. I'll write back soon with my thoughts on the new year and what's in store for me. For now, I'll be present and close out 2018 with gratitude. Happy New Year!
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