2017 - The Building Year
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Scrolling through my Instagram feed yesterday, I stumbled upon one of my favorite end-of-year traditions—#2017thebestnine. Naturally, I had to join the fun and check out my top nine posts.
The collage made me stop and reflect on just how much has happened this past year.
Why the “Building Year”?
As I mentioned in my IG post, I made a huge leap: I left my full-time, comfy corporate job to pursue freelance writing full-time.
Let me tell you—it’s freaking scary.
There’s no regular paycheck, no HR department to chase down when payment is delayed. Some clients are consistent, others pay after projects are complete, and a few… well, let’s just say they test my patience.
But somehow, I’ve managed to keep my head above water. And that, my friends, is a win.
One major lesson I learned: Pitching for new work is just as important as doing the work. I also realized that my energy needs to go toward growing Val’s Bytes. Writing is my passion, but this blog is my heart.
My Everlasting Wanderlust
I’ll say it again—I LOVE to travel. The Comedian and I went to Italy and Greece this past year, and it was beyond anything I imagined. The blue waters of Santorini? Unreal. The tomatoes in Sicily? Life-changing.
I told him we only scratched the surface. But… I did promise to give him a six-month break from my travel obsession. (We’ll see how long that lasts.)
Growth for Val’s Bytes
It’s amazing what happens when you pray with purpose and take action.
This year, I:
Launched the Love Bits & Bytes podcast
Earned my matchmaker certification
Hosted on Throwback Vibez, an online radio station
Took on new clients and wrote like crazy
Behind the scenes, I’m working on:
A brand new Val’s Bytes website
My first ebook—a curated collection of my favorite blogs
Building out Fox Hunt Digital, a new marketing services brand with a stellar team
I’m also investing in me. There’s so much wisdom in the world—books, courses, tools—that help you grow emotionally and spiritually. If you want recommendations, hit me up. Seriously.
What’s to Come
In 2018, you’ll start to see everything I’ve been working on come to life. More love coaching, more dating content, more connection.
I sincerely believe our gifts are meant to be shared. Mine? Helping people love themselves deeply so they can attract real, healthy love.
If you're thinking about going freelance or starting something new, let’s talk. I’m here to help you build.
Final Thoughts
Was 2017 hard? Absolutely. But I don’t regret much—except maybe the BBQ that settled permanently on my waistline. 😅
Still, I survived. I grew. I believed in myself. And I built.
If you hate your situation, make a plan to save yourself. Because no one’s coming to rescue you.
You’ve got to be your own hero.
Here’s to a year of courage, clarity, and creation.
See you next year!
—Val 💛
