I'd like to think this "Year in Review" idea could be an annual thing. I like to reflect on the past year and its triumphs and challenges. I really began this year in a good place as I was planning my wedding to The Comedian. There were hopes and dreams that I wanted to accomplish.
Year in Review
I was working at a job where I loved the people, but as the year wore on, so did the job. I worked from 8 am to 6 or 7 PM on some days plus going outside in a construction environment did not weigh very well on my energy. I started losing myself. I didn't feel that I had the energy to work on the one thing that brought me life, this blog. Not only that, I struggled to lose weight for the big day. I remember lying in bed with The Comedian after a long heated discussion about following our dreams. He felt that I was losing my passion. I sincerely was just in a rut. I told him that by the end of the year, I would quit my job and pursue freelance writing full-time. This would give me the opportunity to focus on what I loved most, writing.
Luckily, after a few craigslist posts, I found some great clients who both gave me the opportunity to quit my job and still make enough money to support myself. I was on a roll. My goal came to life. This past holiday season has been full of meetings and pursuing even more clients. Val's Bytes will not be left behind either. Look out for new podcasts in a different format in 2017.
I have been to two weddings this year, including my own. I don't remember any baby showers. And I was given the greatest gift of all, a husband who supports my every endeavor.
As I reflect back on this year, I think about all of the negative things that happened. The shooting at Pulse Shooting Pulse Nightclub
Create a Your Own Destiny
But I am grateful for changes that occurred that brought me closer to what is on my vision board. As a challenge to you, I want you to create your own vision board (I will put mine down below). If you visualize and pray for the things in life you want, they will come. Keep a positive outlook and don't let negative thoughts enter your mind. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
“See if you can catch yourself complaining, in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in your power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.”
A goal without a plan is a dream (I saw this in a meme the other day). With this year in review, I want you to create an opportunity for success. Visualize the things you want, keep a positive mindset, and those things will come. I know because it has happened to me.
Happy New Year!
