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Every year I tell myself – this will be THE year. The year that everything changes. The year that things start happening. It will be the best year yet. 2018 was not that year.

2018 came with many struggles, sacrifices, loss, and more. It was a year full of bumps and surprises that I didn’t see coming. And I’m not saying that it was all bad and horrible, because there were a lot of good things that happened. It always seems that the lows overshadows the highs though, doesn’t it?

The Highs

• I’ve spent more time with my family this year, then I have in the past few years.

• I transitioned out of a job that sucked the life out of me, to a startup that gives me the flexibility to spend time with my family (with no consequences or threats!)

• I realized that it’s okay to not have found your tribe by 25, but that a few great friends make all the difference.
• I was interviewed for a local podcast!

• My dad moved back home to Vegas and it makes my heart so happy that he is close to family.

• I started putting myself first.

• I stopped surrounding myself with negative people, especially those who are willing to walk all over people to get ahead.
• We celebrated our 1 year anniversary!

• My husband surprised me with a Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote for Christmas (I’ve been eyeing one for a couple years!).

• I went to church for the first time in years!

• We traveled to Washington, D.C. for the first time and had an amazing and memorable trip (but we also froze our asses off!)
• We adopted our sweet husky, Sophie!

• We ate a LOT of good food.

• I had the courage to confront a few people in my life to move forward.

• I co-founded a new community and site for Northern Nevada Moms.
• I had some dream partnerships come from this little site and hundreds of new readers!
• I celebrated turning 25!

The Lows

• I worked at a job that was sucking the life out of me for the first half of the year.
• My uncle passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease after a 10+ year battle.
• My grandmother was hospitalized TWICE.
• I let people who didn’t matter upset me.
• I realized that I am passionate about a lot of things, but that I haven’t found my path yet.
• Sophie ate some of my nicest shoes, sunglasses, pens, papers, and more. We realized she was not trained/disciplined.
• I didn’t tell my sister how much I love her more often.

• We spent more $$$ to fix our basement from the flood mess that we had already spent to get redone and it was done incorrectly.

Here’s to the new year!

As I sit here writing this, I find myself realizing how good 2018 actually was. It’s a weird feeling to think that the year was so bad, when in reality, so much growth and happiness has come from it. I feel as though if I didn’t sit down to really think about what a year this has been, that I may not have remembered 2018 to be a decent year.

Reflecting on this past year has brought a sense of peace upon me. It’s a feeling of ease that pushes the emotional distress and sadness to the side for a moment to let me know, it’s okay.

This year may not have been the “best” year, but what really does the “best” year mean? Does it mean money? Travel? Fame? Starting a family? I guess I really don’t know.

I think my idea of the “best” year, was a year full of highs and no lows, but in reality a lot of the lows fueled the highs and without a little bad, I don’t think there would be growth.

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for sticking around and reading. If it’s just me here reading, that’s okay too. A little reflection is always a good thing.

I’m including this FREE 2018 Reflect on the Past Year Printable to download if you’d like to reflect on your year as well. Goodbye 2018 and hello 2019. I’m ready for you!