Hey y’all! 2017 was hard. I started the year with a broken website, the rollout of some harmful public policies that changed the context of my day job, and some crazy family dynamics. Then just when I seemed to get a handle on things, Hurricane Harvey hit my city. All 2017 I felt that life was running me. About three months ago, my executive coach challenged me to stop fighting against my life and figure out what lessons were in the hardships. I knew she was right but honestly, I was pissed – at the universe for the chaos, at people for leaving their junk at my front door – but I also knew I had to take back control over my life.
One of the first things I did was look at where I was spending my time. At work, I proactively rolled off some committees and notified others I would not be renewing my service after my term ends in 2018. I started doing more online shopping. I legit hate the store and decided to spend my time elsewhere. Amazon Prime has a great auto-ship feature that brings our most commonly ordered items to our home. Instacart lets me shop local and avoid the dreaded grocery store.
One of my most rewarding actions this year was staying in regular communication with my best-sisters. We have a group text chat that saved my life for sure. As much as I believe in self-care, sister-care is equally important to me.
By far THE best thing I did this year was going a second vacation with my husband! We legit needed the time to rest and recover from a chaotic time in our family. We decided our relationship deserved some time with just us!
Here are my 17 in 17 (in no particular order):
- Conducted my first local Self Care Workshop
- Attended the Houston Women’s March
- Completed the Rockwood Institute Art of Leadership training
- Presented at 3 national conferences
- Sponsored a couple dear to our family to take a little getaway
- Saw my Grammy in person
- Learned to knit
- Took two international vacations
- Performed in my first choir concert in 20 years
- Visited the world famous FamilySearch Family History Library
- Co-Facilitated my second national self-care workshop
- Served on the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund Grants Committee
- Started my Aroma Freedom Technique Certification
- Lost 15lbs of post-40 weight
- Fixed my website
- Consistently worked on my genealogy research
- Microloced my hair
I am proud that my list does not only include professional accomplishments but personal ones as well. This is the first time in a long time I can say I ended the year having consistently made time for things I enjoy. I still struggle with boundaries and saying ‘no’ but each year I get better at saving more time for things that fill me up with positive energy. We still have a lot of family stuff going on but I am learning to let people take responsibility for stuff instead of making things better. This year I did not shy away from having difficult conversations but really could do without another one for a long time!
I am really excited about 2018!
My word of the year for 2018 is: ACTUALIZE. I have lots of ideas that have been brewing in my head and heart. I have pages upon pages of notes of plans and projects. In 2018, I will do the work to focus and bring some of these ideas to fruition. No more talking myself out of it not being the right time or place. I am beyond excited for what the year will bring.
What about you? What were your highlights for 2017? In 2018, what will you work toward for you? Your career? Your family?
P.S. I still have some clean up to do on my site to get it fully functional. Thanks for sticking with me while I finish getting everything back in proper working order.
