As another year comes to an end, it’s time to look back and celebrate our wins throughout 2018 while making a plan for expansion and growth in the upcoming new year. For me, 2018 was sort of a blur, to be honest. I turned 30 in March, got married in April then took a step back creatively to solely focus on myself. For most of the year, I put in the work to understand who I am and what I want to do with my life. I read a lot, cried often, journaled more than ever before and eventually reached a turning point in my wellness journey. Today I am a more confident and strong-minded woman than I was at the start of the year. The time I took for myself was exactly what I needed for the type of personal growth and mindset shift that I experienced. I finally understand what’s been holding me back from pursuing all that I’ve dreamt of doing and I learned some tools to help me overcome those fears and insecurities.
As a multi-passionate creative, there are a number of areas that spark my interest such as art, fashion, food, sustainable/simple living to name a few. I’ve written previously about wanting to explore those areas but I felt like an imposter and unqualified to speak up. It was easier being a spectator to other people’s work and comparing myself to them versus putting myself out there and learning as I go. I let perfectionism hinder me from starting projects and struggled with being a beginner. It was really difficult to let go of my high standards and high expectations and just start where I am. I wanted to put my best foot forward at all times and wanted to control how others view me. I recently read this important lesson about striving for perfection from the book Dare to Lead by Brene Brown “Perfectionism is not the key to success. In fact, research shows that perfectionism hampers achievement. Perfectionism is correlated with depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis, or missed opportunities. The fear of failing, making mistakes, not meeting people’s expectations, and being criticized keep us outside the arena where healthy competition and striving unfolds.”
2019 is the year I am breaking out of that mold of reaching for perfection. My top life goal has always been to be my own boss and run a small business and today I can happily announce that on March 22nd, 2019 I will be opening my online store selling hand lettered custom goods (it’s also my 31st birthday). After taking 2018 off to reflect on what to do next, starting my own business and taking things to the next level feels like the best decision I’ve ever made. This decision was a long time coming and It’s also my first actionable step towards making my dreams a reality of opening my own design studio. The world of entrepreneurship is very new to me but it’s a challenge I am more than ready to face head-on this upcoming new year.
Outside of my side hustle, the blog is another top priority of 2019. In the coming year expect a new blog post every single Wednesday starting Jan 2nd, 2019. A regular blogging schedule keeps me accountable each week to always show up for myself. I intend on taking this commitment very seriously as it’s one of those promises I’ve yet to keep to my fellow readers.
It’s taken me years and a lot of work to get to where I am today and I am happy with the growth that’s slowly but surely taking place in my life. I am happy with the person I am blossoming into. I am learning to get out of my shell and allow myself to be seen. No more people pleasing, no more hiding, and no more being afraid to make mistakes. I believe that I am capable of accomplishing anything I set my sights on. I am so excited about all that’s to come in the year. Thank you 2018 for the lessons you’ve taught me and thank you God for showing me the way.
“Everything is either an obstacle to growth or an obstacle to keep you from growing. The good thing is You Get To Choose“