2018...The Year of Joy

It's been several months since I've logged in to my blog and written a post. Even this is a couple days later than I had planned, but that is just how things seem to work around here! I had a few moments to myself this morning and have finally had a chance to reflect on the year that has now passed and the year that lies ahead. I'm feeling a little sad that the Christmas season is over (as are the kids, who ask WHY it had to end EVERYday ;)), but like we all do, I'm attempting to look forward to all of what's to come in 2018.

2017 was an interesting year, not quite as tumultuous as 2016, but definitely not bland, either. Here are a few highlights from the year....

My mom came home from the hospital and has made a miraculous recovery. We celebrated in the spring at a Go Red for Women event and it was a moment I'll never forget. 

I hit the 100 lb weight loss mark! This was such a huge milestone in my life and a lifestyle change I am incredibly proud of. 

We visited Disney World as a family of four and had the best week EVER. We are planning and saving for a trip back soon and I can't wait. It is worth every penny. 

We did a lot more traveling! Columbus, Chicago, St. Louis, Destin, Fripp Island...our kids love to travel and I can't wait to do more in 2018. 

I got a dream job that has changed our lives. That is not an exaggeration! While I'm still getting used to being a "work from home mom," writing for OnlyInYourState (both Kentucky and Cincinnati) has been a game changer and a purpose that I love so much. I work with an amazing group of people and feel so lucky to have this opportunity.

We experienced A LOT of Cincy. Thanks to my other role with Cincinnati Parent, we've taken the city by storm and been lucky enough to experience quite a bit in the past year. As I look back at it all, I feel so thankful that my kids get to see this city and area in ways I'd never dreamed.

I wore a bikini in public for the first time. This may not seem like a big deal, but it sure was a big step in my life in so many ways. More on that in my next post :). 

Andrew and I celebrated 9 years of marriage. This just happened a few days ago, but each day of every year, I am thankful for him and our relationship. It is far from perfect, but it's the perfect place for each of us and we only get stronger as a team with time. 

At the end of 2016, rather than make resolutions, I chose a word to focus on in 2017. That word was Peace. It was appropriate given all we were going through with my mom, having just moved to a new house and all of the other craziness that was happening. I would come back to that word often throughout the year, but I have to admit that I came far from achieving it. In 2018, I want to continue to work on finding peace in my life, but I'm also adding the word JOY. This word first came to mind for many reasons, but one was inspired by my dear friend who is facing a tremendous battle right now, yet is somehow consumed with joy. I say somehow, but really, I know how this is possible and it is through her faith, trust, and love in Jesus. 

I haven't talked much about God on here, and I'm not sure why. Over the past year, I've felt a strong pull to work on my relationship with Jesus, which has already made a few big changes in my life. We've finally started going to church regularly, I'm committed to spending time each day reflecting, learning, and connecting with God and His Word. 

With all the good that came from 2017, I fear that I will likely look back on that year as the one where I dealt with quite a bit of anxiety and stress. I wrote about those feelings here, but I am most excited about starting 2018 with a fresh outlook and renewed will to deal with and handle those feelings. 

2018 will be a year filled with God, family, friends, fulfilling work, travel, fun, peace and JOY. And hopefully more time sharing on here. I miss it, and it's definitely a free form of therapy for me ;). 

Happy New Year! Wishing you a healthy, peaceful, and joyful 2018!