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Wow, 2016. This year has been a doozy for many of us, hasn’t it? A lot of great and weird things have happened this year, and it’s been quite the ride. I laughed hard, I cried hard, and I grew up a bit. In 2015, I learned how to make lemons out of lemonade, and this year was no exception. Let’s dig into some of the highlights, lessons learned, and favorite outfit posts of this year, shall we?
A Few Highlights…
- Taking the plunge and going full-time. Okay, this is still a little awesome/scary to chat about since it is a very recent decision, but I decided to follow my dreams and take the blog full-time. I’m still in an adjustment period and I have a lot that I’d like to get accomplished, but I’m looking forward to being my own boss in 2017 and doing big things!
- Full recovery from arm surgery. I had carpal/cubital tunnel surgery on my left arm right before Christmas this year, and I spent a good portion of the year regaining the strength in my arm back. After they took my cast off in January, my arm went limp and I basically had to learn how to reuse it all over again! I’m able to do a total of two push ups on the floor now, sounds wimpy, but I’m just happy with the progress that I’ve made!
- Learning how to say no. I got to a point where I was starting to struggle with the demanding blog, a full-time job and a lengthy commute last year so badly. I always was a “yes” person. Yes, I’ll go to your event. Yes, I’ll do a blog favor for a friend. Yes, yes, yes. 2016, I really learned how important it is to just say no to some things for your sanity. It saved me in the long run!
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Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned…
- Don’t let distance be an issue. One of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with was a bunch of my good friends moving away from D.C. this past year. It’s a pretty transient city so it’s never a shock when my friends leave town, but it still hurts nevertheless. In 2016, I did a way better job at Skyping, texting, and staying in touch with my friends who have left the city. It’s hard to find someone who’s a true friend: don’t let distance get in the way of your friendship!
- It’s okay to be alone. I was in relationships for a good ~75% or so of my college career. My junior year, I had a boyfriend who was amazing, but someone I had to rely on for everything. As much as I joke about being single and the bad Tinder dates I’ve been on, I’ve had so many career and life changes happen to me over the last couple of years and I know I’m a better person for going through it alone. It’s refreshing being on your own two feet after back-to-back relationships.
- Unplug yourself. I had to create “Office Hours” for myself, and promise that I wouldn’t blog on Saturdays just for my sanity. Saturday is my day to do whatever I please, as long as it’s offline. Westworld marathon? Sure. Time with mom? Absolutely. A brunch that lasts three hours? You bet.
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2017 Goals…
- Travel goals: I have a lot of random spots on my travel list for 2017: New Orleans, Boston, San Francisco, Nashville (still!), Chicago, and crossing my fingers I can squeeze in an international trip somewhere. And please remind me to go to a beach.
- Volunteer and donate. To be completely candid: I’m still pretty furious over the election results. Instead of feeding into negative energy, it seems like the best time to volunteer and donate to organizations near and dear to my heart (Planned Parenthood, ACLU, etc) to make a change.
- Get into a routine. I’ve only been working for myself for a few weeks now, but I hope I can settle into a good fitness/cooking/working in coffee shop routine ASAP. Not gonna lie, it’s a weird feeling not leaving your house all day and then heading to press events at night. I’m hoping I can be a little more out and about during the day to maximize productivity!
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What are your 2016 highlights and 2017 goals?
Love your goals and what you’ve been through this last year. It’s been so fun following along and getting to meet you IRL in 2016! Cheers to the new year and MORE success! Xx
Pink Champagne Problems
Love everything about this recap! Congratulations to you for your big decision to blog full time! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas 🙂
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
You go girl – I’m still SO proud of you for *finally* going full time! I’m with ya on needing a routine + set schedule that doesn’t just involve in all day and out all night…it’s a weird life we live – haha!
Coming Up Roses
Your year was packed! It also shows how brave you are! I went full-time blogging/coaching 4 years ago, and I’m so thankful I did. You will love it. Also – I live in Nashville!! 🙂 When you come you have to go to Hattie B’s hot chicken….best spot in town I think!
Looking forward to following along on your journey in 2017! Can’t wait to see all the new things blogging full time will bring! 🙂
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
Yay for going full time on the blog! I loved reading all your new goals. Here’s to a productive new year!
love all your fun dresses and colorful looks. here’s to a great 2017!
http://www.layersofchic.com
What an exciting year for you! So happy for you for going full time. 2016 was the year I got married and started my business and 2017 is the year we buy a house and I go full time with my biz. Woohoo!
Such an exciting year! Can’t wait to see what 2017 brings for you!
Rachel / http://www.seashellsandsparkles.com
An amazing 2016 for you indeed and I know for sure 2017 will be even better. Definitely can’t wait to see what 2017 will bring for you and your blog and a BIG congrats on taking your blog full time.
You’ve had such an amazing year, babe! I am SO excited to see what amazing things 2017 has in store for you! Especially in your new adventure in full time blogging. It’s going to be a great year, I can feel it!!
xo Ashley
Girl, you have covered a lot of ground this year! Congrats on going full time with your blog. That’s HUGE! Love your goals and your boundaries. So inspiring! Way to go!!!
WOW hats off to you! Looks like it’s been a year of achieving for you! Thanks for sharing xo
Great post full of amazing photos! Sounds like you did a lot in 2016 🙂 Congrats!!!
Oh my gosh!! Congrats on taking the blog full time!! It’s a dream of mine!
That white dress you are wearing is gorgeous! Congrats on taking the plunge and blogging full time!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Congrats on going full time!!! This is so inspiring!!!
You are so inspiring. Congrats on going full time. I also love that you are taking the bad feelings associated with the scary election results into something positive. Anger won’t solve the problem action will. Best wishes in 2017