Countdown to 2018

It’s hard to believe that we are just days away from welcoming a new year. It feels like just yesterday that I was writing the first post of 2017, and now, here I am writing the last.

To think back on this year and be able to accurately recall all of the events of the past 365 days would be a challenge. Some were the highest of highs while others were the lowest of lows. So, I’m glad that I have this site to look back and reflect upon.

My word for 2017 was resilience—and it was a one that couldn’t be more fitting to describe the changes and challenges that I endured this year. Looking back through my content from the year—I lost a beloved equine companion, celebrated my blog turning three, shared an incredible cancer survivor’s story, took my first work trip to Washington, DC, had my site redesigned, moved to a new place, started a low iodine diet in preparation for my thyroid scans, and celebrated turning 31—but the most noteworthy thing that happened all year was that I got a clean bill of health after undergoing an I-123 whole body scan to check my rising antithyroglobulin levels. I couldn’t have asked to end the year on a higher note than that.

With each year that passes, we learn new things about ourselves, adjust our paths accordingly, and become stronger and more confident individuals. If there were ever a year where all three of those things were to happen, 2017 was the year. I’ve always lived by the mantra that I am grateful for my struggles because without them, I wouldn’t know my strengths. And, believe me, there were plenty of hurdles to leap over in 2017. But it’s true. With each obstacle, I could feel myself becoming stronger and more confident and my path becoming clearer. Each challenge, changed me and each change, challenged me. For all of those struggles, I am grateful. Each one of them was a teachable moment—and I studiously absorbed the lessons.

What do I hope 2018 will bring?

I hope that 2018 first and foremost keeps me healthy. I hope that it encourages me to take better care of myself and become more knowledgeable in my own health and nutrition. I hope that it challenges me and forces me out of my comfort zone when I need the push. I hope that I am able to help and heal others with my story and my words.  I hope that I am fortunate enough to continue on this creative path that excites me and keeps me grounded. And lastly, I hope that my loyal readers will continue to draw inspiration from me and my site.

I’m excited to kick off the New Year with a fun jewelry collaboration, support Thyroid Disease Awareness Month on my site in January, participate in my first Instagram takeover (stay tuned for more details), get back to my fitness classes, and bring you more fresh content. As always, I want this site to be a resource for you. So, if there are topics you wish to see more of, just let me know.

Thank you for being a part of what makes blogging such a special and rewarding experience. It is because of your support and encouragement that I have been going strong with this site for almost four years now.   I enjoy reading each and every one of your comments here and on social media and I look forward to even more connections in 2018.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year!

xo,