Oh Hey 2018
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ell, I don’t know about you guys, but I blinked and it was 2018. Of course, a few months back when I was VERY pregnant, I probably would have said that 2017 was the slowest year, ever. Unlike 2016, which was a straight up crap year for me, 2017 really was pretty decent. Obviously, finally getting pregnant and the arrival of our little rainbow baby, Everly was the high point of our year. Having said that, there were some other great (and not so great) moments that made up the year.
Reflecting on 2017
In 2017 I finally got pregnant and stayed pregnant. It took a good long while, and definitely led to having some anxiety-filled moments in the earlier days. I will say, the surprise and happiness that came out of announcing it to our friends and family (none of which knew we were trying!) was amazing and priceless. To boost the baby filled happiness, even more, my bestie got pregnant exactly a month after me. Being pregnant at the same time was a massive support system for both of us and definitely strengthened the bond we had.
I learned to put my own well being first much more in 2017. Most of my life I’ve catered to others needs and caused myself undue stress and anxiety by trying to anticipate how others react to me. In 2017 I started to let go of that just a little. I still struggle with it immensely, but I’ve seen progress which is amazing. I started chipping away at my ridiculous need to not accept help when offered in 2017 as well. For so long I felt like I needed to carry much more burden than necessary. After having Everly especially, I’m learning to say, “yes, please’ a lot more.
“I’ve stopped pushing my own personal success boundary to unreachable limits.”Â
Professionally at my day job, I had possibly one of the worst years in my 17-year career in terms of moral. A multitude of issues and changes to the company I work for created this, and paired with my pregnancy, sadly, made the last year of work pretty darn difficult. Having said this, what it did teach me was to not kill myself to working to the bone when it doesn’t reap any rewards in the long run. I’ve always been the type that pushes myself beyond, and I’ve learned that sometimes hinders me personally more than helps. I’m not saying IÂ went all lazy, but rather stopped pushing my own personal success boundary to unreachable limits.
On the flip side, professionally speaking here at Girl Loves Gloss, things continued to grow in 2017! I’ve felt so much momentum in the last year and have so big ideas for 2018 when it comes to this blog. I feel like the last year has helped me create not only a great presence here, but has given me hope that in 2018 I can continue to grow Girl Loves Gloss into more of a full-time job.
Leaping Forward into 2018
As previously mentioned, I hope to continue to build Girl Loves Gloss in 2018. Last year saw the expansion of this little corner of the internet go from just beauty to lifestyle as well. As my pregnancy progressed, I found more and more comedic fodder to write about here. I have no doubt as Everly grows, the stories and anecdotes will continue. My love of makeup and beauty will never die, and will always be the predominant topic here, but I’ve loved sharing a bit more about myself and my life as well.
“Being a new mum can break you down and build you up all in the blink of an eye”
As a new mummy, I plan on continuing to strengthen my weaknesses. If there is anything this first month being a mother has taught me, it’s that it can break you down and build you up all in the blink of an eye. I worried about my anxiety and nature to get overwhelmed in the last few months of pregnancy. Continuously, I remind myself to take things day by day. I’m notoriously bad at beating myself up for things I don’t have much control over, so in the next year, I’m working on forgiving myself much more.
Lastly, something I’ve made a continuing resolution regarding for several years now: The power of positive reinforcement. Several years ago I told myself I was going to make a point of spreading more positive thoughts in the world. I genuinely compliment people whenever I get the chance because the ability to put a smile on someone’s face is incredible. I make a point of always considering my surroundings and respecting them. I attempt to always take a moment to see things from another’s shoes before passing judgement. I’m not always great at it, but it’s a personal challenge I take on every year and plan on continuing into 2018.
How was your 2017? What are your challenges/resolutions/goals for 2018?
I’m issuing you all a simple challenge for January. In fact, perhaps I will issue one month as a regular thing here, we’ll see. This month I’m challenging you all to genuinely compliment/acknowledge someone at least once a week. That might not seem like a lot, but I think you might find we live in a world where people really don’t do it much anymore.
So if you love someone’s coat, tell them. Did a family member share some delicious treats with you this Christmas? Instead of just saying thank you, tell them that they were a highlight of the holidays for you. Did the post delivery lady make a point of delivering all your packages in the morning because she knew that’s when you were home most this holiday season (like mine so kindly did!!)? Make sure you let her know how appreciative you are and how it really helped make your life easier.
It’s not hard once you get the ball rolling. Not only will it make you feel great, but positivity can be infectious. You never know what kind of day someone might be having, and the simplest thing like telling them their lipstick really compliments them might turn the whole thing around!
Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018.
Wishes of happiness, hope and health to you all in this new year!
