About a year ago I began reading a book called “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes. Before I read this book I had been thinking a lot about my life, my focus points, family time and my employment. I was stuck in a comfort zone that I was too afraid to climb out of. I had heard of this book and decided for the first time in a ridiculous amount of years, I was going to spend a little time each day reading, for me.
This book gave me the bit of push I needed to look at 2017 as the year that I was finally going to say “yes” to things that pushed me out of my comfort and to making more family memories. One of the biggest changes was learning again. I took on taking courses and researching information to make me employable to Automattic, the company Sandy has been working for since 2014. I wanted to interact with adults again, have a position where I am thinking and problem solving, but on top of that, a position that allowed me to work anywhere and create my schedule so I had more time with my family.
Although I had been blessed to work at home and always be home when my kids were, I felt as though I was missing out on their activities. They grow up too fast and being on class trips, bringing them to their extra-curricular’s, etc were all super important to me. I needed to be there. In June, after months of working insanely hard and at two positions, I started my employment full time at Automattic. I have never regretted this decision for a moment. I truly love my job, the people, the learning it offers and the personal growth I can experience being there. I also love the benefits, schedule and flexibility it offers. I could not be happier.
This change allowed our family to take a 4 week trip across Canada and back this last summer. We made so many memories together. My highlights were finally being able to attend a New Kids Concert and share that moment with my kids, first MLB game, discovering lots of new cities along the way that have been on my bucket list, beaches and more beaches, and getting to spend time with family & friends along the way. It can be a little scary leaving the comfort of your home for 4 weeks to travel, but it was one of the best decisions we made in 2017.
Throughout the year I also made time for myself and took in a few Paint Nite’s, read a number of books, spent time at the gym and just enjoyed a little me time every now and then. These are things I had not done in the past and even with adding these into my schedule, I still spend tons of time with my family.
In September, I attended our work’s Grand Meet Up in Whistler, BC. This was definitely a difficult “Yes” item for me. It was tempting a few times to go to my Lead and say I just can’t do it. I had never been away from the kids for longer than a night or 2 and usually even if I was away, I had one or two of the kids with me. I am so glad that I gave myself the push. It was hard being away, but it was amazing to meet the people that I work with daily and spend some time in Whistler. It was also good for Sandy and I to have some downtime together.
It’s hard to explain how much I have grown personally in this past year. And for some people, they would never understand because they have mastered a balance within their lives or have different life goals. We are all different, on different journeys with different desired paths. I have prayed a lot this year and I didn’t make a single big decision without praying about it first. This year has not always been easy and there were definitely moments I wanted to go back to my comfort zone, but I am so thankful I said Yes!
To celebrate my Year of Yes I decided I wanted to end the year in my favorite city. If you ask Sandy, I often use my “Automattic Reward” to plan things. It just means that I worked so hard and am so thankful for this position that I try to give myself and our family rewards for working for this amazing company. We spent the last 4 days of 2017 in Boston enjoying time with family and friends. I was very thankful that others could join us on this trip. These people help make me whole. I just love all of our friends and family and I feel so blessed to have them all in our lives.
2018 will be spent focused on more family memories. Starting the year in Boston was just the fuel I needed to make this year even better than the last! I also downloaded the Audio version of “Year of Yes” to remind myself of the opportunities I need to take again this year to continue to grow. Thanks to each and every one of you for being part of my year. I appreciate everyone in our lives from our direct family & friends, church family, Automattic friends, school & dance friends, Social Media friends and the list goes on and on! Thank you all!
Looking ahead to this year I plan to set aside time each day for exercise, travel more as a family (we are excited to take the kids to Disney this year as well as New Orleans where we were married), continue to grow within my position with Automattic and challenge myself spiritually with spending more time reading God’s Word. Welcome 2018!
I Dream of Summer 
It was so great spending time with you and Sandy at the GM! Here’s to a fantastic 2018!
LikeLiked by 1 person