At the end of 2016 I purchased a book called “Year of Yes”. I am not a huge reader, but I love a book that I can connect to and this was certainly the case for me. I have had anxiety all of my life and although a lot of the time I don’t let it prevent me from doing things, I have been known to exist in “the comfortable” for long periods of time, not really ever pushing myself. This would be fine if I didn’t have a burning desire also inside of me to get out of the comfort and do well, anything else.
At the start of 2017 I challenged myself to get out of the comfort more often and see where it takes me. Since I am not creative lol, I called it My Year of Yes. Sometimes I just need a reason, a challenge, a reminder that I told myself I was going to do this thing and for that year, the Year of Yes did that for me. At the end of that year I had a different job, had travelled a lot more and jumped out of that comfort zone more often than not.
Fast forward to the pandemic… for someone like me an anxiety provoking reason to stay in my comfortable place is almost comforting in itself. I randomly found ways to challenge myself, my growth and what brings me joy, but more often than not, I have reverted back to my comfortable place. The challenge with this though, is that the burning desire I talked about earlier, just won’t leave me be.
Thankfully, I let that burning desire win a few times and enjoyed some amazing travel this year, probably the most in one year I have ever done:
- We went away to the Washington area for Easter to see the Cherry Blossoms (Wow, was that amazing!) Although I checked that off my bucket list, I would definitely go back again, over and over each year.
- I went to Montreal for my Team’s meetup. I woke up early each day and explored so much of the city on my own. It was an amazing week.
- Our big summer trip was our Wilmington NC Adventure. I fell in love with that area and we are already planning a trip back again.
- In the Fall, Caile and I went to Nashville. It was my first time and although it was for work, we got up early and had some time after my sessions each day to explore. It was fun to have a trip away with just the two of us.
- And lastly, I cannot forget the Concert for all the Eras! This was truly an incredible experience and one I am so thankful for. I cannot wait until she tours again, because the girls and I will certainly be there.
I also challenged myself at work as well and accepted a new position. One that came with its own challenges, but has also brought me so much joy and growth. I am a Hiring Specialist now and am learning more and more about all things recruiting every day. I had some background, but with any new and different change, the imposter syndrome is very real. I am driven by growth and have really enjoyed my last year in this role.
So what’s next… well this past year although I have pushed myself with travel and work, I have not stepped out enough in my personal life and with family & friends. I want for myself this year to build new relationships, grow old relationships and specifically for Ezra, I want to connect with more families that have reached out already (and some new as well) with kids his age and homeschool families to allow him endless opportunities. I am a people person, but again, I often stay within my comfortable space… not this year!
I also want to challenge myself with exercise. I have been on and off again with my BODi workouts and I want to get into a better routine and spend more time outside this Winter. For me, sometimes it is simply about putting it in writing to hold myself accountable. So for 2025, it will not be a Year of Yes, but instead for me, it will be a Year of Just Do it Already!
I am always thankful for ringing in a new year, a blessing not everyone gets. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my 2024 journey and I very much look forward to a new year!
Goodbye 2024!
I Dream of Summer 
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