Happy New Year everyone! I know you’ve probably scrolled past countless sappy NYE posts reflecting on 2018, stating goals for 2019, and talking about the ups and downs. Well… here’s another one! ?
Top: H&M, Jacket: ba.sh (similar here), Pants: Cheap Monday, Boots: Indigo Rd., Bag: Forever21 (similar here), Hat: Banana Republic (similar here)
2018 was such a year of growth for me. My husband and I turned the page to a new chapter in life. My husband retired from the Army, we packed all of our belongings and moved cross country from North Carolina to Washington. Along we way we stopped at the nation’s most beautiful landscapes. I visited 18 states, and saw more of the USA than I have ever seen in my entire life!
We moved out West for a reason, for a dream that we shared. Well that dream of ours, it crashed and burned. The recovery was difficult. I had the worst anxiety of my life. I was even scared to leave my house. I feared everything, and it required an extreme amount of energy to get up and get dressed some days, let alone put on makeup to fake a smile for Instagram.
The worst part was that I was scared to share any of this with you all. This year I don’t want to let my fear and anxiety control my life – I want to be free and I want to share more of me with you all. I feel so deeply about things, I have strong opinions, and I want to help people. The last thing I want is for people to be jealous of my life because I have this, or went there. We put so much value on material things and lifestyles and I am completely against that. My 2019 goal is to bring these thoughts and feelings I have to the light.
2018 was the first year I truly monetized my blog and hit a 5-digit income. It makes me so happy that brands can see my vision and believe in me to help promote a product. It warms my heart even more knowing you all support me every step of the way through your likes, comments and responses to my stories. You are the fuel that keeps my fire burning and I cannot thank you enough for being my friends.
Yes I cried the entire time while writing this. But to me crying doesn’t make you weak. It cleanses your eyes and soul to help you see clearer. If that’s the case then I hope 2019 brings you many tears – of painfulness, forgiveness, and most importantly happiness.
Kileen
January 5, 2019Thank you for sharing this babe!! Anxiety is not easy to deal with, and I think you are amazing!! Congrats on the blog income, you go girl!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie
January 5, 2019It sounds like you went through a LOT in 2018. Here’s to 2019 and the wonderful, exciting, terrifying adventure it will be. And if you ever need a friend to talk with – I’m here. (Handling anxiety is kinda my thing)
Deborah
January 7, 2019It sounds like 2018 had some challenges for you! I’m so glad to hear you made it through! Hope you have a great 2019!
Taylor Mobley
January 9, 20192018 was kind of a rough year for me too! I am so looking forward to 2019!