Happy Saturday everyone!
The holidays really put me behind, but I’m back! Can anyone else believe 2018 is almost here?! 2017 was an interesting year to say the least and it was filled with many ups and downs. Today, instead of sharing a weekly round up post, I would like to share the best and hardest moments of 2017.
Best
1. We celebrated Diesel’s first birthday. I still can’t believe we have had him for an entire year now! He is one of the best things that has ever happened to Chandler and I.
2. I started my blog! While this happened at the very end of 2016, I didn’t really get into it until 2017 so I’m counting it! Haha! Blogging is a ton of work and I give so much credit to each and every blogger out there. It really is a second job for me. But, I love it so much because it’s something that’s created by me, without anyone telling me if it’s “right” or “wrong.” It’s a creative outlet for me to turn all of my thoughts into content that others will love.
3. I got a promotion at work! This was a big deal to me. While I was afraid of what the position entailed, I knew it was the right thing to do. I knew that it would be one that would teach me many things and put me outside of my comfort zone. Which it definitely has! I’m very thankful to be in the position that I am, and I can’t wait to grow more in 2018.
Worst
1. Chandler and I had some real financial troubles throughout this year. It put a strain on our relationship, and for a while, all I really cared about was our dog and cats. It wasn’t until a few months ago that everything finally started to turn around. I’m really glad that it did too. I’ve never been in a situation like this before and I wasn’t really sure how to handle it. Everything happens for a reason though and these tough times only make you stronger. They definitely made us stronger.
2. For all of 2016 and shortly after I got the promotion, I had to work for someone that did not treat me right at all. This experience not only crushed my confidence, but it also made me hate my job, work entirely, and myself. I was very depressed. It wasn’t until this year that I received two wonderful, much needed gifts: two coworkers, one that I had known before and a new one who has changed the way things are done, for the better. Since then, my confidence is back to normal, and I love going to work each day. To be honest, I never wanted to share this with anyone because I thought it was too controversial. But this is my blog, and this is what I want to share. If I’m always afraid to share things, then how am I ever going to make an impact?
A lot of people are always excited for the new year because it’s a new start. A chance to make themselves better. Just know, that you don’t have to wait until January 1st, 2018 to make a change. Start today and get a head start on it! Beat January 1st to the punch! You don’t have a timer waiting to go off in two days. Think about one thing you want to do right now and go do it, or at least make the plan for it if it’s something that requires a bit more haha. I have faith in you!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me along my journey that’s just getting started. I have so much planned for 2018 that I can’t wait to share with all of you. I love everyone I have met so far, including my amazing photographers, a few blogger friends and more. You all are wonderful people and I can’t wait to get to know each and every one of you better in 2018.
See you all next year!
Love,
Caitlin, creator of Sparkles and Sunshine Blog
