admin / December 30, 2019

2019: A Year in Review

It’s about that time of year when everyone starts posting their top nine photo review on social media. Like the follower that I am, I had to join in on the fun and check out my most engaging posts. Sometimes I have to take a step back and remember that although I share so much of my life with you, that it’s only a fraction of what is actually happening. Anyways, I downloaded the top nine calculator and was surprised by my highest ranked photos. My top nine consisted of a few bookish posts; a photo with the bookshelves that were in our old home, a book stack of brand new releases, a stack of my beloved favorite Harry Potter series, an all green stack, and my thoughts on the highly talked about Cruel Prince Series. What a year it was for reading and the fact that people actually care what I have to say about books. A few more photos were from a collaboration or two featuring Plus Size fashion along with so many comments and chit chats about body positivity and self care. And to round it out, one of my most engaged posts was a photo and caption declaring my desire to lead a healthier lifestyle. This one really blew me away. I remember the feeling inside my normal confident brain as I posted a non-edited, natural and non-concealing photo of myself in exercise clothes. I was astonished at how many people liked, commented, and reached out after I bravely posted the photo. I received so many DMs from followers, friends, and complete strangers filled with praise and self declarations from others that this was the sign they were also looking for to help jump start their own health journey. It was a surreal feeling; one that I will never forget.

As I sit here and reflect on nine of my most engaged posts, I can’t help but think that so many other amazing things happened this year and that social media persuades us to only remember nine special moments. I wanted to reflect on some of the amazing things and opportunities blogging and this community helped me achieve this year.

I spent majority of January hiking all over Maryland.

Went on a cross country road trip where I sipped on red wine in California’s wine country.

Saw my first Joshua Tree in the Mojave Dessert on our way to Las Vegas, Nevada.

I hiked and explored through Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. Some of the most breathtaking landscapes I have ever seen. Almost hard to believe that landscapes so beautiful are part of this country.

Took your typical touristy photo at Four Corners which was my first taste of Colorado.

Spent time falling in love with Santa Fe, New Mexico and the history.

Got stuck in a horrible hail and ice storm in Oklahoma. I can definitely see why they call it Tornado Alley.

Ate delicious BBQ in Memphis and Danced the night away on Broadway Street in Nashville’s famous Honky-Tonks.

Walked hand in hand with Jeff along the sandy shore of Jones Beach on Long Island.

Sang Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vein” after spending a magical weekend in Saratoga Springs. My first taste of upstate New York. Hopefully not my last!

Explored beautiful gardens lined with rows and rows of Tulips, Roses, and many other majestic floral spectacles. Over and over and over and over again! Gardens became some what of a sanctuary for me and my self care.

Jammed with the Rolling Stones over 4th of July weekend in Boston.

Slowed down for a fun weekend in Western Maryland at the Deep Creek Lake with my closest friends and family.

Lived a childhood fantasy and saw the JONAS BROTHERS in concert with my little sister. One for the record books!!!!

Picked apples and explored local orchards, sunflower fields, breweries, vineyards, pumpkin patches, and everything else FALL you could think of.

Read some of the most amazing 2019 releases and really challenged myself by reading new genres and partnered with some of the worlds best known publishing companies.

Rounded out the year moving into a new home with the love of my life, our kitty son, and starting a new chapter. Talk about one of the best decisions we ever made.

Spent the holiday season with every single person I love. There really is No Place Like Home for the Holidays.

Hows that for top nine and then some? This year was one of the most rewarding, eye opening, and challenging years to date. Honestly sitting here and writing down some of my most memorable moments of 2019 really helps put things into perspective and reminds myself how fortunate I am. While this year has been extremely rewarding, it just wouldn’t be fair to say that I didn’t experience phases of depression and waves of sadness after dealing with unfortunate family losses. This trip down 2019 memory lane really motivates me to continue all the hard work and time I’ve spent working on myself and bring that attitude and ambition into the new year!

In 2020 I want to prioritize putting myself first; physically, emotionally, and mentally.

I want to spend more time traveling with Jeff, hiking with my sister, and exploring as much as I possibly can. I mean it’s going to be hard to top this years travel, but I am up for the challenge. Jeff and I even have a few travel spots scheduled for February.

I want to spend time blogging, podcasting, and continuing to work with amazing sponsors that allow me to be creative daily.

Cheers to year THREE and everything that 2020 brings!