2017 // Reflections

This was a year of growth and grit for me. When 2017 started, I was dealing with some struggles in my personal life, grappling with my faith, ran into some financial issues, had some health worries, and just felt really lost with where I was going in life - especially since it was now the year that I would turn 30.

Needless to say, 2016 wasn't great, and I so desperately wanted 2017 to be better. Even if just slightly.

So I hustled this year.

• I threw myself into my faith. I opened every bible study I owned, talked to God constantly, and just begged Him for strength.
• I put a lot of focus on the relationships in my life that were hurting and how I could fix them.
• I changed my attitude towards money and spending. I started to live more simply.
• I sought out doctors that knew what they were doing, and tried to live a healthier life. I actually ran 2 races again!!

I didn't set resolutions, and I didn't achieve this "enlightenment" that it might sound like I work towards.

But, 2017 was far better than I hoped for. Far. Better. :)

I feel so grateful for this year. There were so many lessons learned, so much mental, emotional, and physical strength gained. And so many i n c r e d i b l e memories that were made.

//the mountains
Oh my gosh I am so freaking lucky I live in Colorado. This year I had more ski days, hikes, motorcycle rides, and camping than I ever anticipated living in this gorgeous state. The mountains are my church.

//travel
I got to travel to 3 new places this year - Napa Valley, Greece, and New York City - AND return to one of my favorite places - Italy. I am fully aware that not everyone in life has this luxury. So let me just say that I am so grateful for parents that love to travel just as much as I do (and let me tag along), and grateful for students so I can travel for free ;)

//turning 30
I entered a new decade. I don't know why, but it completely freaked me out up until the day it actually came. I was in a constant panic, questioning if I've accomplished everything I had hoped to by the time I was 30 (I hadn't) and how I could make sure to accomplish it before August 18 came by (there was no way to). Then, the day came. And I felt calm. Life was okay. It's perfectly fine that I hadn't accomplished everything I thought I would, because I trust God's timing. 

Oh, and I saw Hamilton on my birthday too!!! :)

2017, I'm pretty darn content with you. Thank you.

2018, I am so excited for you!

xo, Jaclyn