Hello 2019 | Five Things I Learned in 2018

Tennessee, USA

Hello everyone and Happy New Year to you!

Every time a new year approaches, I think it takes me a little extra time to get into the swing of things and this time wasn't any different. For one, it didn't really feel like New Year's to me when the time came. It was like December came and went entirely too quick and I blinked and wasn't ready for the new year! However, now I'm ready and so excited for all the new content I plan to bring here for you guys.

When looking back over my year overall, 2018 was a great year! My husband and I traveled the world together (you can read about two of my favorite trips from 2018 here and here), we started Our House the Podcast and we are having a blast with it! I partnered with a couple awesome brands here and on my Instagram page, and I spent a lot of time on my personal internal growth and happiness. I did have a couple low moments. I suffered a major loss (my beloved Grandmother) back in October and experienced a major emotional roller coaster from that. I struggled with feeling like I wasn't exercising my full potential, I struggled with not feeling like I had genuine people around me, not to mention I got injured on Christmas Day twice! Throughout all of the many ups and few downs I experienced in 2018, I truly feel like I learned so much about myself.





1. I learned that EVERYTHING is done on God's timing. Not mine.
There were so many things I saw myself accomplishing personally in 2018 and unfortunately, it just didn't happen! It was so easy to get down and feel like 'woe is me' in the midst of what you feel is the worst storm of your life, but once you stop for a second and realize that YOU are not in control, God is.. and he won't let anything happen that isn't supposed to happen and vice versa, you start to breathe a little easier. In 2019, I will be letting God take the reigns and not question why things aren't happening when I want them to.

2. I learned not to worry so much about what people think of me.
This one kept me from stepping outside of my comfort zone in 2018. In the back of my mind, I was always thinking about what the next person was going to say or think of the actions and moves I chose to make and that was wrong. In 2019, I will act on faith and faith alone, knowing that as long as I am okay with the things I am doing, no one else's opinion really matters.

3. I relearned that I am the one in charge of my happiness.. not anyone else.
For a second I forgot the root of happiness comes from within. It's easy to do in this day and age when all we have to go off of is social media and the things we see. Everything that glitters isn't gold and everything that's dull ain't broken. I got so caught up in depending on friends, associates, and whoever else to make me happy that when they didn't, I found myself laid out in a bed of expectations that were never met. No one should live like that! In 2019, I will look in the mirror for a smile and make my happiness stem from that. When other's make me happy, that is a bonus I will gladly accept!

4. I learned that dreams don't work unless I do.
This was a hard one for me to grasp this year because in all transparency, most things I've wanted in life came pretty easily up until 2018 and I believe God was trying to teach me something. I'm not saying I never had to work, but the extent of work that was required of me in 2018 was foreign and I honestly didn't know how to deal with it. I often times became easily defeated when something didn't happen the way I envisioned and I hated that about myself. In 2019, I will accept things as they come, embrace change, and work as hard as it is necessary in order to achieve my goals/dreams.

5. I learned that I am a pretty dope individual.
I may have flaws (who doesn't?), but I believe I am dope! I am a beautiful young woman that loves hard, believes everyone can win, and wants to see her loved ones as happy as possible. I come up with some pretty cool and crazy ideas, I love lame jokes, and sometimes I can probably annoy the people I love, but guess what? All of these things make me.. ME, and I wouldn't trade any of it! In 2019, I will no longer feel that I have to change or hide certain characteristics of my personality to fit the mold of a person I used to desperately want to surround myself with. I will channel my energy into those who receive it wholeheartedly and stay away from toxic energy that doesn't make my uniqueness thrive! Shrinking myself does this universe NO good.


What are some things that 2018 taught you and how will you apply those lessons in 2019? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Thank you so much for reading! xo



15 comments

  1. First of all, that dress is gorgeous!! I definitely all about number 3 last year also!

    xo, Hillary | hillheady.com

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  2. These are all such great lessons! I definitely had my share of the first three this past year. Cheers!

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  3. 3 is definitely something I learned in 2018! You have a great list! Love your dress. It is so beautiful!

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  4. Great post! Sounds like a fabulous year and it will help make this year even better. So true about working hard to achieve your dreams! Also, love your beautiful dress, you look fabulous!! Happy New Year!!

    XOXO
    Cathy

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  5. 2018 taught me I need to atay positive and productive.

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  6. I LOVE this and I also love the fact you are getting this at a young age. It took me to 40 to really start getting it so kudos to you.

    And this dress is to cute. You look amazing.

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  7. You looks amazing and thanks for the lessons learned! You had some exciting wins in 2018! Can't wait to see what's in store for you in 2019.

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  8. You are SLAYING this dress!! Had to say that first and for most.

    Second, your #1 learned item is so true. I have been learning that for the past few years now. If it’s not time, God will definitely be like, “nah.”

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  9. Anonymous1/17/2019

    One - you look so gorgeous in that dress!! And two - Butternut wines is one of mine and my fiances favorite brands!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

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  10. #1 YES! Absolutely love that and so incredible true!

    xo Laura Leigh
    http://louellareese.com

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  11. All such good lessons you learned! I couldn't agree more that everything is in god's timing. That is something I struggled with the past year and once I let it in his hand's, everything fell into place.

    xoxo,
    Kim

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  12. You learned SO much in 2018! That's amazing and I'm so glad you're carrying those lessons into 2019. I'm sure it'll help make this year one of the best ever.

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  13. You look stunning in this dress!! And these are such great takeaways from last year that will only help make this year even better!

    xo, Laura

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  14. I learnes to slow down and enjoy the day. I’m so busy focused on the future that I forget To just chill and trust.

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Through Jam's Eyes