December 31, 2018
I was looking back at my year in review for 2016 and 2017 and honestly, it feels like longer than just a couple of years ago. I don’t know what it is about 2018 but I feel like it’s been two-three years all wrapped into one. Maybe it’s because I started this year with the word “Surrender” and I truly let myself do just that. I already feel like a different person than 2017 or 2016 me. I had no idea what to expect this year and it far exceeded anything I thought.
I’m appreciating things more. I’m hustling, sure, but I’m finding it easier to relax than I once did. Different things are becoming more important. In the past I chased opportunities to meet new people, to attend ALL the conferences, to push myself in order to make connections. Now I’m focused on a more balanced life. I’m focused on the people who truly mean something to me. Though I didn’t slow down with work, this year definitely felt slower in the best possible way. I’m finding joy wherever I am instead of trying to find it in other places. I’m really loving who I’m spending time with and caring less about where I’m going.
With every year, I become more accepting of who I am. Yes, I may not be as successful as other people I admire but I know I’m working on my own successes. I’m not looking to replicate what anyone else is doing. I’m taking the time and putting in the work to create my own triumphs. This year started with a lot of questions for me. I was in a different place than I had been in the last seven years. I was hungry to learn something new, to do more, but I had no idea what that was. This year was a year of discovery. A year of taking a step back and really evaluating where I want to go in the future. Now as 2018 comes to a close, I have a really awesome vision of where my life is headed.
In years past, it’s been more about professional accomplishments. This year truly felt like a huge personal triumph full of joy and growth! I really got to spend a lot of time with people I love, doing the things I love. What could be better than that?! It was a year of a lot of firsts too! They’ve been a glorious twelve months and this is how I spent them.
The year started in the best possible way. Matt and I said, “I love you!” for the first time at midnight on New Year’s Eve!
Matt took me to Iowa, where he grew up, and we visited where he went to college.
I visited New Orleans for the first time for the RTS Leaders Retreat!
We celebrated Matt’s birthday with a weekend getaway in Chicago!
My love for Pure Barre is as strong as ever. Those girls really feel like family! I reached my 250th class and by the end of the year I’ve already passed my 400th class!
We celebrated our first Valentine’s Day together at our favorite place, Aardvark Wine Lounge.
After almost three years of leading, I stepped down as Green Bay’s RTS leader. It was definitely bittersweet but it felt like the right time. I’m beyond thankful that I could pass it on to two amazing boss babes!
My home was published in a magazine! Ahh!
In March, we headed to Los Angeles for a little fun!
My sweet friend, Jenna, made some beautiful photos of us. The first of many photo shoots to come!
Celebrated our first Easter together! We even painted eggs!
One of the most exciting moments of the year came at the end of April. Matt moved in and we welcomed a new kitty to our family, Johanna! We love her so much and we’re so happy she’s here with us!
We’re always on the hunt for the perfect patio/outdoor adventure!
We worked on some really fun house projects this year too!
Obviously, lots of runs to Zesty’s!
In May, I started a podcast with my dear friend Sarah called The Creative Legacy Podcast! It’s been going strong for 30 episodes and it’s not slowing down any time soon! I cannot wait to see where we take it in 2019!
Of course, I loved working with all my amazing STP couples this year! They are awesome!
I even photographed a proposal!
Matt’s first time at Celebrate De Pere! We even found the moon!
We celebrated our first date anniversary and our one year of “officially” dating. Obviously, we like to celebrate!
Summer was spent traveling to some of our favorite places. First stop, Nashville!
Then back to Chicago for the 4th of July!
The difference a few hours make haha!
Fun times in Door County just relaxing and soaking up the sun!
Then I headed to Washington to photograph Amanda and Adam’s wedding!
August brought yoga with goats, a family road trip to Minnesota, and seeing Beyoncé and Jay-Z in concert!
In September, Matt started his fourth season with the Green Bay Packers. I am so proud of him and I’m so happy I had the chance to attend so many games!
This year also brought wonderful opportunities to give back to the community. I volunteered my time with the Boys and Girls Club, spoke to 7th graders about being a photographer at Washington Middle School (my old middle school), donated school supplies to kids in need, volunteered at House of Hope, donated food for families to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, and delivered gifts to some of our favorite people.
Styled shoot goodness with some great people in September!
I made it a goal this year to read more because I love reading so much. I wanted to read 50 books but only made it to 45. Not a bad start but I’m definitely trying for 50 again next year!
Abound Conference in Nashville with some awesome people at the beginning of October.
My absolute favorite memory from this year! WE GOT ENGAGED!! It still doesn’t feel real sometimes. I’m so very lucky that I get to marry my best friend! Matt is the most amazing man and has been such a blessing in my life!
We welcomed Fall by celebrating Halloween, hosting a True Crime party, hosting our first T.Hanksgiving, and celebrating my 28th birthday! I even got a new tattoo by the amazing Sarah Baenen!
December kicked off with another trip to Chicago, this time to find my wedding dress! The rest of the month was spent celebrating Christmas and attending awesome holiday parties with sweet friends!
It was a really beautiful year and I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings. I have a feeling it’s going to be an amazing year!
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