In the midst of my sadness this month, I inadvertently overlooked an exciting milestone. I have written 52 blog posts, which fulfills the commitment that I made to myself when I started this blog. I realize that I took many weeks off in between posts 50 and 51, but nevertheless, here we are. And I’m really proud of myself for picking it back up despite the circumstances of my life right now. Way back in May, when I was on the cusp of finishing this milestone, I was ready to share with you what I’ve learned, and how I’ve evolved over the course of the year. I never could have imagined what life had in store for me, and I feel like I’ve learned more this year than any other time in my life. But when I look back and reread some of the posts, I recognize common themes, and the three below hit home for me the most.

Talk about it, write about it, share it with someone, share yourself, show yourself! In the  beginning, I was terrified to put myself out there and start this blog. I thought about it for a long time, and then I talked about it for a long time, and then I finally did it. And I am so glad that I did because I have really enjoyed opening up week after week. It allowed me to learn a lot about myself, but more importantly it allowed me to share it with all of you. And in turn, many of you texted me and emailed me, and shared your stories and experiences with me too. In doing that, we validated each other and we connected with each other. Don’t be afraid to share who you are, and what you’re going through, with the people around you. Be authentic. Be real. I promise it will fill your relationships with substance and value, and make and your life better.

Family and friends are everything. I have never felt so strongly about this statement as I do today. There is no way I could have survived the last six months without the support of my family and friends. Finding something positive about my situation isn’t easy. It made me question everything about my life, but I was fortunate because something good did come out of it. The closeness I feel with my dad and my sister is something I’ve never felt before, and I don’t think it would have happened if we hadn’t experienced this grief together. We needed each other, and we showed up for each other. That’s what I’m going to do in the new year… I’m going to show up for the people that I love, and I know they’ll do the same for me.

Keep going. I heard this a lot when I first started the blog. It’s amazing how that little phrase can really pack a punch. Think about it….no matter what your situation, this applies to you. Are you climbing your way out? Keep going. Are you almost at your goal? Keep going. Are you recovering? Keep going. Are you in the weeds? Keep going. Have you hit your stride? Keep going. Are you, at the very least, trying? Keep going. 

I know that 2024 is going to be filled with challenges. And it may be my most challenging year to date. It may be that way for you too. But we don’t have to do it alone. We will keep going… together.