Now that 2016 is officially closed, I can confidently say it was a great year. Last January I was coming off a tough year, filled with immense personal growth and self-discovery, so I was eager for a fresh start. I knew in order to work towards long term goals, I would have to break down some barriers and fears. To kick off 2017, I’m doing a little self-reflection and goal-setting to move forward into the new year.
Push boundaries. Leading up to my vacation in Australia, I had a mix of emotions. Part of me was excited to discover a new country and explore. The other part of me was scared to leave familiarity and travel outside of my comfort zone. My international travel experiences were few and the uncertainties rattled me. By swallowing these fears I was able to enjoy a wonderful vacation. The euphoria found in travel has helped me open my eyes to a whole new world of different cultures – and finding myself.
Continue to learn. Coming from a medical background, I had no idea (and still sometimes don’t) on how to make a website. In 6 months, I went through a cycle of reading intently, watching youtube videos, becoming frustrated, reading again, watching again. Eventually Joyfully So was born! Learning is not an immediate action, but a process. When we learn to walk, we fall. With practice, we master a walk. Then we learn to jog, but our endurance is little. With practice, we can master a jog. When we encounter obstacles, find the way around them. My hope is to keep learning and improving – for myself and others.
Give thanks. I once heard an analogy about angels in heaven. Several angels were working intently at their jobs in heaven, answering prayers, helping out those in need and comforting those who were suffering. Those angels were be bombarded with prayer requests. Then there was one angel, whose only job was to receive “thanks” from answered prayers. That angel sat quietly, receiving very little gratitude for prayers. In other words, it’s so common for me to shoot up prayers, but it’s not as frequent I show appreciation. Whether it’s something simple like a warm dinner, to something important like a healthy family, I hope to give more prayers of gratitude in 2017.
WIth that being said, thank you for all of your support in my first few months of Joyfully So. Y’all put the biggest smile on my face and joy in my heart!
Wishing each of you a great 2017.
Live your life joyfully so,
Ashley
(ps – the dress in the picture is over 60% off – until lunch time today!)
