You know that meme/quote that is floating around that says something like “2017 was the year that broke me down”…yeah that’s pretty much the story of my life. All throughout 2017. But I needed it. I can look back and see the growth and progress. Aside from that, I am in complete disbelief with where this entire year has gone. Like I swear it feels as if I was JUST writing my birthday blog. I guess the saying is true that the older you get, the faster the time flies. But I have to admit overall, 2017 was an amazing year for me. It was my year of growth, my year of change. In relation to another meme floating around that refers to 2017 as the caterpillar, 2018 being the butterfly. Or how 2017 was the preparation, and 2018 will be the fruition of it all. I am claiming every bit of that. I feel that that is exactly how God is aligning things in my life. I am so proud of myself and all that I conquered and completed in this year. I had incredible encounters with God, met so many new people, grew my following by hundreds, started projects that could change my life as I know it, and so much more.
As I write this last post of 2017, I am a bit emotional. Just to think back and see God’s hand in so much throughout this year, throughout my entire life! I am overwhelmed with pure gratitude. And I know that this is only the beginning. The breakdowns, the anxiety attacks, the stress….I needed all of that this year. It brought me to exactly the headspace I am in now. And I know that God is so intentional and He has a purpose for every part of it. One thing I learned during my walk this year was that God is sovereign, he orchestrates and cares about the smallest details of our lives. He makes things happen for certain reasons, He makes you encounter or meet people for reasons, He’s in and through all of it.
I am definitely leaving 2017 more thankful and grateful than I have ever been, ever! God is truly amazing, and has been more than amazing to me. Even though I do not deserve any of it. I see the personal growth and myself evolving every single day. I think back on goals I set for myself for this year, although I didn’t accomplish all of them, I accomplished some and that’s enough for me. I remember where I was this time last year versus where I am now. I am thankful for the people that He has kept in my life, brought into my life, as well as those that He removed. It was all for a purpose and it’s easy to see that when you trust God with every area and aspect of your life. In 2018, that is my encouragement for anyone reading this post. Trust Him. With every intricate detail, every area no matter how big or small. And watch your life change forever.
I am looking forward to so much in 2018. This will be what I am considering, my year of consistency. In ALL areas. And I am trusting God with it. I have a lot that I am working on and towards, as well as trips that I am planning. And I am taking this blog right along on this journey with me. I appreciate the constant support that I have received this entire year. Throughout my mini unplanned hiatuses and hiccups, the love was still felt and I am grateful. Most people think that this is easy, and that it’s much simpler than most portray. But it is indeed a challenge. It’s like a second job lol. But I will stay committed because I know that this is a part of God’s purpose for my life. And I can say that it is what I truly love to do.
In closing, I want to share 7 goals that I have for 2018:
- To grow my relationship with God even further
- To be consistent in every area of my life
- To successfully produce my next big project for KriStyles by Kristen
- To travel to atleast 3 different places
- To lower my debt and raise my credit score
- To slow down, get more rest and spend more time with those important to me
- To be one step closer to working solely for myself and making Kristyles an official business/brand
Wishing everyone a blessed, prosperous and fulfilled New Year! May this be your year of breakthrough, change and all that God has planned for you! Happy New Year!
Outfit: Turtleneck/Pants/Jacket – H&M | Boots – ShuDeal | Rings – Aldo