Reflecting on 2013
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January 10, 2014
{image via wakingphotolife, flikr}
Looking back now, I think it’s safe to say that 2013 has been the best year for me yet. I have accomplished so much and have created some wonderful relationships that will last a lifetime. To be honest, I am very proud of myself – and you should be too! There’s one phrase that has helped me be proud of myself this year: Comparison is the thief of joy.
I look around and I have so much to be happy about. In my work life, I quit my draining job working in a fluorescent-lighted, windowless cell; I got featured on The Glitter Guide & Style Me Pretty and posed for Marie Claire (issue out this March!); scored a gig writing for Groupon Atlanta City Guide; styled & directed my first freelance shoot and engaged in wonderful working relationships with brand reps, PR girls and fellow writers.
But what I’m most excited about is the personal growth I’ve experienced in 2013. I started the year with a fresh slate as a single 25-year-old ready to take on Atlanta on my own. Since then, I have made strong bonds with new friends who have remained by my side through it all. And I have experienced a new, special kind of love with my sweet and caring boyfriend.
And then it’s important to recognize the things that never change. Like the unwavering support and love from the people that matter most: my family (that includes you, Meghann!). Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today and I am thankful every day for their unconditional love.
What are you proud of for 2013?
December 30, 2013 @ 12:28 pm
Nice blog!!! Happy new year from Spain!
http://asmmgz.com/tecuentomistrucos/
December 30, 2013 @ 12:32 pm
Thanks so much! Happy New Year to you too!!
December 30, 2013 @ 12:45 pm
Im also proud that I was able to escape from my cubicle this year and really pursue the things I am passionate about. You had a great year girl! Can’t wait to see what you conquer in 2014.
December 30, 2013 @ 4:37 pm
That is so great to hear! Being able to pursue passions full time is an incredible luxury. Congrats!!
December 30, 2013 @ 1:43 pm
This is such an inspiring and wonderful post!:) Hope you have a great New Years!
December 30, 2013 @ 4:37 pm
Thanks so much! Same to you!! xo
December 30, 2013 @ 2:19 pm
Wow, looks like you’ve had a great year! I’ve gone through a lot with my own boyfriend too and am just happy I got my blog started this year! I’m hoping to have that grow more in the upcoming year!
December 30, 2013 @ 4:38 pm
Congrats on starting your blog! Having a blog is so much fun and a lot of work. I look forward to more great posts from you! xo
December 30, 2013 @ 3:01 pm
So proud of you too, Megan! Proud to be your mom! For me, 2013 also brought me out of a stifling job into something I really love to do! I can’t believe that at 51, I changed careers and followed my dreams of living in a foreign country by myself for 6 months! Had it not been for the support of that same family, Megan, I probably wouldn’t have done it. Thanks to you for supporting me during my course at Teaching House Atlanta and thanks to my other children for encouraging me to follow my dreams! 🙂 I couldn’t ask for a better family and I’m thankful for you every day. That’s another thing I learned in 2013 – to be thankful. It can change your whole outlook. I love you ALL very much!! Will be home soon…can’t wait! <3 <3 <3
December 30, 2013 @ 4:39 pm
Yay! You really accomplished so much this year and I am so proud of you for doing it! I still dream of traveling to another country one day. Congrats on everything and I’m excited to hear all of your stories when you get back!! Love you!
December 30, 2013 @ 4:15 pm
Your accomplishments in 2013 are so inspiring to me. Way to go! Boldness and confidence mixed in with kindness and love. Those are great qualities that you possess. Reading your words caused me to pause and reflect on my year. It has been one with roller coaster emotions…highs and lows. I consider the highs as times to celebrate and the lows as times to grow and learn. Believe me, I’m starting 2014 STRONG! 🙂 I wish you continued successes in 2014!
December 30, 2013 @ 4:40 pm
What a wonderful outlook! There are always going to be hard times in life, but as long as we learn from the situations and better ourselves through the process, then it is all worth it. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s how you deal with it that matters! Thanks so much for the compliments and I’m sure 2014 will be a great one for you!!
December 31, 2013 @ 6:34 pm
Thank you for your reply, Megan. Happy New Year!
December 30, 2013 @ 5:22 pm
Congrats on your accomplishments 🙂 For me I am also proud of how far my connections have taken me for my blogging hobby.
December 30, 2013 @ 5:24 pm
Congrats on making those connections! It’s so wonderful to be able to connect with others who share our interests!
December 30, 2013 @ 8:50 pm
“Comparison is the thief of joy” is such a great phrase to live by. I might need to put that on a sticky note and slap it on my computer screen! Congrats on all your amazing achievements so far, lady! You’re such an inspiration xo
December 30, 2013 @ 10:17 pm
Thanks so much! Yes, I love that phrase! It is so true. We are all different and have great strengths of our own! Comparing ourselves to others is just silly, really. Especially since we only see one side of most people! Happy New Year!! xo
December 31, 2013 @ 1:51 pm
Wow you definitely accomplished a lot this year! Congratulations! Good luck for 2014! (:
December 31, 2013 @ 3:27 pm
Same to you!! Cheers!
December 31, 2013 @ 4:49 pm
You’re writing for Marie Claire!? Wow, congratulations!
And congrats on a year done right–it’s still so empowering that you quit your job because you weren’t happy with it, and really pursued what you enjoy! Power to you! xx
Here’s to an even better 2014~
<(") Hoda
http://www.joojoo-blog.blogspot.com
December 31, 2013 @ 9:15 pm
Thanks so much, Hoda! I just got a small little feature about beauty 🙂 Thanks so much for your kind words! Happy New Year!!
January 1, 2014 @ 11:13 am
Wishing you a year that is filled with all the fragrance of roses, illuminated with all the lights of the world and be blessed with all the smiles on the planet. Hope this year will be the year when all your dreams come true. Happy New Year 2014.
January 1, 2014 @ 11:16 am
Aw, how sweet! Happy New Year to you too!!
January 1, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
Yes, you have accomplished a lot in 2013 and I am sure you will accomplish even more in 2014 because you have the personality, confidence, ambition, and may more positive qualities, not to mention how beautiful you are inside as well as outside, and I’m just naming a few of all your great qualities. It’s not just because I am your ‘Grams’ either, others who respond to your blogs are in agreement. 🙂 I am so happy for you and love you very much! Year 2013 was not a great one for me and to be honest, it really has not been a great decade, so I am glad 2013 is done and over with. I am looking forward to the New Year being way better and I do know that a lot of it depends on my own way of handling negative situations, oh yeah, I am working on that for sure! Love you bunches my sweet granddaughter!! Grams
January 1, 2014 @ 4:00 pm
Thanks so much for your sweet words! I love you so much and look up to you more than you know! You’re the best!!! xoxoxo
January 1, 2014 @ 4:35 pm
I am so proud of my children. They have loving hearts and mean the world to me. Happy New Year! I hope you have an awesome 2014!!
January 1, 2014 @ 4:46 pm
That is certainly something to be proud of! Happy New Year to you as well!!
January 2, 2014 @ 7:23 am
Looks like you’ve had a terrific year!
I’ve learned to bake my own bread, ice cookies and work with fondant in 2013, something I never thought I could do!
January 2, 2014 @ 10:00 am
How fun!! That’s really great, congrats!!
January 5, 2014 @ 9:26 am
Really good to hear that your starting the new year right!
January 5, 2014 @ 12:34 pm
Thank you! I hope I can keep it up! 🙂