What 2017 Taught Me
Were nearly done with the this year.2017 came and went so quickly. But they say time flies when you're having fun!This year was one of the best years I have had probably since my son was born in 2014. Last year was one of the worst years ever.I was so lost. I had so much difficulty getting pregnant and carrying my son whose 3 years old. It was just one mountain after another. But, in 2016 my husband and I suffered our 4th & 5th loss when we lost twin baby boy's. I suffered a serious bout of depression and was advised that any other pregnancy was out of the question. On top of that, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Kidney Disease. Talk about thinking my life was over!
So, 2017 was a breath of fresh air for me!
With a lot of prayer last year, I was able to discover my purpose. I got back to writing, blogging and was able to publish my very first novel. Considering, I had been working on this same body of work for nearly 10 years, it felt good to finally complete it and be able to share it.
Here's What 2017 Taught Me:
When you plan and set goals things can go a lot better. At the end of 2016, I sat down and said to myself, "What do I want to get done in 2017" then I made a web of what I wanted to accomplish in 2017. It worked! I did end up accomplishing about 80% of what's on this sheet. I taped it to my office wall and looked at almost everyday. This also helped me to hone in on two things instead of 10 others I had wanted to do (I'm a creative individual and a bit squirrel brain. I want to do it ALL!)
If you can get out your own way, you'll be amazed at what can happen. I started really doubting myself after blogging and working on "Drama University" for so long. I also had this idea for another Etsy store after my first had failed miserably after being online for 5 year. I kept thinking maybe this isn't for me. Maybe, I'm not a writer. Maybe I should be doing something else and blah, blah, blah. If I would have went ahead believed all those negative thoughts, I wouldn't have Dear Alice Co. (my online vintage shop where I sell handmade goods I made as well) or have my first published novel.Fear can be stifling. I admit that I was scared to self-publish my own novel. I kept thinking, what if no one reads it? What if I start selling vintage items and these notebooks I've made and no one buys? Self-doubt and fear are dangerous. Sometimes we just need to see what happens. I let go of all the negative thoughts and pushed to finish what I had passion to do. Guess what? It worked. I have had over 15 book sales and sold over 40 items from Dear Alice Co. my vintage/handmade shop on Etsy. Talk about winning!Running two businesses is hard, but it can be done. Becoming a self-published author, is a business all in itself. Becoming an entrepreneur with my vintage/handmade business is a definitely a business! There have been some very stressful points this year. It hasn't been all gravy! I AM the marketing team, the shipping department, the writer, the graphic artist and janitor for right now. Some days, I literally fell asleep when my head hit the pillow at 1 am. When you find your passion and purpose, it's hard. But it's do able. I have learned so much about being a #girlboss this year. So for 2018, my goal is to pace myself better.The world is a mess right now! But God has, is and will be the same no. Racists are in office, young black males are being targeted and killed by police at an alarm rate, and gun violence is at an all time high. I don't know about you, but I know that we are living in some crazy, crazy times! Man can't fix it, only God can. The murder rate in Kansas City, Missouri has sky rocketed this year. It's all so scary to me. But, because I have faith and trust in the Lord, I know that I'll be alright.What did you learn this year? Was it a good one or did this year suck? Are you ready for 2018?Share with me below!Until next time...-Nicole Alicia