Reflecting on 2018
A year ago I was sitting in my bedroom drinking a cup of hot chocolate, questioning my purpose as a writer, while writing a repetitive “I’m going to change my life” post to ring in the new year.
I can remember it as if it were yesterday. It sure feels like it was. 2018 flew by, just as 2017 did. Without a doubt 2018 was a weird year. It was a year of big changes, both good and bad. A year that has brought reinvention, new experiences, and a whole lot of happiness.
In January I started my second semester of college. In February I grappled with writing lots of papers and keeping up with my job at the time. In March I finished my second novel, and started a new job. In April I started my third book and worked on editing the second.
By early May my second book came out from Southern Owl Publications. During May I took a break from writing to focus on family. In the first few days of June, my grandmother lost her two year battle with cancer. During June I spent time coping with her loss with a combo of writing, work, and spending time with family.
Come July, the fam and I headed to Orlando where we spent time at Universal Studios. By August I made the decision to change majors – best decision I ever made. In September I finished my third book and sent it off to the publisher. October brought the publication of an anthology I was part of with a group of fellow authors. November I spent going to events and preparing for the publication of my third book. And December has been the best of all. My third book came out from Southern Owl. I passed all my classes with my major change as I had hoped I would. I spent precious time with family and reflected on the most important things in my life.
I can’t complain because this year has been one to remember. I think it’s important to explain what you’ve learned over the course of a year. The main thing I took from this year is that you get what you want from life by making it happen. If you want to be happy then you have to find the things that make you happy and run with them.
I know some people say making goals for the new year is dumb because it’s something everyone does, but what can I say. What is the purpose of life without goals? Whether someone chooses to state them or not is their own choice. I have mixed feelings but this year I’m choosing to go into the year silent but stronger than ever.
In 2018 my major goals were to be happy and to stay successful in my writing goals. Yes, goals within goals.
In my way I succeeded in accomplishing my goals. But with accomplishment comes the building of more goals. We are always striving to do better, to be better, but sometimes it’s best to strive to be your happiest.
All I can say for 2019 is that in six months I will thank myself for the decisions I made in 2018.
I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year. To 2019 – For it can only get better from here.
By the words of acclaimed poet, Walt Whitman, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”.
Below are some of my favorite pictures from 2018 –
Sara in a rare photogenic moment . . .
Spending time at Universal Studios. Big fan of all things Jurassic Park and Harry Potter so it was nice to see those worlds brought to life.
Busy week taking in the sights, going on rides, and maneuvering through the crowds but such a fun trip!
I look soooooo terrified.
First time having a signing at Barnes and Noble. Evansville store is now carrying my paperbacks!
Loved setting up at the Evansville Extension Homemakers Craft Show for my second year.
She’s needy and stuck to me 24/7 but moments like this one are precious.
Got to spend the day with an awesome group of authors at the Christmas Gift and Hobby Show in Indianapolis!
My display at the Christmas Gift and Hobby Show.
A great evening spent with my pooch, watching Christmas movies.
Spent the month of December puppy sitting Eloise.
Christmas Eve
By far one of my favorite pictures from 2018. It was a nice way to end the year, but I’m ready for all the new adventures 2019 is going to bring.
Brooke Myers 
Lovely to meet you Brooke. Wishing you continued success in 2019.
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