Welcome 2017!

 

Welcome, 2017! 

When I think back to New Year’s Day on 2016, I cringe. Because of the separation, there was so much uncertainty and so many emotions. This time last year, I didn’t know if I’d be able to keep my house and my car. If I were able to keep them, I didn’t know how long I could afford either. I didn’t know how to manage my own finances. Heartbroken, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to recover from such a loss, much less be able to date again. I was afraid to imagine where I’d be at the same time the next year. I could only survive day-by-day.

2016 Taught Me So Many Things….

 I became a homeowner. I’ll never forget the day I came home from the bank with the paperwork in my hand. I was so grateful to be able to keep the home on my family’s land!

I learned to handle situations. Along with home ownership came leaks that had to be fixed, a garage door that stopped working, and a pool that had to be maintained.  I got my car fixed and bought tires this year (with the help of dear Dad.)

I mowed the grass for an entire year.  That was quite an accomplishment for someone that had always refused to be within several feet of a lawnmower.

I became money-conscious.  I developed a budget for myself that actually worked. I even saved on my utility bill and learned how to use a cash-back credit card without going into debt.

I took a trip with a girlfriend. Vacations weren’t in my budget and I thought that any trip would be out of my range. Besides, I’d hardly been anywhere without a man as a sidekick. My friend and I spent a few nights in Savannah and had the best time ever! I made memories that will last a lifetime.

I found the courage to go on a blind date. That was definitely out of my comfort zone! I definitely hadn’t planned on getting into a relationship so quickly, but I’m learning to trust God’s plan. My guy is an amazing man who has helped me deal with this year’s emotional ups and downs. Without him, this year would have been so much harder.

My Resolutions…

A new year wouldn’t be complete without a few resolutions. In my personal life, I want to become more open-minded about new experiences. I realize that life is too short to do the same things I’ve always done. I want to embrace all life has to offer. Health-wise, I want to get back into my healthy eating routines. I want to get my 10,000 steps in everyday. Financially, I want to add to my savings.

I’m ready for all the fun and new challenges that life has to offer in 2017. I’ve survived a year that has surely been one of my hardest. We must remember that through hardships, comes growth.

Focus on making the most of everyday and don’t dwell on the bad.

Happy New Year, my friends! May this year be the best yet!