Hey Delights!
My 2018 Word of the Year was Determined. And I started the year off with a bang. but I definitely had moments when I was anything but determined. And because I am determined to be as authentic as possible, this is my self examination my life in 2018 and review of how it went and why.
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Personal
I am always consistent about gratitude and affirm it from waking to sleeping daily. And I truly believe that it has changed my life for the better.
I was crazy consistent with meditation up until late Spring/early Summer. Not sure why but thankfully I got back on track & I am back to starting my days connecting with myself. I put together a short meditation playlist of some of my favorite songs that I meditate well to. The songs are short, so I usually play the one that I am using for the day on repeat. And I am working on something that I think those of you who want to meditate but find it challenging might appreciate. Stay tuned.
I didn’t get in nearly as much theater or biking as I wanted because we spent our free time chilling and seeing more movies than anything else but I definitely will get back to both in 2019.
Blog/Business I signed up for Bluehost website hosting and purchased a new blog theme via Etsy. I am still cleaning up posts but I moved my blog from Blogger to WordPress myself pretty easily. I love that not only have I been able to change the whole vibe here but that I have been able to add more functionality. And even more is coming.
I partnered with more brands on content (like here & even partnered here to feature one of my non fashion/lifestyle photographs) and I posted to the blog every month, some more than others.
I hosted an in store event with LOFT that was a major success. I still smile at the fact that so many of my girls showed up just for me. LOVE YOU!
I finally purchased a new laptop because mine was sooooo slowwww and it was definitely slowing down my productivity big time. I like my new one so far. I especially love that it’s touch screen oh and that it’s gold :-D.
I was excited to start my newsletter and then fizzled out. But I have a new one in the pipeline because although I fell short, I am always determined to never give up. And I am still insanely proud of myself for the my first one newsletter of 2018, where I encouraged people to unsubscribe if they truly were not interested. But if you are interested, there will be newsletter only content, giveaways, etc., so join me.
I have an entire list of sayings for t-shirts that I want to bring to life, including this one that I posted to Instagram to share how I feel about Victoria’s Secret and all the talk around their issues with size diversity. To get this ball rolling, I connected with a local printer to print the Vicky secrets one while drafting this post. I was really excited about using them but when I picked up my shirt, I was highly annoyed that they don’t seem to know the difference between XXL and 2x. Granted the XXL fit me but it was snug and I don’t want shirts you have to squeeze in. I want shirts that look fab and make you feel good in them. So the search continues.
I recorded a great interview with Denise of Fashion Love Letters early in 2018 for The Curvacast and drafted a post for it but never actually set it live until the day I was drafting this post {Dec 27th}. Why did I wait? I honestly can not definitely say. And it’s not always because I don’t want to do something. But as I have shared before, procrastination has always been my struggle. I am working on that daily.
So there were lots of things that went right and definitely things I hope to do better going forward. But isn’t that life? I am just grateful for every new day which brings a new chance to be better.
How was your 2018? What are you planning to do better?
Lauren Floyd says
I got my mommy blog up and running in 2018 on Squarespace. One of my goals for the new year is to move over to WordPress. I’m looking for ways to develop my site first on my laptop before signing up for a host. I’m leaning toward SiteGround or Bluehost.
Jaye says
Kudos & good luck. I have always loved making sites & html etc so moving my blog to WP was relatively easy
leslie H says
2018 was just fine. I hope 2019 is better than even fine. I want health for my family and the world.
Jaye says
😊
Tomiko Harvey says
my 2018 was absolutely great. I spoke at 3 events on pitching. I traveled to the Czech Republic, Jamaica, Turks and caicos, and costa rica all for my blog. I just was booked for 3 speaking events this year so far and I working on SEO.
Jaye says
Awesome! Cheers to an amazing 2019!
Mimi Green says
My 2018 was good, It had a few rough patches but it was a great year for my family.
Jaye says
Ahhh rough patches…they love making appearances but I am glad to hear it was great for your family
Tanay Michele says
First of all, I love that T-shirt! My 2018 was kind of slow. But I’m off to a good start this year with consistency and getting help in the areas that I need to.
Jaye says
Hey Tanay, thanks! And yes to consistency & knowing when to get help. Cheers to an amazing year 😊
Nicole of NLLMag says
Congratulations on all you achieved, and wishing you best of luck on you future endeavors.
Jaye says
Thanks Nicole! I wish you the same.
Kendro says
My 2018 was good. I plan on learning marketing more and putting more money into advertising my businesses! Sounds like you had a great year!
Elle says
This post spoke directly to me. I am also loving the song you shared. Aside from starting my podcast I want to publish two books this year.
ChiChi Nwizu says
2018 for me felt like the foundation for my 2019. I relaunched my blog, started working on more projects and ended the year with a re-dedication to my mental health and wellness. I’m so excited to see how 2019 pans out.
Jaye says
Awesome ChiChi! I look forward to seeing how it pans out for you 😊
Joyce Brewer says
2018 was a mixed bag for me. Things definitely improved by the end of the year when I had some unexpected trips.
In 2019, I see myself working on getting more consistent income so our family can do more things.
Jaye says
Hey Joyce. I feel ya on the consistent coins front. 2019 is the year of increase!
Carisa says
I want to make some updates to my blog! What better time to do it than right now
Jaye says
Agreed.
Nadalie Bardo says
Lots of big moves for you! New laptop, new theme for your blog, lots of steps that will help you succeed in 2019. For me 2018 was a year of clarity, helped me to decide affirmatively where I want to take my blog-biz.
Nanekia Ansari says
You had an amazing year. I think last year was a time to observe and take in so we can activate this year. here’s to doing what we love and collecting coins!
Nika says
Wow sounds like you had a great year. Yea for more gratitude, that’s how I start my day too