2017: Lessons, Blessings and Random Happenings

 

I’m just going to cut to the case here. 2017 was a hoot of a year! There was fun, tears, and pain. There were great strides made, and yes, there was random stuff that may seem inconsequential but still made it a year to remember.

 

Let’s dive in, shall we?

 

  1. POTUS 45! Wow! That started the year on a roller coaster, and even though I didn’t want to take a ride, I found myself drifting along at first. Trump turned America on its head, and I found myself talking and thinking about politics more than I’ve ever done in my life. The whole situation made me really think deeply about what I believe about America, the political and racial divide, the role of the church and my responsibility as a small part of this giant equation. (Phew! That was exhausting already.)[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  2. All that thinking and talking about politics almost made me forget that I had a life to live and that it had to be lived with intention. One of my many, many goals for 2017 was to help aspiring authors figure out the writing and publishing process. In the past, I had done writing workshops and coaching sessions for free and I wanted to further explore a paid option alongside my other career demands. And I did it! In April 2017, I held my first ever Jumpstart Writing Workshop, and I was so blessed to help some driven ladies figure out their message and how to write it. I was also fortunate to have some incredible women in my corner, providing help and support to my dream. Can’t wait to see what 2018 holds for the workshops and those who will benefit from it.
  3. Coach Anna McCoy, I will always love you! You have been a tremendous help and energizer for my vision, and I am truly honored to work with you.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  4. Trina Geter, wow! Thanks so much for all you’ve been to me. You’re always there for me, and I cannot thank you enough. You deserve all the goodness that’s coming your way in 2018! Love you, sis![dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  5. My family was blessed to meet many new friends in 2017, most of them being in the same life phase that we’re in. We had many great times, laughing and having fun and thanks to the many lunches, dinners, and new restaurant options I wish I could say I gained a few pounds but, nah, still skinny![dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  6. I have imbibed the lesson that finding one’s purpose is not synonymous with waiting for a loud booming sound from heaven but this year made that more abundantly clear to me. There were times when I struggled with knowing what step to take in my career and even my personal goals. And being the kind of person that just wants to know what’s coming next (aka control freak) I had a hard time trusting God’s timing for my life. But I learned, and I’m still learning.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  7. I’m not a huge movie person, but I love a good movie once in a while. And one movie checked all my boxes this year. *Drum roll* Thor Ragnarok! Y’all, I loved that movie ehn! It made me laugh. Even the action was comedic, lol. And even though I’m not crazy about superhero movies this one seriously won me over.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  8. Another movie I really wanted to see was Wonder, but since I’m writing this on boxing day, I doubt it’s happening before the end of the year, so it’s going on my 2018 to-watch list.[dt_gap height=”10″ /][dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  9. I have never really considered myself a great speaker. I believe I write better than I speak. But in 2017, I got the opportunity to speak at the Dallas International Women’s Day event. I was initially nervous at the thought of doing that, but thankfully there was a panel, and the session was run in a conversational style. I met some authors at the event and also got to sell some books. I’m glad I took a bold step and said yes to that opportunity.[dt_gap height=”10″ /][dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  10. I started a YouTube channel in 2017! And even though I’m not sure I know what I’m doing, I’m excited to see how I can use that platform to connect with more people and advance my goals.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  11. Jeff Goins followed me on Instagram! What?![dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  12. Hurricane Harvey brought so much devastation to Texas, and my heart still goes out to everyone trying to rebuild their lives. I was fortunate to be on a volunteer team that helped survivors to start the rebuilding process. We tore down walls, dug up floors and removed all the damaged structures to make room for a new phase. It was such a humbling experience. We slept in a church, met people from all over the country and worked like there was no tomorrow. The most epic three days ever!  [dt_gap height=”10″ /]                                                                  [dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  13. So, I tried Indian food for the first time, and I’m hooked! Visited a little buffet place in Frisco called Basera and gosh, the food is so good. Spicy but good. No this is not an #ad, this is what happens when I’m delighted by mouth-watering, can-I-eat-here-everyday kind of food.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  14. Joanna Gaines!! (Cookbook + Magnolia Table + Design Book + Hillcrest Estate + What’s coming next?) #Inspired[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  15. Discovered NY Bestselling Author, Luvvie Ajayi.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  16. Found Bushra Azhar for the first time on Facebook.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  17. Discovered ‘Evelyn From The Internets’ on YouTube.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  18. Even though I am grateful for the things I was able to achieve in 2017, I set too many goals, and a lot of things are still undone. I’m learning from that experience and streamlining my focus this new year.[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
  19. I’m looking forward to more lessons, blessings and random happenings in 2018!

What were some of the highlights of 2017 for you? Please share with me.

Here’s to even greater strides in 2018. Happy New Year![dt_gap height=”10″ /][dt_gap height=”10″ /]

4 thoughts on “2017: Lessons, Blessings and Random Happenings”

  1. This is a lovely recap, Remi. Kudos.

    You almost made me choke with that Trump opener. Honestly almost all right-thinking Americans felt that way. My wife couldn’t eat for days. She actually became depressed because she was part of a local women’s group in our county who organized and knocked on neighbors doors to campaign for Hillary. So that loss was too close to home for her.

    Unfortunately he might even be there for 7 more years. I don’t want to think about the coming days walahi.

    But God remains faithful sha. 😂

  2. Highlight of my year…I started my travel agency

    Lowest of the year.. experiencing the greatest loss of my life; losing someone very close to me ☹️

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