I love New Years! Beginning again is such a simple idea and yet somehow always needed. Each time the ball drops it feels cathartic, like I’m shaking off all the troubles of my past and looking ahead to the shiny, unspoiled future. Even though my midnight countdown was spent battling a severe migraine by a roaring fire, I still was able to find happiness in the fresh start a day later. And I’m still using that energy to motivate me to a better year.
I’m sure you noticed by now, but I took some time off from posting. This felt absolutely necessary. After such a high-paced end to my year, with twenty days of non-stop touring in Japan and at least ten miles-a-day of walking, I came home wanting to rest and recharge. My body was exhausted from the travel and stimulus, along with the overwhelming bustle of the holidays, so I forced myself to take a creative sabbatical. I wanted to take a step back and process the truly wonderful 2018 I’ve had, but also to find the mental space for setting a new course in 2019. Last year had significant challenges and tests, was utterly packed with adventure, and put me through a whole rollercoaster ride of emotions. But I made it through each day feeling a lot stronger, more confident, endlessly capable, and with a greater understanding of what I value. And processing all of it was needed in order to make 2019 the best it could be.
In 2018 I blogged nearly every weekday (more than 200 posts! Yay!), and while that was an incredibly challenging pursuit, it left me feeling like I managed most of the year with my head just floating above the water. I was able to write so much, so quickly, but had to sacrifice longterm writing commitments and projects so I could meet blog deadlines. Most of the images on this blog are shot and edited by me, so that added an extra layer of work and pressure that kept me busy. When you’re blogging at such a high pace and trying to produce quality work, longterm plans tend to fall by the wayside, and while I wanted to commit to more significant projects, I just didn’t have the brain space to accomplish anything more than a week ahead.
So this year, things will be a little different but much more exciting! I’ve decided to take it slow, blogging a little less, but with greater purpose. I’ve got some unique projects up my sleeve, things that better test my creative abilities and showcase the traits that make me unique. I don’t want She’s So Bright to be like every other blog out there; I want it to be a special site with creative content that entertains and inspires. So stay tuned to a year of excitement, growth, and adventure ahead!
Happy New Year to you and I wish you the absolute best start to 2019!
What are some of the things you’re hoping for or working on in 2019? P.S. These images are from Cunningham Cabin in Grand Teton National Park – one of my favorite spots to catch the sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains. Isn’t it spectacular!?
