Email me at jen@redsolesandredwine.com for this jacket; taking orders for my vendor
Today’s my birthday and this year, I wasn’t so much in the celebration mode. I’ve spent most of the last two months focusing on work and myself and figuring out how to move forward in a tough year. It’s funny how life works, last year I spent much of it going out with friends and avoiding what was going on and this year, I craved more alone time and being introspective. Rather than avoiding, I faced challenges and emotions I had avoided for a year or more. To be honest, I’ve been having a harder time as my birthday and the holidays approached.
I miss a relationship and being close to a partner, I miss people that I thought were my family, and the level of stress I put on myself to make sure I’m working hard and keeping it together is draining.
I am now officially divorced and it is hard to put in words how I feel. Worn down, tired, disappointed is some of it. Ready to tackle new challenges, look forward to what’s to come is the other side.
My birthday this year just feels like another day and getting older isn’t my favorite thing. There is a ton I am grateful for so I wanted to sit down and write them down for myself and to share for you readers who have followed along with my journey.
Email me at jen@redsolesandredwine.com for this jacket; taking orders for my vendor
Email me at jen@redsolesandredwine.com for this jacket; taking orders for my vendor
1) FAMILY/FRIENDS/YOU: Always my #1 are the people in my life. My family has been the backbone in helping me through some tough times and this year had huge bumps for all of us, but the best additions have come. I have a new niece and another one coming literally (hopefully this week)! I am so lucky to have 100% of their support and I can call them for anything.
Friends who have listened to me for years and walked me through this process are priceless. No judgments, just open ears and heart. Thank you.
YOU GUYS! Throughout the year, the notes I’ve received is AMAZING. This platform is amazing. And for those of you that opened up to me, I feel honored.
2) LEARNINGS: I have learned more about myself and what I am capable of more than ever before. I’m still learning every day, but it feels good. I want to make better decisions and hope I have the right tools to do so each day. Although this year has been tough personally, I am thankful for it. How I react, how I perceive things, and what I want for the future has changed due to the last year.
3) OPPORTUNITIES: Each and every opportunity this year has been more than I ever imagined. I would never have thought I could and would be doing this full time and I still pinch myself daily that this has happened. So thankful that as one door closed, this door opened for me and I couldn’t do any of it without YOUR support. Reading my blog, like/commenting on my Instagram, reaching out to me about advice, it is a dream come true.
4) ENCOURAGEMENT: This has been my guiding light throughout this year. The words of encouragement I’ve received and support. From strangers to close ones, daily words of encouragement have lifted me up and kept me going. I was telling a close friend that what we all needed were people to listen, give encouragement, and fewer judgments. Listening with an open heart and perceiving less of what we think people are should be an everyday practice.
5) MY KIDS: They’ve taught me about love, life, and that anything is possible. I laugh, I cry, I am exhausted, but I am happy with them. I strive to be a better person and to be a good example so they grow up to be good people. Empathetic, strong, smart and loving.
6) THE FUTURE: Life is an adventure and I can’t predict what will happen but so far it is one hell of a ride. I’m aging, but I’m wiser. I look back and see what an incredible year it was for my job and although I’m still scared it will all go away like POOF, I am excited to see what the future holds and thankful that I’m here, I survived a tough year, and I’ve created a new home for my kids and me.
Thank you guys for continuing to follow my journey. Much love this Thanksgiving and I’ll be back up posting about the holidays (my favorite time of the year) and sales. xoxo
If you love my posts please subscribe to my email updates here.
