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As 2018 is coming to a close and 2019 is right around the corner, I’m trying to look back on 2018 and reflect.
In 2018 I had started off the year with goals that I wanted to start, not necessarily complete. My goal for my goals were to simply just begin them.
This past year definitely brought some painful moments that I hope to soon open up more about. I went through another breakup and with that breakup brought a loss of the friendship too. With that breakup though, I learned a lot. I learned that I should never have to fight for someone to love me or be there for me.
I also had my mental health unstable at many moments. This is one thing I hope to open up about next year. Nothing too alarming, but to simplify it in the best way I feel comfortable with is that the symptoms of my complex ptsd and my anxiety was becoming extremely invasive and overwhelming and I neglected taking care of it and instead suppressed it. Good news.. I’m going to see someone for trauma therapy which I’m REALLY excited for and also proud of myself for finally taking action in taking care of myself.
Although 2018 had some rough moments, it had so many more amazing moments:
-I finished my first year of going back to college after not being in school for 8 years.
-I started my second year of college
-I started and am currently in an internship program that I LOVE!
-I continued my speaking engagements throughout CT .. and even throughout the US!
-I have another best friend .. LUCA (check out his blog)
-I had vacations and mini getaways with my other best friend Jen
-I still managed my career while going to school full time and a part time internship
-I watched God’s grace manifest in my life in so many different ways
-My mom got me an extremely sentimental and valuable piece of jewelry
-The addiction ministry at my church grew in attendance
-and last but definitely not least, I recently started a relationship with a man that sees the value in me and never makes me question love ( Jeff ♥ )
I guess another thing to add to my list this year is that I’m learning that it’s ok to practice self care. It’s ok to be alone. And most importantly, I deserved to have love that I thought I didn’t for a long time.
Oh and my favorite thing.. I celebrated 3 years in recovery!
As this year ends, I’m embracing 2019 and I’m excited to see what opportunities come both personally and professionally.
How would you reflect on 2018 for you?
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Hi Ally,
Thank you so much for sharing your reflections of 2018. I am so happy to see you reflecting upon the good and not so good events that occurred this year that helped mold you as an individual. This helped me realize that you can be thankful during the trying times in your life and when situations arise that are not going as planned. I wish nothing but happiness for your new found relationships and your amazing best friends!