Hello, 2018

Writing.

In the past, it was rarely a struggle for me. Then, 2017 happened and this girl lost her voice. It was still there, buried somewhere in my head wanting to get out, but somehow felt blocked and stifled. I had so many things going outside of blogging this past year that I had to put it in the backseat for my own sanity at times.


Shop this Outfit:
Dress: Vintage {read my post all about vintage shopping here!} // Jacket: Vintage {similar at Forever 21 under $50!} // Boots: Who What Wear Collection “Keisa” Boots, $38 // Clutch: Everlane Fold Over {similar under $40 at Nordstrom!} // Sunglasses: Foster Grant {similar at Amazon under $10!}

Photos by Brittany Sue Photo

In the past, when things would happen to me, whether they were positive or negative, I would immediately want to start writing. But this past year has been tough in a way I didn’t expect. Our new house brought so many emotions: elation, joy, excitement. Then, it brought fear, dread, and for a fleeting moment, even regret.

Fortunately those last emotions have died down as we have tackled the surprises that were hiding and we have felt more on top of things as homeowners. But I’ll be honest, it’s not for the faint of heart and really tested us at first. Call me dramatic, but as many times as others told me that home ownership could be hard, it really didn’t fully sink in until it actually happens. Balancing it all was a challenge.

With the dawn of a new year comes new opportunities. While it’s just another day and another year, it does offer the opportunity for reflection. For looking forward. And for new excitement and renewed hope.

For me, 2018 is going to be about taking on new risks, new projects, and challenging myself to do better. To connect with YOU more. I feel like the past couple of years I may have lost a bit of that as the pressure of following certain blogging “rules” became all too real.

Beyond the online connections, I want to be better about connecting in person too. In 2017, something I did do a good job of was building more real friendships, and I’m looking forward to continuing that in 2018. That was one of the major reasons I began blogging, the hope of connecting with others like me, and I’m glad that it has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.

But, this little side project definitely comes with its own host of challenges too. I admit that for the past year or so, I probably was swept away with brand opportunities, trying to grow, and losing some of that original passion and excitement that I once had. No longer could I just write to write. I had to have the perfect photos, the most interesting blog post title, and I had an overwhelming amount of tasks to complete, from learning to set up taxes for this newfound business to navigating contracts and engaging on social media as the pressure to grow my accounts increased.

It’s exhausting just writing it all out.

So, in 2018, my goal is to focus on writing more. Worrying less. (Cause your girl is a big worrier. Please just peace out already, anxiety!) And working on sharing more of my life and advice to help you: whether it’s inspiring you to get creative with your wardrobe, trying out a bold lip color, traveling to a place you’ve never considered before, or giving you a new idea for that one room you just can’t figure out how to decorate in your home.

Ultimately, that’s my New Years Resolution in a nutshell. Worry less, write more. Happy 2018, friends! I can’t wait to see what this year has in store.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2018? I’d love it if you shared it with me in the comments!

6 thoughts on “Hello, 2018

  1. Meghan

    It’s totally easy to get sucked into worrying about rules and whatnot. I like that – worry less, write more. That’s what I need to do too, especially with my fiction writing, but blog writing too! I like your posts and I enjoy your blog! Keep on writing!

    As for me, my own new years resolution is basically to just keep pushing forward and making tiny positive healthy changes in life. Bit by bit, I’m getting healthier and in shape, just need to be patient with myself!

    Reply
  2. Nelle

    I love your new outlook for this year and I am definetly going to work on being more of a do-er this year instead of a wisher! I am gonna try to put things into to action!

    Reply
  3. Nadine

    I love that this is your goal for 2018. It feels like more bloggers are attempting to bring things back to a more real place and I love it. I too struggle with anxiety about making every post perfect so this year I’m trying to edit less and let my writing flow. Cheers!

    Reply
    1. Jenn Post author

      Totally agree with you, Nadine! I think it can be so easy to get caught up in the comparison game or chasing perfection. I’ve really enjoyed your latest posts and look forward to what else you’re working on this year! :)

      Reply
  4. Ashley | Honey & Pine

    First – THAT COAT! Girl…that’s stunning and I want it.

    I cannot wait for you to write more, worry less. I’ve always loved your blog (you’re the person that inspired me to try a romper a year or two ago) and I’ve missed your posts. I’m glad you’re finding your way back to your blog. XOXO

    Reply
    1. Jenn Post author

      Aw thanks, Ashley! The coat was a thrift find, but I did update the post with some similar coats at different price points in case you want to check them out!

      And I’m so glad to hear that! I really enjoyed your email yesterday too – it spoke to a lot of how I’ve felt with my blog (trying to get back to the reason I used to write, and focusing on that versus everything else) over the past year. I look forward to working on that this year and getting things back to a new normal. ;)

      Reply

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