I started this blog a little less than a year ago to document my DIY projects and my journey towards living a more simple life. It literally seems so long ago and I can’t believe how much I’ve grown as a person and a blogger, in the past year!

Last year, as I stumbled and navigated the whole “blogging scene”, there were times I really felt that I lost my way. I saw others making money from blogging, so I looked into monetizing my blog. I do have some affiliate links for items that I truly use and believe in, but I found that the blogs that truly make a living from blogging are completely spammed with ads! I found that ridiculously frustrating and not my idea of what simplicity should be, so I eventually committed to not plastering my website with ads. (While putting ads on my website was not my goal in the first place, I seriously considered it at different times throughout the year, hence being “lost”).

There were also times I also felt pressured to write content for the sake of writing content, because as a “new blogger” that is what I read should do to establish a consistent following. I realized that the pressure of what someone else (a complete stranger on the internet) is telling you is far from inspiring! So there were periods of time where I actually took time off to enjoy my life and rediscover me!

While we all try to be true to ourselves, there are always expectations that we put upon ourselves in addition to the the ones those around us impress on us, that can lead us astray from our true purpose and passion. In reflection, 2018 was the year of self-discovery for me.

No, I might not have the biggest following, a larger than life email list, or make money from this blog but I am beyond ok with that. Going forward you will only find content on here that inspires me and hopefully you too. No ridiculous spammy ads (affiliate links for products I use or believe in will still appear) in the side bars, mid-content, or pop-ups will you find. If I disappear for a few weeks out of the year it’s because I’m out enjoying my life and finding new inspirations and content to share with all of you.

Sometimes we have to lose our way to get even clearer on what we want and where we want to go. By the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019 I feel I have really clarified my priorities, goals, and purpose. I have determined that 2019 is going to be the year of staying true to my mission and purpose and saying “yes” to new opportunities that push me outside of my comfort zone towards a better life! I am beyond excited and inspired for the journey ahead!

So far this year, I have successfully created a budget workgroup on Facebook with live videos. My entire life I have hated presenting presentations in front of groups of people. I was always scared and nervous of what others were thinking as they sat in the crowd. Despite my fears, I have shown up pressing the button for the live broadcast, sharing my knowledge of money management with others who want to get their finances in order and pay off debt. The time and work the group members have put in has been beyond what I thought was possible, and it would have never even happened if I hadn’t put myself out there, created the group, stepped up and believed in myself, and showed up and press “play” for the live broadcast.

And this is only the beginning! I have so much more to share as I work on crushing my goals this year! What do you plan on focusing on this year for self-improvement? I’d love to hear goals for 2019!