I can't believe this rollercoaster of a year is finally coming to end! 2018 has been a whirlwind of a year; it came in firing on all fours and causing so much change and left with the same energy. Here is my 2018 in review!
I want to say that this has been my most unplanned year so far. I went into the year with no specific goals or direction, mostly because this was my first year right after college and I was completely unsure of my next steps. I only wrote down one ideal goal for this year and that was "Happiness" - a word I did not quite define but expected to work regardless.
2018 was a train wreck if I'm being honest but it was the disaster that I needed to start living and dreaming again. I experienced everything in this one year from heartbreak, loneliness to betrayal. But it wasn't all negative! I also experienced promotions, happiness, new friendships and new creations. What was unique about it was that almost everything seemed to be happening at once - life doesn't always let you choose when and where LOL.
Let me tell you exactly how this year went-
Professionally:
This year was big for me career wise, with both The Lotus Pure and my 9-5 pushing me to different heights. Both jobs gave me opportunities to be bolder and reach for more. In the corporate field, I went from quitting a position where I was underpaid and overworked to getting a position that is more rewarding and more beneficial to me in the long run.
For The Lotus Pure, I tried so many things creatively this year and amazed myself with my consistency. It was not always convenient to keep at it but I did and expanding my roots to other platforms that were not Instagram paid off tremendously. I'll admit I struggled number wise, missing my 10k Instagram followers target as well as my YouTube ideal following count, I still had the best year of my blogging career. I actually had fun putting out content and receiving feedback on everything I put out this year was so refreshing and encouraging.
With that said, I don't have it all figured out. There are still some grey areas with where I'm going (both with my blog and with my corporate job) - but there is some boldness and sense of peace that I now carry with me. I'm ready for the mistakes and challenges, after the year I've had, I'm sure I will always find my way.
Emotionally
Now this was where the actual tornado hit. I went into the year unaware of how much trauma I carried with me from past experiences and then struggled not to drown in tears when it all came crashing down. I know it sounds dramatic but this has been my most freeing year ever. I was able to confront a lot of emotions and made better decisions with what I learnt along along the way.
I was very intentional with my choices, knowing when to choose me first and be fair to others. 2018 was heavy but it brought more laughter, more opportunities to express myself, great new friendships and just more spaces for me to be ME and love it! I no longer felt like I was squeezing into circles and spaces that I didn't belong to and feeling lonely while in the midst of people.
To be honest emotional growth is an ongoing process, there will be highs and lows but self awareness keeps you going. Its important to reflect, unlearn and let go!
Financially
Ah, the big "F"! As a lot of you know, the F word has been kicking my butt for a while now...but not as bad this year. I didn't make as much as I thought I would in 2018 but I made more than I've ever made while working a lot less than I've ever had to, that's a win to me! I was able to invest a LOT on The Lotus Pure and my creative process this year and it was worth it! I was able to take more control of my creative content and direct how a lot of my content was put and that is something that I am so thankful for.
I am excited for the new year, to invest a lot more in my creative process and emancipate my creative process from my 9-5 job. I know its not going to be easy but I am excited for all of it!
Overall, it has been a year with a lot of lessons and a lot of opportunities for growth. I've learnt to navigate uncomfortable situations and just be more intentional with my process.
Going into the new year, I'm redefining what my idea of "happiness" looks like (its still one of my goals, just not the only goal LOL). I'm giving myself room to grow and being in the moment. Creatively, I'm working on being more fearless and pushing the boundaries like I've never done before.
I hope you had a great 2018, I hope you feel happy when you do your "2018 in review". And if the year wasn't as great as you expected, remember there's not limit to the number of times you can start over and do things differently. I am wishing you all the love and success you need for 2019!
Thanks for being part of my 2018 journey! I look forward to what 2019 will bring! See you soon Babe (in 2019)!
Love,
Auneetuh
