It’s hard to believe that a whole year has passed since I nervously hit “publish” on my very first blog post, Starting Something New, on September 6th.
At that moment, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. I did not know how I would be received and if any one would care to hear what I had to say. But I knew I needed an outlet. I was in a season of healing—I still am. I wanted to encourage, inspire, empower, and live out loud. And somehow, putting my thoughts into words seemed like the right way to start. Afterall, I always longed to be a writer. So, I took a leap! Now, here we are, a year later, and what a journey it’s been. This blog anniversary reflection has given me the chance to look back at all the highs, lows, and growth along the way.
Reflecting on the Year’s Highs and Lows
This past year has been a mix of joy, adventure, and heartbreak. I’ve had some incredible experiences that I’m so grateful for. Concerts have been a big highlight—there’s something about live music that just feeds the soul. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to some beautiful places like Los Cabos and the Dominican Republic. Most recently, I returned to Louisiana for a family matriarch’s 92nd birthday celebration, a trip that brought back a flood of memories. In this blog anniversary reflection, I can see how these moments of joy have balanced the harder times.
But alongside these joyful moments, there have also been times of deep sorrow. The deaths of my Uncle Dale and Pops on the same day shook me, and my family, to my core. Then, just when I thought I was finding my footing again, my grandmother passed away. These losses have been tough, and writing about them has been both painful and healing.
My blog post, Love Peace Soul, where I reflected on Pops and what he meant to me, is one that truly resonated with my readers—and with me. It’s moments like these that remind me why I started this blog in the first place: to heal, to process, and to share. This blog anniversary reflection wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the importance of these moments in my journey.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
This year hasn’t been all heavy-hearted reflection. There have been some lighter, fun-filled moments too. One of the most unexpected joys was putting on roller skates for the first time in what felt like forever. I grew up competing but once I retired from skating, I never laced up again. I was persuaded by my kids to give it a go, and despite a few wobbly moments, it felt like being a kid again.
Speaking of kids, both of mine—now 7 and 5—are in school. Watching them grow and learn has been a journey of its own, and I’ve documented these milestones in posts like Happy Birthday Baby Girl, where I celebrated my daughter’s 5th birthday.
I’ve also been making an effort to stay active and adventurous. Whether it’s trying my hand at golf, continuing my yoga practice, or simply taking walks, I’m doing my best to keep moving. But perhaps the most surprising adventure has been starting Taekwondo with my kids. It’s been a blast, and not only are we learning new skills together, but it’s also become a wonderful way to bond as a family.
Another thrilling experience this year was witnessing a total solar eclipse. The awe and excitement of seeing the moon completely cover the sun is something I’ll never forget. It was a reminder of how incredible our world is and how small moments of wonder can bring so much joy.
This blog anniversary reflection wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how these small joys have kept me grounded.
Top Moments and Memorable Posts
Looking back, some of my top posts this year have really stood out. Soccer Mom, where I shared my experiences coaching my son’s soccer team, was a fun one. The chaos, the camaraderie, the sheer joy of watching the kids play—we just started a new season, and I cherish these moments with the boys, with my son.
Another standout post was International Widows’ Day: How My Mother Finds the Courage to Move Forward After Becoming a Widow for the Second Time. Interviewing my mother for this blog was one of the most insightful and healing experiences I’ve had this year. It gave me a new perspective on resilience and courage, and it deepened my understanding of my own healing journey. I am so thankful for her vulnerability, strength, and willingness to share.
A Year of Growth and Gratitude
As I reflect on this past year, I’m filled with gratitude—for the experiences I’ve had, the lessons I’ve learned, and the community I’ve built. I started this blog with the hope of healing and growing, both personally and through my writing. And while I was hesitant at first, afraid even, I’ve learned that vulnerability is where true connection begins. I’m still evolving, still coming out of my shell, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. This blog anniversary reflection serves as a reminder of why I started this journey and how much more there is to explore.
To everyone who’s been on this journey with me—whether you’ve read every post or just stumbled upon my blog—I want to say thank you. Your support means the world to me, and I hope that in some small way, my words have touched your life as much as this journey has touched mine. Here’s to another year of healing, growing, and living out loud!
What has been your favorite post thus far? What would you like to see more of in the upcoming year?
Other Post You May Like:
Family Road Trip to Louisiana: Celebrating 92 Years with Momma Agnes in Shreveport
4 Comments. Leave new
I love it
Thank you.
I have been witness to your journey and you are working diligently to be your best self. Brava!
Thank you Auntie B. We are a working progress.