1/2 Year Recap

I can’t believe that we’re officially in the second half of the year. When I think back to where I was on January 1… it wasn’t pretty. Carter came to my parents’ house to shoot some stock photos for my blog, and the minute I got into her car, I broke down in tears. I was crying in between each outfit change, but thankful for the work distraction. I wasn’t looking forward to much, and I was stressed about how the year would turn out. After like a week of wallowing, I just decided to take matters into my own hands.

Eventually, I settled on “All In” for my mantra of the year. For the first quarter, it was more of a reminder, sometimes framed as a question. “All in?” I’d ask myself. From there, I started to feel a little more confident, and it turned into an undeniable “ALL IN.”

I think at times I was a little too aggressive with it and I was running on fumes at certain points. But overall, I’d say that it was the right attitude to adopt.

I have accomplished SO MUCH in the first half of the year, and I can’t wait to see what the next half holds. Here’s what I’ve been up to so far:

My fitness has probably been the best thing for the year. I had started my routine at the end of last year, but feel confident now. It’s been a journey, for sure, but I honestly feel so good about my health. I have noticed a significant difference in my body and mind from working out. Never thought I’d be the person to look forward to working out and here I am going to the gym three or four times a week.

Another health I’ve prioritized is my mental health. I got addicted to Headspace. I can’t say enough good things about the app. I never thought I’d be able to meditate and here I am doing it every day and loving it.

I also feel like I have to stop saying that I’m a “bad traveler.” I don’t consider myself a good traveler, but this year I’ve taken so many trips and gone to so many places…. that I think I have officially shed the “bad” label at least. I’m already on my thirteenth trip of the year!!!

DC, Aspen, Charleston, Bermuda, Palm Beach, Charleston again, Tampa, Baltimore, Paris, DC again, Nantucket, and San Francisco.

The thought of that would normally make me feel a little ill, but honestly, I’ve had the BEST time this year because of traveling. I totally get why people say you should spend money on experiences over things. I would take a trip to Paris over an expensive handbag any day.

This has also been the best year for my business, and I’ve had some incredible opportunities like being in a magazine, working with dream brands, and even getting to go back to my college to speak to a couple of classes there.

I just have been continuously pushing myself out of my comfort zone and rewriting, if you will, how I think of myself. It sounds a little dramatic, even as I’m writing it, but I think this year has been pretty transformative for me. I try to measure my personal growth every year and while I don’t think every year needs to have some giant curve, this year has been. I don’t feel like a completely different person, but I certainly feel like a better person.

Can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds!