Unfulfilled dreams. Missed opportunities. Searching and longing for something that’s just out of reach. I am so thankful to be able to say that these are not my memories of 2018. While 2017 had some very sorrowful moments, 2018 was the year that I finally came up for air and turned my setbacks into victories!
It has been hard to see the positive in the middle of hard times, and this year has definitely not been easy. Especially the last 6 months have been real struggle even though John works 2 jobs. But what does money matter when we have our health, sweet kids, and a happy marriage? Those are things that people who are far wealthier than me could only wish for.
The Hard Work of Happiness
So what happened that made this year feel so much better, even when it wasn’t? Personally, It was a total mind shift on my part. I made an effort to find the joy in daily life, and dug my heels in against negative thinking. I read some great books. My favorite was “Love Does” by Bob Goff. It really puts things in perspective to read his stories of amazing miracles and incredible generosity. Knowing that there are people who find hope even in situations which are far more horrible than my own, can I really complain? Nope. At least, I shouldn’t. I’m still human. 
2018 Opportunities and Good Memories
Because of this blog, I got even more enjoyment out of the last year. Every time I have an idea for a fun activity with my kids or trying a new dish, my second thought is always that I can’t wait to share this with you guys. Seriously! A few of my favorite posts of this year were
- Our Palm Springs Day Trip
- The Incredibles 2 Printables and Activities
- Crunchy Oven Baked Chicken Recipe
- 30-Day Dine at Home Challenge
Next year I hope to expand my creativity and bring more family value to this blog. Feel free to hold me accountable, too!
As I round out this last blog post of 2018, I also want to tell you where I missed the mark. The one word I chose to focus my energy for 2018 was “persist”. But as it turns out, that’s not what my life and family needed me to do this year. 2016 and 2017 were years when persistence kept me from losing my mind to grief and self-pity, so maybe I came up with this word on the heels of recent struggles. This year all my persistence paid off. I have a great relationship with my oldest, my husband and I are enjoying a strong marriage, work is going well, and my kids didn’t have a single injury this year! I think a better word would have been “surprise” because each time we found ourselves in hot water, “Surprise!” God got us through. Once I learned to trust Him with everything, I had a lot less to worry about.
In May my husband John graduated with his Bachelors from San Diego State University. We took the kids on our first family camping trip. Oh yeah, and I ran a 10K just weeks after hernia surgery. Wow, I guess 2018 was pretty great…
I look forward to the obstacles that present themselves in 2019. I know I can make it through the hills and valleys as long as I keep this in mind: It’s not the current economy that counts, but the eternal one.
Happy new year friends! May you find what your heart desires in 2019. <3