In the countdown to the Seattle Space Needle midnight fireworks, I spent NYE Lime-Biking for miles, dancing ’round a beach bonfire, and whipping up JetBoiled hot chocolates and beef stroganoff (a la Mountain House freeze-dried, lol) out of the tailgate.
That might sound all happy-go-lucky—and it was fun—but I am not sorry to see 2018 go in the least.
Not gonna lie. It’s been a really sucky, unproductive year with all my best-laid plans stymied and thwarted at every turn.
Caring for my dad really caught up with me the past year.
Then dealing with a horrible landlord became untenable and I needed to move.
Then I got sidetracked for nearly three months getting my dad’s house and property back in shape.
And then the holiday season hit and I gave up trying to get anything done in my own life and business. I just could not maintain any of the necessary momentum and concentration.
I fully recognize that there are others with a far more difficult path and that my dad’s diseases (Parkinson’s and dementia) are not going to get any easier so I had better brace myself for the road ahead.
Still, it’s been rough because pretty much all the hard, time-consuming stuff fell squarely on my shoulders alone.
I have had no one to help me, and it has cost me a lot in both my personal life and business.
Not boo-hooing (well, maybe a little). Rather, I am in awe of myself and how I have risen to meet every challenge.
That’s not to say it’s been a piece of cake. Far from it!
But I wrangled every single obstacle with aplomb, and I am damn proud of myself.
Yes, the last 4-5 years have kicked my ass, but I keep standing back up.
I found my dad an absolutely fantastic adult care situation and got him moved in there in November.
That worry and upheaval has been a huge block and mental drain.
I am so thankful that, at least, has been take care of, and I rest easy knowing I have given (and continue to give) my all in making my dad’s life better and easier and that he has the best medical and assisted care possible.
The focus moving forward for this year is on reclaiming my life and shedding things that no longer serve me.
As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and I am in desperate need of some serious self-care right now.
Going into my 22nd year of business, I still love serving my administrative support clients as that work still excites and challenges me every day.
I’ll also continue working one-on-one with a few select mentoring clients as working with determined colleagues who are driven to up their business game continues to be very gratifying.
I am ready for a new beginning big time. Here’s to a better year ahead for us all!