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!
Danielle,
Kudos to you for making it through last year. I too struggled with my husband being sick and losing his job and my daughter had a baby. I also tried to get my business off the ground while working a full time job. I have enjoyed your posts immensely and have learned so much from you. Thank you for all you do. Please take time for self care it is so important. I’m glad you found a good place for your dad too. Sending you nothing but love, positivity and prayers for an amazing 2019.
Thank you so much, Chandra. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he is doing better and that you are finding time to take care of yourself as you juggle everything. Man, it’s not easy, is it? Sending you wishes for lots of love, caring and support in return!
Danielle,
Your posts have been really helpful over the years. I’m still dipping my toes into [business] and have really gained a lot of insight from your blog.
I’m glad to hear you’ve been able to get things settled with your dad. It is always hard to deal with those things and to do it alone is a real struggle.
I hope this coming year is full of great blessings for you.
Thank you, Trish. All my best to you as well. 🙂
I couldn’t help notice you use the term “virtual assistant” which makes me wonder if you realize this is a site for Administrative Consultants, not VAs. They are different things and I am not an advocate for the term “virtual assistant.” Were you aware of that? It’s a critical distinction and important for anyone here to understand.
I always look forward to your blogs. It’s been a while!! You are always an inspiration and to me 2019 is going to be a BREAK OUT YEAR!!!!!
Why, thank you, Paulette. And may this year indeed be your breakout year! Wishing you all the best!
Hi Danielle,
Much Luck to you and yours in 2019; I know, 2018 was so….lacking somehow.
And re your note to Trish about “virtual assistant”. Maybe it’s just easier for her to use that term in place of AC; I know here in Indianapolis, it’s not very well understood or it tends to mean more working for not with. And if she’s in an environment that doesn’t value anything clerical-related anyway….Here in Indy (I temp, as far as that goes since it’s not understood as a career here), clerical is considered “unskilled” and breaking 30K is tough.
Take Care!
Hi D (sorry, I don’t know what your first name is since you didn’t share that). Thanks for the well wishes. 🙂
Regarding use of the VA term, here’s the thing: This is the ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTANTS Association. A person needs to have a basic awareness of whose house they are in. If someone wants to the use the VA term, that’s up to them, but this is not the place or the association for that. It’s like they haven’t read or paid attention whatsoever to literally everything this blog and organization are about. And if that’s the case, there’s no reason for them to be here. I don’t want anyone here who is resistant to what I am laying down. I don’t want my time wasted or theirs. I don’t have time for excuses either.
Whether a term (any term) is well-known or not is completely and utterly irrelevant. It doesn’t matter whether they have heard a term or not — because that is NOT how you get clients. What you call yourself is important, but for other reasons that don’t have anything to do with whether a term is well known or not.
Anyone who is confused about this, I invite you to read this post:
Dear Danielle: What If Our Term Is Not Well-Known in My Country?
Anyone who is not interested, I invite you to please leave. I am tired of these idiotic conversations. The only people who should be here are those who pay attention and understand who and what we are here — Administrative Consultants.
Dear Danielle
I quite enjoyed your email. I empathized when I read this line: “Not gonna lie. It’s been a really sucky, unproductive year with all my best-laid plans stymied and thwarted at every turn” Mine was the absolute same. I cared for, but lost my younger sister to brain cancer (she passed away at 44). The year was hard without her. There was/is no one in this world like her. It was hard watching her suffer and I cried every time I saw her.
She was my best friend. It’s nice that you took care of your dad. That’s what we’re supposed to do.
As you say, we need self-care now…I wish you a most productive year and continued challenging, rewarding opportunities.
Regards
Yvette
Oh my dear, Yvette, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister/best friend. It’s clear you really loved her a lot. I hope you have loving arms around you right now to help you through this time. Sending you love and peace.