2017 was not my year. 2017 took away three people I care about, including my mother. 2017 left me feeling battle scarred and angry, no matter how much I tried to mask it. Without consciously meaning to, I set out to make 2018 my year.

I’d tried online dating before, but nothing had really led anywhere. Because I was in a female – dominated job and thought of the single men at my church as brothers or cousins, I decided to try one more dating app near the end of January. I’m so glad I did, because I met my amazing boyfriend, Michael, within 24 hours of installing the app. Our relationship has been such a blessing and was one of the highlights of my year. So far, it’s been one of the best parts of 2019 too.

I got my own apartment, cleaned out my mom’s storage unit, and adopted two cats. I went to Las Vegas and Florida, despite a fear of flying and travel in general. However, arguably the craziest thing I did in 2018 was completely change career paths. Social work is a wonderful career, but it’s not for me. It took a lot of stress, tears, and prayer to realize I needed to look for something else. I needed to trust God that He would provide the right situation for me, whatever that may be. This is still a work in progress. I’m still not sure what I’ll be when I grow up, but I have faith God will lead me in the right direction.

2017 left me broken. While 2018 was no bed of roses, I came out of that year feeling whole again. I know I’ll look back on 2018 with nostalgia and fondness as I go forward. Hopefully, 2019 will be even better.

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