2018: The Year of Gratitude
What. A. Year. 2018. Has. Been.
There is no hiding the fact that this year held its challenges, but I truly believe 2018 was our best year yet. Why? Because those challenges led to significant growth – in faith, marriage, health, and beyond. For that, I am forever grateful for 2018.
What was different about 2018? I believe 2018 held my pivotal moment (as deemed by Lara Casey). She says, “it’s the moment when you decide that the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. It’s the moment you decide you are tired of doing the same things you’ve always done.”
My health situation spurred a few pivotal moments for me, which ultimately led to lasting changes that we have slowly implemented throughout the year.
This year, I have learned so much about myself and who I want to be. And unlike other years where I’d simply think about doing the things I’ve always wanted to do, this year, I’ve started to take small steps towards living them out.
The most significant thing that has changed my life this year is gratitude for the big and little things in our daily lives. Developing an attitude of gratitude is what helps me to look back at 2018 as my best year yet. As Caleb and I reminisced the other day, here were a few of our favorite parts of 2018, both big and small (in no particular order).
+ Met Doctor Rushing and found a treatment plan that worked
+ Spent time digging our toes in the sand of Lake Michigan during our “summer of Michigan”
+ Found a place we love to call our church home
+ Enjoyed the most beautiful snowfall the day after Easter
+ Had the most fun at Top Golf with the Eiler crew
+ Ditched and switched chemicals in our home
+ Continued to be addicted to The Great British Baking Show
+ Visited a lavender farm near Indianapolis
+ Celebrated our first anniversary!
+ Had a 5-year-old-fiesta party for our dog Alaska
+ Enjoyed a fun weekend getaway at The Story Inn
+ Graduated from physical therapy after over five months of weekly sessions
+ Met my favorite author Shauna Niequist
+ Made changes in our careers. Caleb went to Springbuk and I left KSMC at the end of September for some time to focus on my wellness (an extremely difficult decision that has paid off immensely).
+ Our second nephew Luke Joseph was born
+ Hit my reading goal of 26 books
+ Baked a truck cake for our nephew Eli’s second birthday
+ Visited our friends who recently moved to Colorado (though we miss having them in Indy!!)
+ Had a kitty for a few weeks before we found her the purrfect forever home
+ Celebrated the marriage / engagement of couples we love dearly
+ Hiked at Eagle Creek Park on December 8th with friends to celebrate mobility progress
+ Surpassed my fundraising goal for the end of year DTRF campaign
+ And more – what an amazing year!!
I am forever grateful for 2018 and cannot wait to see what 2019 has in store for us. While it’s sure to be filled with both highs and lows, I’m looking forward to living and learning throughout the ride.
Cheers to 2018!