A Year of Reflection: Milestones, Health, Friendships, and Experiences

If you know me, you know I cherish time for reflection, and birthdays offer a perfect opportunity for it. As I celebrate another year, I’m taking a moment to look back on the milestones, health achievements, friendships, and experiences that have shaped my journey.

Milestones

This year has been filled with significant milestones. I achieved several professional goals: I expanded my business by adding a marketing coordinator, an executive assistant, and another fractional CHRO. I also got published in notable publications like Inc., Fast Company, Grit Daily, and Lead Grow Develop. Some highlights include a Vice President interview focus, a startup blog post, and completing the rough draft of my book—now moving into the editing phase. Additionally, I maintained six-figure growth for Salt & Light Advisors, sold and closed on our home in Columbia, Missouri, and launched my podcast, "Don't Waste the Chaos."

In a new personal adventure, I ran for my first elected position—a school board seat. Although I lost by 30 votes, it was an invaluable learning experience. I also supported my husband in his entrepreneurial journey, launching Center Ceramics and AG Detailing with our son, and built and sold another home with Columbia Properties Group.

On a personal note, I hired an incredible coach, Kelly, and have been diving deep into human design, gene keys, and healing my nervous system. This journey is ongoing, but it has given me renewed strength and perspective.

Health

Health has been a focal point this year. I successfully maintained a 50-pound weight loss and settled into our new home on the farm both physically and emotionally. My sourdough journey advanced, and I discovered new local favorites—a church, nail salon, massage therapist, reiki healer, and yoga studio. I committed to walking 10,000 steps a day, returned to reading fiction for enjoyment, minimized alcohol consumption, and spent a lot of time outdoors. Highlights include starting our first big garden, raising a bounty of fruits and vegetables, and participating in the Cannibal 5K with my mom.

Friendships

This year involved pruning and nurturing friendships. I deepened connections with my family, particularly my son and one of my stepdaughters. I worked on setting boundaries and focusing on true cheerleaders while letting go of frenemies. I poured time into enhancing my marriage and valued the genuine friendships that enrich my life.

Experiences

Experiences this year have broadened my perspective. I attended the Country Colorfest in Louisiana, Missouri, and enjoyed the Folk Live Festival in Hannibal, Missouri. I traveled to Negril, Jamaica, for a strategic planning retreat, took a fall trip to Branson with my mom and son, and explored St. Louis, Columbia, and Quincy, Illinois. A highlight was spending a weekend in Chicago with my husband and son and soaking up the sun in the Dominican Republic with a friend. I watched my niece rank second in the state of Missouri for high school basketball and get signed to Evangel. We celebrated Mother's Day in Hermann, Missouri, spent a week in Seaside, Florida, and had memorable trips to Branson, Miami, and Florida with family.

This reflection reveals a year of growth, learning, and cherished moments. The journey continues, and I am excited for what the future holds. Thank you for being part of this adventure.