A Year in Review: 2018

January 4, 2019 2 Comments

Category: Personal
Tags: Year in Review

The end of 2018 is near and I can’t help but reflect on the year that’s come and gone. Many of you may think that I am going to reflect on 2018 as the year of overcoming fertility problems and getting our “happy ending” and while that is most certainly true, I view 2018 for much more than that.

2018 was a year of introspection – one where I learned so much about myself.

At 33 years old, I can say for the first time in my life that I have a true understanding of who I am as a person – my strengths, my weaknesses and all that lies in between. While this may not seem “revelation-worthy” to you, it is for me. This year of going through fertility treatments helped shape and articulate what I thought I knew about myself and has brought me to this point. 

I can say with confidence that I am strong, capable and determined person. This is what I think most people see when they read my blog or watch me share my story. It’s the face I portray most often. But the truth is, I don’t know how to handle things when they aren’t going my way. When I lose control, I lose myself. Anxiety takes over and I am left feeling weak and helpless. For someone who on one hand can be so full of power and assertiveness, it’s such a shock to my system when my weakness overrides that strength.

When I was diagnosed with MS I felt helpless. When I was told that I had to go through fertility treatments, I felt equally (if not more) helpless. I couldn’t will away these problems or work hard to overcome them. I lost the control I so often seek. As a result, I lost a bit of myself this year as I dredged through anxiety worse than anything I’ve experienced. This anxiety has carried through my pregnancy and has left me feeling a little less like myself. It’s something I decided I needed to seek help with as it has the ability to consume me. This doesn’t make me weak, it actually will make me stronger I think. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish this year despite feelings of weakness at times.

It wouldn’t be a year of reflection without highlighting a few 2018 moments that shaped it. 

Bill and I adventured to South Africa for what was truly the experience of a lifetime. From Cape Town to Wine County to the most memorable safari, we shared such an incredible trip together. 

The year of “2”. We kicked off 2018 with a circus (literally!) to welcome Chloe into her (not-so-terrible) TWOS! This year we watched her develop into this amazing little being that truly brings everyone around her so much joy. 

After 4 years of fundraising to help do my part to find a cure for MS, I took my efforts a step further and planned the fundraiser “Spring for a Cure” where 130 attendees gathered to support the MS Society and bring together the MS community. We raised $30,000 in one night which helped make my team the #1 fundraisers in Chicago with over $54,000 raised in 2018.

In 2017, I started my business SocialChow in an effort to do something I love while having the flexibility to be present for my daughter. In 2018, my business tripled in revenue and I’ve been able to successfully achieve my goal of balancing my professional and personal life. 

The baby. Of course we have to talk about the baby. 

Nothing can makes me happier than the thought of our baby boy completing our family next year. This year tested me in so many ways as we embarked on our journey to get him; my patience, my strength, my ability to be positive and optimistic as we went through this crazy year of fertility treatments. It taught me that while you can’t make something happen by snapping your fingers, you can do a lot with perseverance, science and a little bit of luck. 2018 will re-shape our family and my future as I know it and I’m so grateful for that.

2018 has been a year of self-discovery professionally and personally, a year that’s tested and strengthened my marriage, and one that made me so incredibly grateful for the relationships that fulfill me. 

Can’t wait to see what 2019 brings.