Happy, happy New Year, friends!
2017 was definitely a year for the books. It was a year of blessings for MRI as I was and am able to do what I love to do, which is so amazing. Seeing my client’s reactions to their space is nothing short of soul-filling for me. It gives me joy knowing that I was able to help bring a client’s dream to life in their space. Not only do these clients help me grow my business and support me, but they also become friends that I cherish. That’s a win, win right?!
The Houston Astros won the World Series, which was so awesome to witness (Go Stros). Hurricane Harvey came in like a wrecking ball, destroying so many family and friends’ homes, which was heartbreaking. It was amazing seeing how well the community came together in such a disaster and tough times, proving that there is good in the world. We lost so many loved ones in our family, which was definitely challenging for us. It made my family grow closer together (making lemonade out of lemons). Life is so short that it should never be taken for granted, and you should live and love to the fullest each and every day with no regrets, no lookbacks.
Looking back on 2017, I can say that I’ve learned a great deal about design work and the process involved in creating beautiful spaces. Something I really enjoyed learning about was drapes. My aunt Kathy (design and flooring guru) gave me a class on this. There is SO much more that goes into window coverings than just sliding a panel onto the curtain rod and calling it a day.
I traveled/visited Georgia, Florida, a few times, Tennessee, Alabama (ROLL TIDE!), and of course, many places in Texas. We slowed down our traveling this year; we have a really bad jinx when we travel. Since 2015, we have had to change/cancel vacations because of a loved one dying. 2017 ended exactly that way-high hopes for 2018.
The biggest accomplishment of the year was exceeding sales that were bigger than I ever dreamed of for my first year in business. I also like to reflect on my goals from the previous year to see if I truly met them. After reading last years blog post (click to read) I am pretty happy about what I have learned and completed. While my photography skills aren’t amazing, I definitely learned how to use my camera better, surpassed my goals for MRI (as mentioned), improved significantly with social media, and gained confidence with MRI.
I’ve met so many fabulous people doing MRI and had a blast completing some projects. Here are a few of my faves from 2017!
Looking ahead, I hope to complete some resolutions I’ve set for myself, as I believe everyone should set at least one goal to accomplish in their year. There are 365 days to get it done, at the very least! The hubs and I started a tradition where we write down our wants and goals for ourselves and our family, marking them off as we grow older and the years pass. It can be used for our resolutions or as ideas for each other to see where we stand in life and what we want for each other and for ourselves. More of a life progress. It helps us both really track our goals in the end.
This year, I’m setting a goal to improve my planning and become more positive, not only to enhance myself but also to become a better person. I wanted to be someone who radiates love and positivity to those around me. As the years go by, I’m learning new things, and I’d really love to learn to render with a more realistic view for my clients. We love to travel and explore new cities and countries, but I’d really love to make the Maldives a top priority for 2018. New adventures are always a plus for our family.
Personally, I have so much to work on in 2018. I feel that the typical (and also important) goals would be to stop putting such harmful food into my body, eat out less, and cook more, while also focusing on becoming fit and strong this year. I really want to make homeschooling an even better experience for Maddox, with more fun and creative projects to come. With that said, I really need to plan better. Planning for each of these will make them become a reality instead of a goal; that I must do!
What are your New Year’s resolutions and goals for 2018? I would love to hear them!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!