BEST OF 2017 & 2018 GOALS |

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for the delay in getting this post up, but HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had an amazing holiday season with your family and friends and got to start off this new year with some great memories!

My holidays were pretty amazing and I got to make some amazing memories with the people who matter the most to me! The only downfall was I was sick for majority of my time, but that's okay! I got lots of rest and everyone took care of me so I can't complain! Also, I'm fully better now - ofc, just in time to get back to work (rolls eyes).

So, today I wanted to take some time to reflect on 2017 and some goals I have set for 2018! To be honest, 2017 was a roller coaster and honestly went very differently than I originally thought it would go when it started. However, sometimes the things we plan and think will happen don't happen because there is another path we are meant to take (of course, a better one *fingers crossed*). 2017 was a reminder that I can't plan every aspect of my life and sometimes there will be curve balls or things that happen that you didn't think would ( or at least didn't want to believe would happen even though you knew deep down it was likely). Although the year didn't go exactly as planned I honestly believe I really grew as a person. I was able to find myself again after having some life changes and go back to that person I once was, I have more confidence now than I have over the past few years, I have set new standards and limits for myself as I finally recognize my self worth and the downfall of being too forgiving. All these positive changes that came from what I thought was such a terrible experience at the time has put me in such a better place emotionally, physically, and mentally. I have also attracted some of the best people into my life and also repaired and grew relationships that I once took for granted. To be honest, the last few months actually unexpectedly turned out way better than I ever expected. So, I thought I would share my TOP moments/ achievements with you from 2017, because even though the year went unexpected it is important to see all the amazing times you were able to have. I also included a little collage of some of my memories! xo

1. I BOUGHT MY FIRST HOUSE

This was a goal I've had for so long and I'm so lucky I was able to do this for my daughter and I way before I ever thought I would be able to!

2. GOT OUR LITTLE PUPPY GEORGIE

This little guy makes our little family complete. He is crazy, but too cute for words. Mialyna and I both love him to the moon and back! I'm also so happy I was able to do this for Mialyna since we have always dreamed about having a yorkie teacup.

3. KICKED STARTED MY HEALTH AND FITNESS JOURNEY

Getting into the gym and working out regularly really made this year great. I had way less anxiety and improved my health - which feels great! Nothing like sweating out my worries and feeling more confident!

4. I GREW

Over the past few years, I always had the tendency to put people first and take a lot of crap. I'm a pretty big softie and always liked to see the best in people- which lead me to always believe words. This was true even when I should have never done it! This year I finally said enough is enough - and I realized that sometimes you have to put yourself first and know when to let go. You can't control everything, sometimes people don't change & people don't need a million chances to get simple things right. This has resulted in such a healthier mindset, more self confidence, and honestly a life detox. I can fully say that I have grown so much this year - and I do not have one negative person in my life at the moment.

5. I WENT ON NEW ADVENTURES AND CROSSED OFF SOME THINGS OFF MY BUCKET LIST

I got to make some amazing memories with friends and loved ones that I've wanted to do for a long time. The top one was an amazing getaway weekend in Niagara filled with wine tours, special memories, and new beginnings.

6. IT WAS FULL OF LOVE AND MEMORIES WITH AMAZING PEOPLE

I know you all have read from the end of summer where I went through a bit of a rough patch.However, let this be a reminder that even if things go badly or not as planned - that doesn't mean it is the end of the world ( even though at the time you may think this). Just because someone screws up doesn't mean YOU aren't good enough to find love again and have it in all aspects of your life. I can honestly say this year was full of love, giggles, and memories with some amazing people. My bond with my daughter grew, I am a love struck dog mom, my bond with my family improved & I have someone who shows me constant respect and appreciation all the time <3 ( I won't get too in detail about that one). I also reconnected and built new friendships with amazing people that I'm glad are part of my life now.

7. I GOT TO BE APART OF AMAZING PROJECTS AT WORK, GOT RECOGNIZED FOR EVERYTHING I HAVE DONE, AND WE GREW OUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

This year was great in terms of my career - I was able to grow within my field and at my current position at work by working on some amazing projects and learning new things. I was also able to assist in the growth of our photography business, captured some amazing memories for people, and met some amazing new people. It was a great year!

2017 was a crazy year to say the least, but it was filled with some amazing moments. Very little which is captured in the above picture! However, I'm very excited to see where 2018 takes us and what will happen. Although I have let go of planning every little detail I do have some goals I want to achieve in 2018 that I thought I would share. To be honest, I recommend everyone to write down their goals since you tend to be more accountable once you do! So, here are mine....

1. SAY YES TO OPPORTUNITIES/ADVENTURES AND NO TO BULLSH*T

I want to be open to new adventures and opportunities. I don't want to be held back by fear of failing! So, my goal is to say yes to as many things as I possible can that will allow me to grow as a person and make new memories. However, I want to continue the mindset of saying no to bullsh*t and maintaining my limits. I don't want to let other people's negative energy drag me down.

2. GET HEALTHIER

I know this is a typical one - but this one matters. My goal for this year is to work even harder on my health and fitness . Also, my mental health! I want this year to be the year I feel my best and most confident

3. CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS

I pride myself on appreciating the little things and I don't want to lose this in 2018. So, I want to continue to hold value to all the little moments and memories that I will make throughout this year and the little things that others do for me. I also want to give back in any way possible even if it is something small.

4. BUILD MY CAREER AND BUSINESS

This year I want to put emphasis on building my career as a marketer and businesswoman. I want to be open to career advancements and business opportunities. I also want to continue to grow our family photography business and explore new areas of that business to see how much we can grow in our third year of business. I also really want to continue to grow my blog and social media presence and also do some more to really share, relate, and help others with my story and experiences. Another big goal is to start another company! Yes, another! It's amazing when you are with someone who wants to also build with you, has the same goals, and wants to build an empire! Lucky for me, I'm surrounded by many people like this!

5. AMP MY HOME DECOR GAME

I have a few projects that I want to do around the house- one being to redecorate or enhance my bedroom! Since I'm just approaching the one year mark in March of moving in - I really want to continue making it feel like a home and making it our space.

I have some other goals that I have set for the new year and just things that I want to continue to do but I don't want to ramble on for too long! But most importantly, I want to spend as much time with the people that matter in my life, be a kick ass mom, continue to grow as a person, and make steps towards achieving the future I want. I hope that you all have been inspired to not only set goals for this year, but also to reflect on everything good that has happened this past year.

I also want to thank everyone who has been following me on my blog journey, reaching out & sending positive vibes on social media - I appreciate it beyond words!! xo I cannot wait to share more with you on the blog throughout 2018!

I'll be back with more post next week and I'll be sharing lots on social media this weekend as I have my NYC trip this weekend So, be sure to follow me on Instagram! xo I'll also have a post all about it with pictures to share soon!

Have an amazing week and stay warm!

Until next time,

Alysia xo