It’s very exciting to be writing a blog post!  I thought I would take some time to share my thoughts & feelings with you today.

I have been reflecting upon the last year and contemplating the next one quite a bit these past few days.  I think that’s a pretty common occurrence around the new year marker for many people.  I actually sat down and watched the two videos I posted last year, one about my 2012 New Years Resolutions on OLJ, and the other, my New Years Vlog 2012: Reflections & Resolutions on MHWL.  At first I thought, “Wow, that was only a year ago?” which very quickly turned into, “Wow, that was a WHOLE year ago?!”  Time is funny, isn’t it?  In a year’s time I have managed to grow in so many ways as an individual while somehow staying the same “me.”

I don’t often watch my own videos after I finish my final edits on them.  It’s a bit of a weird experience to sit there and watch yourself just because you can.  I really wanted to see where I was at this point last year, though, which is why I decided to watch those videos.  I had grown so much in 2011 in so many ways, all mainly correlating with my YouTube and associated social media growth, and I wanted to remember how it felt this time last year.  I can again note a marked growth spurt with this new year and new chapter and am excited about the implications.  It can be hard to notice changes on a day-to-day basis, which is why I depend on this annual tradition of reflection to really take some time to appreciate the past year & my experience of it.  So, what’s the verdict?

2012 was a very good year.  A very, VERY good year!  Some highlights that stand out include participating in & completing my first half marathon, becoming confident enough to vlog and turning MHWL into a vlog-centered channel, finally organizing the storage/utility room in our house, and getting this blog up & running.  There are, of course, other, more personal, emotional hurdles I overcame as well.  My self-confidence has improved markedly, I’ve finally got a handle on my IBS, and I’m learning how to manage my anxiety better.  I feel strong, both physically and emotionally, and I’ve really come into my own as a woman these past few years.

One of my most special accomplishments is turning what started out as a side project hobby into an actual career.  It is no secret that my efforts on YouTube have started to pay off, quite literally, as I earn a commision from ad sales that YouTube places on or next to my videos.  [Side note - Anyone can do this!  Once you have a YouTube account & start posting videos, you can opt to "monetize" your videos.  You have to set up a Google Adsense account in order to be paid revenue.  It's as simple as that!]  I am officially providing my own personal spending budget now and hope to take on more financial responsibilities for our family in the future.  It’s kind of a neat feeling to get paid to do something you love.

I treasure being a housewife, of course, and will always consider myself to be one, but I am now also officially a career woman.  It is a funny world we live in where titles and labels carry so much meaning.  It’s hard not to get swept away in that way of thinking.  I’ve personally always felt that so long as I feel good about what I do on any given day then that’s all I should need in terms of validation.  It’s an easy thing to say, more difficult to believe, and even harder still to actually put into practice.  Feeling validated from the inside is a beautiful thing and does not come naturally to me, as I imagine might be the same for many others as well.  It is a practice I’ve had to work very hard on and continue to work at, but ultimately I have come to realize that the only person who can truly bring me happiness is myself.

Coming into my own, especially this past year, has helped tremendously in that department.  I can’t thank you, my wonderful viewers (and now readers!) enough for your support, encouragement, & enthusiasm.  I can’t wait to continue to share with you all in 2013.  I’m cooking up my New Years resolutions & reflections videos, hopefully coming up this week on OLJ & MHWL.  Stay tuned!

I wish you and yours a very happy & healthy new year!