Hi friends! I have missed you!! A lot has changed since we last connected and I am excited to catch you up. A lot of growth, joy, and smooth sailing. I keep saying I am a little nervous about 2020 because for the first time I am going into a new year in calm waters. No natural disaster, divorce, or finding myself. It is kind of weird and really amazing all at the same time.

One of my friends and mentors at work suggested to write a one page letter to recap my year. Grab your drink, wrap up in your favorite blanket and buckle in, sister. This year has been incredible!

December 21, 2018 I went in front of a judge and made my divorce final. I was relieved, confident in my decision, and proud of myself. I kept promises to myself I have always made and stood on my two feet. My mom went to the courthouse with me and we got breakfast tacos after to celebrate. Later that day I met some of my family and friends for Mexican food and tequila shots. For my friends that couldn’t be there, we FaceTimed while we all celebrated new beginnings. As proud and happy as I was, I was also terrified and knew I had a long road of healing ahead. I was determined 2019 would be MY year. It was my comeback. I would finally do the things I have always said I wanted to do. Friends, I did. I did it all and then some.

I made a goal at the beginning of 2019 to take a trip a month. I went to Orlando, Vegas, Nashville, Marco Island, Lake Charles, two cruises, took long weekends all around Texas, and decided I would be a “yes” person. If I could afford it and didn’t have plans, I was going. I had so. Much. Fun! I didn’t make plans. I would just show up. I am already making my bucket list for 2020.

In 2019 I created friendships that will last a lifetime. I am convinced I met my bridesmaids through divorce. I built stronger friendships with some friends, made new friends and now have this amazing group of women I get to call my best friends. Y’all. My friends are builders. They lift me up, encourage, challenge me, and push me to be better. They also shoot me straight and get into my chili when it is needed. They let me vent and complain, but don’t let me be a pity party. They help me work through it and find a solution. They are Jesus loving, super sweet, and strong women! Everyone needs friends like mine. We are a friend group where everyone has a seat and we will always make more room at the table.

I had my best year at work. I made decisions for myself. Stood on my own two feet. Went to a lot of therapy and did some serious work to heal and work through insecurities and pains. I finally created boundaries in my life and stood by them without having to explain myself. I met someone and he is pretty great. My faith is 10X stronger than it was at the beginning of 2019. I finally feel good in my own skin and learned to love exactly who I am. I acknowledged and accepted I am not defined by past experiences in my life. I was made in the eyes of God and he knew that the world needed me. My heart, mind, spirit and soul. I was selfish with my time and made it a priority to fill my cup. I said no instead of telling people I would let them know. In 2019 I rebuilt a new Amanda and I really like her.

As I round out 2019, I look forward to 2020 and all it will bring. It will be a year of growth, new experiences, new memories and a lot of laughter. I am so thankful for my story and this life I get to live. Friends, enjoy your family time and soak up every second you are alive. Look back on 2019 and smile with how far you have come and your strength to keep on going. Know you are taken care of and you have a lot of people that love and adore you. Believe in yourself, love yourself and be yourself. You are a bright light, sister! Shine on my friend! I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Amanda