Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018

I can’t believe I’m sitting here writing a post about saying goodbye to 2017. Where has the year gone? Time flies when you’re havin’ fun

If I could pick a phrase that represents the past year, it would be “Just Do It” (thanks, Nike!). So many times, I let my head get in the way of moving forward with projects, goals and even life. This year I just decided to move forward with tasks that seemed overwhelming, even if that meant taking baby steps to get things done.

2017 will be one for the books. It’s been about chasing dreams. It’s been about believing in myself. It’s been embracing  times when things didn’t work out the first time, picking myself up and trying again. 2017 has been an adventure.

Love

I started out the bulk of this post talking about starting my business. But when I went back to proof read it, I realized things were out of order. Because the whole reason I started a business was to feel happier and more fulfilled, and part of that was so that I could also embrace and enjoy my persona life to the fullest.

The absolute best moment of my 2017 was getting engaged! And not just “getting engaged” but actually celebrating being able to share my life with someone who makes each day better.

He doesn’t really like being an internet sensation so I will just say that I feel incredibly lucky to have found someone who brings out the best in me, encourages me and supports me the way that he does. I only hope he feels the same about me!

Career

So 2017 will always be THE SHIT because it is the year that I started a private practice and followed my heart by quitting my full-time job. Starting a private practice was never about making money or being successful. It was more about pursuing a career path that would make me the happiest and one that would utilize my professional and personal strengths. It was also about improving my quality of life, recognizing when a situation wasn’t a good fit for me and cutting my losses. More importantly, it was about  building quality relationships with colleagues and clients, something I was really missing out on at my full-time job. I didn’t say much about it at the time, but I ABSOLUTELY HATED my previous full-time job. Like, I pulled up in the parking lot each morning and cried at the thought of going in. So the launch of my private practice last New Year’s was the beginning of a new chapter for me in more ways than one.

 I started 2017 having NO FREAKING IDEA what the year would hold. I remember planning and planning and planning, and then publishing this post last year officially launching my private practice and thinking “OH MY GOD AKJDHASKDJHASDKJHKJASHD WTF AM I DOING?”

It was exciting and scary.

Running a business has been everything… rewarding and difficult and amazing all in one. There are lots of moments of self-doubt and tears but there are also many “damn, I’m a badass!” moments, too. I think I consider going back to a FT job at the hospital about once a month. But then I have a breakthrough moment with a client, or someone sends me a sincere “Thank You” and I’m reminded of why private practice is the right path for me.

Which leads me to this…

I learned a very important lesson in 2017, and I know it’s one many ladies can benefit from:

Just Be Yourself

I wish someone had just told me to by my damn self a long time ago. I would have been a lot happier and felt more fulfilled. Oh well… that’s why I’m telling you now!

When I started my private practice, I wanted to compare myself to everyone- in my actual practice, my office décor, on social media- the list goes on. Heck, I even wanted to be the perfect dietitian for every single potential client (which is impossible).  When I started just being myself, doors suddenly started to open and my business began to bloom.

If anyone reading this is afraid to be yourself then I’m giving you permission to let go of all of your fears and insecurities. Embrace yourself, your life, your body and the things that bring you happiness and joy. Do what works for you. Comparison is the thief of joy. For. Sure.

And this doesn’t just go for a business- this goes for everything!

This is so important to recognize this as we enter the new year. Everyone will be telling you to lose weight, follow a certain diet, and get a gym membership. But if these things don’t work for you and they don’t bring you happiness and you can’t maintain them then don’t do them. DO YOU. Is it really a good start to the new year by comparing yourself to what everyone else is telling you that you should be? Doesn’t sound like it to me.

2018

I’m wishing you nothing but awesomeness in 2018!

I’m really excited for for this year. I’m excited to marry B. I’m excited to continue to turn our house into a home, to travel and spend time with the Lilers. I’m excited to continue to become a better business person, grow my private practice and help all of my clients in their journey to finding the healthiest version of themselves

I don’t make resolutions anymore, but my intention for 2018 is to do a better job at execution.  I spent all of 2017 doing trainings and webinars and keeping notes of a billion different things to do in a bunch of different notebooks. I feel like I’ve been a giant sponge taking in all of this information and now I’m just sitting on it. This year I’m going to work on being more organized and intentional with taking in information, and focus more on taking action and following through with what I’ve learned.

What to Expect on the Blog in 2018

Thanks for sharing life with me over all of these years, and for celebrating ANOTHER new year’s with me! Right now I am working on launching my podcast, and new episodes will be published each Tuesday. Show notes will be published as blog posts so you should expect to see those regularly. Be on the lookout for a blog survey soon. I’m hoping to plan other content around that!

How was your year? What are you most excited about in 2018? Leave a comment and let me know

P.S. I’m having a Nutrition & Exercise Planning Party for 2018! It lasts for 4 days and will start January 2nd. Here’s a link for all of the details and to sign up!