For me, 2018 was the year the clouds finally parted. The three years before this one were tough ones for me. I struggled to find breath and spent so much time feeling around in the dark, wondering when—if—things would ever change. I felt hopeless. Nothing magic happened in 2018. The hard stuff was still hard. But this year … this year, I realized I could fill my lungs all the way up again. This year I learned how incredibly, irrevocably, and deeply strong I am. I fought sexist systems. I ran a half marathon. I learned how to be my own partner, my own champion. I learned that there is something deeply beautiful about my independence and that I am wonderfully content on my own. This year wasn’t filled with particularly life-changing moments. Nothing flashy happened. No big milestones crossed. But my life changed this year in quiet, tiny ways, much like my muscles as I added just one more mile, and then another. Which is, perhaps, the best kind of change. The kind that prepares you to continue for the long haul. So, now, I breathe deep as I run this final mile of 2018, as I cross the finish line, lungs full of sweet air and gratitude, ready to simply continue to place one foot in front of the other. #happynewyear #2018bestnine #2018
My flight from Denver back to Grand Rapids for Christmas was full of kids (and, randomly, dogs), and right before takeoff one of the dads started passing out these goody bags. Their daughter handled the flight like a pro (all the kids, and dogs for that matter, did), but it was such a sweet gesture. 💕 Respect to all the parents traveling this holiday season! #southwestairlines #holidaytravel #randomkindness
