2017 Was Actually the Best Year of My Life
Photo by Steven G Photography
2017 was actually the best year of my life. I found my stride this year. For the first time in a really long time, I know who I am and what I want. I'm super excited about all of the blessings that came with 2017 and can't wait to see how 2018 unfolds.
But first... let's talk about my life during the previous year. In 2016, I was busy for the sake of being busy without any strategy for brand growth or a clear plan for my professional growth. I was fresh out of college and wasn't even thinking about myself as a person. I used to view myself as a work horse, drank like crazy and didn't understand that I had worth outside of my talents.
Throughout 2016, God slowly began to break down walls in my life that were blocking my growth. I started to sorta kinda see myself as beautiful and powerful as the year went on. It took time away from freelance work, blogging and "people" to see that.
Fast forward to 2017 and this is how the story goes. 2017 was actually the best year of my life. I gained so much, from love to clarity to material things to peace. It is difficult to put into words everything that happened to me in the last 12 months but here it goes.
Landed My Dream Job (March)
Pinch me. I am blessed to work at VML as the community manager for Express. I schedule content and manage their instagram conversation on a daily basis. If you've been following me for a while, then you've read my posts about ad life. You should check out Ad Agencies & How to Build a Brand from Scratch and What You Need to Know About Being Black and Female in Advertising.
Started Brunchin' With Jas
It's really funny to think back to my fears about hosting my first brunch. I was afraid that it would suck and nobody would come, but I actually sold out each event that I hosted. Brunchin' with Jas grew my name in Kansas City and built my confidence in a way that I can't quite explain. I am so grateful for each person who attended, spoke on my panel, volunteered, shared a post or gave some encouragement. I can't wait to share the big news about next year's brunches. Do yourself a favor and read What Really Happened at The Jasmine Diane Summer Brunch and The Official Jasmine Diane Spring Brunch Recap.
Finally Got My Man (All Year Long)
Our relationship came at the right time. I am so excited to finally have someone to call my own. I could go on and on about dating my babe. I never imagined loving someone so freely or receiving so much love from a man, but God answers prayers. Steven makes me a better Jasmine. Enough said.
Bought a New Car (April)
Let me tell y'all about my Jesus. I was rolling in a rusted 02' KIA Spectrum until she decided to stop escalating past 10mph. I remember writing "New Car" on my 2017 goals list and not thinking anything of it. I didn't think I would actually get a new car off the lot. I really just wanted something newer than an 02' but God had bigger plans. No more parking in the back so no one sees my car, praying against bad weather because my defrost is trash or waiting 30 minutes for my car to warm up. I'm so grateful for my new car and the ability to pay both my car note and car insurance each month.
Traveled a Ton (All Year Long)
This year I traveled to LA, NYC, Orlando, St. Louis, Columbia, Jefferson City, Columbus and Atlanta. Travel reasons were for both work and play, which means I didn't have to come out of pocket for each trip. Imagine that... traveling for work when you've just started to actually fly in airplanes your senior year of college (two years prior). My favorite trips were LA and NYC, but my absolute favorite experience was eating fried food from the boardwalk in my swimming suit with my toes in the sand with my Steven on Venice Beach. The ocean was breathtaking.
Invested in Myself (October)
I've never been shy about spending money on fast food or fast fashion, but something changed this year. After turning 25, I started to really invest in staple pieces in my wardrobe, therapy and peace. My favorite personal investments were probably books and flights. The world gets bigger with literature and travel. I challenge you to go a few places that you've always wanted to go in 2018.
Ink 30 Under 30
I was honored as one of Kansas City's 30 Under 30 by Ink Magazine. This honor put a lot of eyes on my brand and for that I am forever grateful. It felt like a dream come true to be on the most diverse 30 Under 30 list in Ink Magazine's history. The diversity in race, class and occupation in this year's Ink 30 Under 30 Class was unparralled.
Stopped Drinking (September)
I stopped drinking alcohol this year and boy was it hard in the beginning. Together with my boyfriend, I gave up alcohol for a more Jesus-centered life. No, I don't believe that alcohol is bad. Yes, I do believe that I was drinking to fill voids that only Jesus can fill. No, I'm not saying that drinking is a sin. Yes, my convictions are my own. Everyone around me may or may not agree with my decision, but to be in complete control of my mind and actions at all times feels good. I was the turn up queen in college, ask my friends... but God saw fit to turn my life around.
Let me say that again, God saw fit to turn my life around. I didn't have much faith in God or a better life when 2017 started but I tried God at His word. I prayed for clarity and love before I saw them unfolding. All of the things listed before and more are why 2017 was actually the best year of my life.
Questions:
- What's on your 2018 Goal List?
- Are you asking God to make those things happen?
- Do you believe that you're worthy to receive what you're asking for?
Thank you for staying until the end! Please do me a favor and share this post with your girls. In the meantime, follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.