I wasn’t going to write a New Year’s post, but after reflecting on the past year and talking about next at two different parties last week (thanks to the amazing Melody Biringer of CRAVE and Hazel Grace Dircksen), I sort of talked at blueprint of this post out for myself.

2010 was definitely a challenging year. Some of that I brought upon myself; other challenges life decided to toss my way. I’d left my events director job for a social media agency (then in startup mode) and took on CRAVE Seattle at the same time. Both opportunities were such amazing learning lessons and culture shocks for me, but eventually the stress of trying to keep up with both got to me. For the first time in my life, I realized I’d reached the point of doing too much. Despite my stubborn, overachieving side denying anything was wrong, my lack of free time, my irritability and overall unhappiness told me it was time to finally say no. I can’t do it all anymore.

the deep end.

I also made some changes in my personal life this year that were incredibly hard but so necessary for me in order to figure out who I am. Couple that with the most devastating heartbreak 
I’ve ever experienced, and this year’s made for quite the tumultuous ride. Many things that defined me at the beginning of the year aren’t there or don’t make sense anymore. I am staring at redefinition of self square in the face.

Luckily, I continue to have so many things to be grateful for. I’ve attracted some amazing, incredible people who color my life with great conversation, tons of laughs and unnerving support. I have the best family in the world. I love my job and work with some truly talented, intelligent, sincerely kickass people. Opportunities come to me thanks to the wonderful world that is social media.

With that said, I can’t help but look towards 2011 with confidence, a strong will and a giving heart. I’m still dealing with figuring out what joy and love look like with no Meatball in my life (maybe I’ll always be?), and I’m in the midst of trying to figure my shit out. Regardless, I know that whatever I do, I do it well and I aim for nothing but excellence.

"Get ready for it. I came to win." – Nicki Minaj