Hello My beautiful friends,
This post was meant to be written in October for my year anniversary but I took a little (well a lot) of time to myself. I kept wondering how I wanted to celebrate my first year with this blog and what better way then to celebrate with you all. So before I get all mushy and sappy I want to do a wellness check. How are you? Are you eating well? Are you bundled up for this cold weather? Or depending on where you are reading this from are you staying cool? Let’s take a long deep breath, I’m guessing it’s been a while since you’ve taken one of those. Let’s forget about the worries and doubts and let’s just enjoy these few minutes together. Now get comfortable, grab your snack and drink of choice, and let’s chat for a bit.
•EDIT• So as you can tell I started to write this last year but let’s continue.
Can y’all believe it’s been a year and a half??? I never thought I would be sitting here talking to you guys about “One Day At a Time” One year anniversary. I remember how long it took for me to even think about starting this, the nerves and doubts I felt wondering who would even want to read my blog. A year and a half later and I am so grateful to God and to all of my family, friends, and readers. To see that you guys are reading and commenting from all over the world is truly humbling to me because I never thought my words would reach anyone, let alone the world. I find myself telling God that I am not worthy of all the love and kind words I receive and yet I am so thankful.
The encouragement I receive daily is unfathomable, I never in my wildest dreams thought that when I started this that I would receive healing through the words I write, I never thought that I would be talking about subjects so deep and personal. Never did I think that I would feel as though weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and yet the more I wrote the more I received understanding. I am so thankful that so many were able to tell me how much they have related to my experiences, that even though I felt like I was digging up painful memories so many also experienced similar situations.
Now let me share an overview of my year:
In the beginning of the year I visited Burlington, Vermont for the first time and even though it was freezing cold it was quite the experience. We bundled up and what amazed me most was seeing the vast majority of mountains. During the winter season there is a lot of skiing and snowboarding, y’all already know this girl is pretty clumsy so I enjoyed visiting their shops and food.
I was also able to experience axe throwing for the first time, let me just say it is a lot harder than it looks. My friend Bekah took me and it took us a while to hit a bullseye. Heck it took me a while to not be scared to throw the axe in the first place.
I went to about 4 concerts and let me tell you if your mom isn’t your concert date then what are you doing? I’m so lucky that not only is she my mom she’s also my best friend and honestly the best person to go to a concert with. She enjoys every bit of it as much as I do.
We went to:
- Toby Macs Hits Deep tour
- Elevation Worship
- Casting Crowns
- Mercy Me
Went to many Paint nights, painted a lot of pottery and had many venting sessions:
Visited Stamford, Ct for the first time and had a girls weekend. It was definitely a much needed getaway. We visited some beautiful places including ‘Terrain’, Elm Street Diner, Fish Church, Cove Island, and The Capital Grill.
Over the summer & fall I worked a bit and went on a bunch of adventures with family and friends. Taking my nephew to museums, bowling nights, bonfires, random getaways. Going to the Big E, Pumpkin picking, and fishing trips. Most importantly I also got my Driver’s license!
Got to be a part of my closest friends’ weddings as a Maid of Honor and the other as a Bridesmaid; and witnessed a beautiful vow renewal.
Last August we got to go on a family vacation to Puerto Rico where we did everything and anything we could think of! Exploring caves, jumping from beach to beach every day, living in our bathing suits, hitting the bakeries for fresh bread, treats, and coffee. The amount of snorkeling, swimming, and jumping off of rocks and bridges. Hearing the coquis at night, fighting off chickens and roosters, running into iguanas. Many naps were taken along with finding cool refreshing treats to calm down the heat. Exploring the history of the Island and falling in love with its simple life. I would love to go more in depth but I’m leaving that for another blog.
The last few months were filled with getting closer to God, enjoying my small circle of friends, many paint nights, and movie nights.
The biggest month for me had to be November though. Not only is it my birth month, but I turned 30 and it wasn’t just an ordinary 30th. I turned 30 in Paris! It was a dream come true and like my comment on Puerto Rico I will be writing a separate blog to go into more detail because it truly was a Dream come true. I also was surprised by my loved ones with a 30th birthday party.
This year was hard, many lessons were learned, I cried so much, felt lost in my thoughts filled with worries and concerns but at the end of the day I can thank God for allowing me to live a year filled with answered prayers and dreams.
I’m so grateful to those who help me get through my years and hold me together while I continue to become the woman God wants me to be.
So much can happen in a year and if I’m grateful for anything it is for being able to spend this year being able to talk and share my life with you not only One day at a time but also A year and a half at a time.
I leave you with this:
A lot can happen in a year, don’t give up just because you don’t like the page you’re on. You never know what the next chapter holds.
Until our next unpacking, have a great day my lovelies!
Love Always,
Janny Mari
One Day at A Time with Janny Mari 