If you’re wondering, I’m still here.

There are more stories to tell and more handpicked happenings to share. I have not abandoned you; I’m even more so dedicated to the cause. It’s just that sometimes you need to hit pause on all of the doing, the writing, the moving. Pauses are important; they give perspective and help you look ahead.

How do I want to show up this year?

How do I want to make an impact?

What are the things that I not only want to do but will get done?

These are just a few of the things I have been asking myself during my self-imposed blogging hiatus.

Last year had some incredible moments.

I was fortunate to meet so many people who not only inspired me but have become  friends.

It was my first full year as a freelancer. For those wondering what I do professionally to earn my keep, here’s that.

We bought a house and won a few awards. And Harrison dedicated himself to a new challenge with so much heart (and talent and commitment and selflessness… never have I been more proud). 

Of course, a year is not complete without some low moments, too. We certainly had ours with loss and unexpected news. After all, life is a beautiful battle.

But here we are, on the other side. In this new year with a little shy of 365 days in front of us.

What do we know for sure? There will be many days filled with lessons that teach us more about ourselves. For that gift, we should be grateful. I know I am.

With that, I leave you with this reminder, by way of Teddy Roosevelt, along with my commitment to return to the blog next week…

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Here’s to us all daring greatly in 2017,
A.