2017: Grow

 

Happy New Year!

Once again, I marvel at how quickly the years pass, and quite honestly, I’m approaching 2017 with a mix of excitement and trepidation.  Excitement, as I have plans for my blog and business, and trepidation, as my oldest graduates from high school in a matter of months and will be leaving to go to college in the fall.  My bubble of denial is going to burst soon, and while I’m trying to prepare myself for what’s to come, it’s damn difficult, as all major milestones with your oldest child seem to be.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m really excited for what lies ahead for him.  College is such a great stage in life, where your responsibility is primarily to yourself and your schoolwork.  No work or family responsibilities yet, and it’s certainly a time that you don’t fully appreciate until it’s over.  So, while I don’t usually get too personal, I may not be able to contain myself this year, and I hope you’ll bear with me.

I have some things in the works right now that I’m not quite ready to share, but I promise I’ll spill the beans when the time is right.  In the meantime, I’m going to jump on the bandwagon with a word of the year that’s been swirling around in my head, and seems fitting for this year – personally, professionally, and as a family.  Grow.

Grow

I’m looking at this from a few different angles.  I’m looking to grow in a variety of ways.  In a literal sense, growing my business.  But also in the experiences that I have, the places I go, the things that I learn and do.  From trying new painting techniques, continuing to read, traveling, seeing and doing new things.  While also taking chances, and stepping outside of my comfort zone, in all aspects of life.

Growth Quote

Growing also applies to all of the changes that will be taking place this year as a family.  With our oldest going to college, the entire family dynamic will change.  He’s the peacemaker among the three kids.  The one who has great relationships with both his brother and his sister.  He will be stepping into a new phase in life, and hopefully doing a lot of growing as well.  Either way, that change is going to require growth from all of us, as a family.  

Growth Quote
Given that I’m not typically a big fan of change, there’s going to be a whole lot of growing going on here this year…

 

GrowSo, while there are exciting things on the horizon for 2017, I can safely say, it’s going to be a bittersweet year at the same time.  And lucky you, will get a front row seat to all of it. 😉  Here’s to a new year, a year filled with new experiences, whether they’re enjoyable or difficult, let us learn and grow as a result.

What are your plans for 2017?  Do you have a “word” for the year?  What is it?

Thanks for reading and for your support.

Jenny

 

 

 

11 Comments

  • Reply
    Cassie Bustamante
    January 3, 2017 at 7:46 am

    can’t wait to see how you grow AND flourish!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      January 4, 2017 at 8:37 am

      Thank you so much Cassie – it’s going to be a big year!

  • Reply
    Shelley @ Calypso in the Country
    January 3, 2017 at 10:27 am

    I know I will be a mess when my older son goes to college. Luckily, he is only 13 so I have some time left…but we all know how fast it goes! The word “grow” sounds perfect for you! I have a few words kicking around in my head but I haven’t committed to one yet…maybe my word should be commitment! We’ll see. Either way, I look forward to reading your blog this year. Best wishes for 2017!
    Shelley

    • Reply
      Jenny
      January 4, 2017 at 8:37 am

      You will turn around and he’ll be graduating too Shelley! I remember when my oldest was just a toddler, someone told me that her son was graduating high school, and how fast it goes. You really don’t believe it in that moment, but here we are!

  • Reply
    Lauren@SimplyLKJ
    January 3, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    Love your choice of word for the year. And, having sent two off to college I can totally relate. It is a bittersweet time for all.

    • Reply
      Jenny
      January 4, 2017 at 8:36 am

      It is so bittersweet, isn’t it? I’m going to be leaning on the tribe of moms like you who have walked this path before me! 🙂

  • Reply
    Angie
    January 3, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    I think ‘absorb’ is the word that I may focus on in 2017. We are close in age, and at this age I continue to feel like life reminds me of the way cartoons like to show the quick passing of time…w/calendar pages rapidly flying off one after the other. I hope to continue to live life intentionally and actually absorb the days, hours, and moments that this year brings. Excited and anxious to see what this year brings for you, Jenny.

    • Reply
      Jenny
      January 4, 2017 at 8:34 am

      It’s so funny that you say this Angie, because I had similar words in my head for this year too. I really want to be present, if that makes sense. Time is so fleeting! Great word!

  • Reply
    Julie
    January 3, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    You will do great! It’s hard to watch your eldest leave home (ours left just a couple of years ago and has just graduated), but it’s so exciting to watch the adult they become. It’s also an exciting to have more time to spend with your other children and for them to be more the centre of attention (although we try to give all of our children equal time, sometimes they want more without knowing it).

    Look forward with excitement for what is coming because I think you will be happily surprised how great the future is 🙂

    • Reply
      Jenny
      January 4, 2017 at 8:35 am

      That’s a perspective that I hadn’t really thought of, Julie! My daughter jokes that she’s excited to be an “only child” when both of the boys are out of the house – I don’t know that she’ll still think that way when she has 100% of our attention throughout high school. 🙂 Thanks for the words of encouragement!

  • Reply
    Kellie
    January 4, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    I got my first tattoo this summer at the age of 40! It’s kind of my life phrase, ‘it is well’. It’s from the hymn ‘It is Well with My Soul’. I read the story behind the hymn and was blown away by the story. It’s worth looking up and reading. I figured if the writer could write that song and stand strong in his faith after what life had dealt him then I could do that as well. So to me it means that I can make it through whatever is thrown my way.

    I feel ya on the college thing….I have an only and she graduates this year. Now I think what the heck was I thinking becoming an empty nester at 41?! It goes by so dang fast doesn’t it?

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