Why I’m Not Ready to Let Go of 2018

I didn’t make any New Years goals in 2018, and I’m doing it again. Here’s Why I’m Not Ready to Let Go of 2018 – and why you should let go just yet.

Why I’m Not Ready to Let Go of 2018

January 2nd – what I feel is the REAL official first day of the new year. It’s the day that we dip our toes in the water – whether trying out those fad diets, promising to hop back on the exercise bandwagon, or making those big business goals. In fact, I watched the whole social media world make a shift in those last days of 2018 – towards 2019, the year of letting go.

Letting go of toxic relationships, family and friendships.

Dumping out all negativity.

Ditching ugly thoughts and feelings.

Saying goodbye a bad year.

As the year was coming to a close, I found myself yet again feeling alone. Me against the world. Why was everyone so quick to let go? Is it the instant gratification society standards sinking in? Millennial tendencies? Or was the year really just ‘that bad for everyone?’ What are we trying to forget?

And that’s not to say that my 2018 didn’t have it’s failed goals and promises. After my viral 2017 New Years post, I wasn’t about to jump on the resolution train. No word of the year. No blog milestones. No weight loss goals. No mental health strides. No vision board. I had no plans for myself or my business – I had no idea what I wanted to do or accomplish. Lost, yes, I was lost. But I’m not rushing to let go of 2018 just yet. And I don’t think you should be quick to let go either.

Despite My ZERO Efforts

I’ll admit that was bitter and angry going into 2018. 2017 was a horrible year – and I wasn’t ready to jump into a new year. So I didn’t make any goals business or otherwise – maybe because I was too scared to fail again. Yet despite my zero efforts, the sun kept rising and brought all of those life lessons with each new day.

My blog grew. By making no goals, I actually saw growth in my skills, my social media presence, and even page views. I found a little light of passion again as I rediscovered my voice – saying no to campaigns that I would have instantly said yes to in the past. Knowing my worth and boldly asking for more money. Learning that money isn’t everything. I took days off. I applied to be a Rotten Tomatoes critic (something I would have told myself that I could never achieve to be) and got approved. I found days when my blog wasn’t my life and my obsession. Not perfect by any means. But my blog grew.

My personal life was redefined. My daughter entered kindergarten and those days at home suddenly became lonely (I grieved kindergarten – hard.) I didn’t have a child at my side 24/7 – and I wasn’t handling it well. I had to redefine my life. I had to rebuild foundations. I grew.

My failures became successes. I made horrible business decisions. I had to say some ugly goodbyes to relationships I wasn’t ready to let go. I was a terrible friend. I was a failed mom. I was a distant family member. My depression ruled some days. Life happened, but the world kept on turning.

But I also learned that some bridges were worth rebuilding. I dropped everything in the middle of the holidays to visit a friend I had lost touch with – a friend who was hurting and needed me. I learned from my business mistakes and made them right. I said sorry when I needed to, and had to learn to NOT say sorry when it wasn’t my fault (VERY hard to do when you’re a passive person, by the way). I had to learn to hold on to my emotions and keep my heart guarded at times. I had to also learn to let people in – something I didn’t think I would ever be capable of. I had to make myself to stop crying. I had to find words when there were none. I had to cling to my husband when I felt lost. I had to love harder than ever before. My failures grew.

While the World is Letting Go…I’m Holding On

I made no blog goals. I had no word of the year. I didn’t lose any weight. I didn’t even make strides towards gaining control of my mental health. I failed early and often. It was a year of NO plans and NO goals, maybe a survival year. Maybe just a grasp at something completely out of the ordinary for my controlling personality. But making no plans or no goals – that meant that I had no expectations I had to fill. I wasn’t the underdog, but I wasn’t the sob story either. And not making any goals or word of the year – it allowed me to just be me. Reflecting now on 2018, I’m holding onto what I learned in my year.

I’m forever changed because of 2018. And that’s not a bad thing.

And I think that’s the bigger picture. You don’t have to write down goals for your business. You don’t have to have a word of the year. You don’t have to let go if you’re not ready. You can have a year of no expectations. I did. And to be honest, it was better than my 2017. So, I’m holding onto 2018.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

Just because I didn’t jot down my 2019 goals in a notebook or put my dreams up on a vision board, doesn’t mean that I’m doomed to failure. You can go into a new year with no plans and still succeed. Don’t feel rushed into making goals and plans if you’re not ready. You can still grow – despite your zero efforts. The world will keep on turning. Those 365 days will keep counting down. Be you. But hold onto 2018 life lessons too.

2019 is here. But what have you learned from 2018? Are you still holding on?

Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more of my honest moments, family focus tips and blogging best.