Ending to Begin

Dec 30

2019 has served me kind. I’ve had many highlight moments that I’ve journaled about over the year. I chose 7 (my fave number) of my mountain-top-moments to share in the first half of this post.

However, it doesn’t stop there. Life isn’t all about the highlight reel. Therefore, in the second half of this post, I share a few beneath the surface moments of growth, as well.

Seven 2019 Highlight Moments

I’ve learned so many new skills to perform better in my role as the Director of Public Relations and Communication for Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. It seems odd to say this, but I feel super proud of my straight-up 180-degree learning curve to perform my current job duties and serve educators in this capacity. The business side of things looks quite a bit different than any of my previous educational positions. That said– EVERY single role I’ve had the opportunity to serve in, prior to this one, has helped my professional performance tremendously. Thank you, Dave and Shelley, for believing in me! Team DBC, Inc…let’s CRUSH 2020!
I fulfilled a childhood dream this year by publishing my first ever picture book, Cannonball In! I’m incredibly honored. This is a project I can honestly say I feel my chest swell a little when I speak or write about it. *huge grin as I type right now* It’s unique and special in so many ways, and I can’t thank DBC, Inc. enough for taking a chance on Cannonball In and me! Y’all…those illustrations are perfection; thank you, Genesis Kohler.
Another bucket list item checked–I went whitewater rafting with my family and the Richmonds! Wowzers!! Epic experience, no doubt!
Kaleb, my one and only son, graduated high school and completed his first semester of college with outstanding grades!! Proud mommy!
In 2018, I had an 8-week battle of depression triggered by PTSD. It was brutal–for REAL…super scary. Typically I face PTSD for about a week or two around the anniversary of my father’s murder and occasionally a couple of other times during the year, but 2018 hit me hard. Therefore, this year, my doctor, therapist, and I created a proactive plan to fight the battle head-on. I must say, we finally, after over a decade, have a pretty solid plan of action. I’m grateful to say that in 2019, I only had to suffer through it for 1.5 weeks. Miracle.
One of the many pieces of the above mentioned proactive plan was beginning a fitness program that provided accountability and a sense of belonging. In September 2019, I began my CrossFit journey! Y’all for REAL…my only regret? Wishing I had started sooner! I heart my CrossFit family! Best decision I’ve made in a long while.
I’ve had a wonderful year of keynoting several events around the nation. One memorable opportunity was presenting at the Patriots stadium for a crew of over 4K educators; it was pure bliss! I even had unbelievable opportunities to do some motivational speaking to students! Thank YOU all for supporting the Be REAL and Cannonball In books and messages! Humbled. Grateful. If I’m being totally transparent, I’m still in awe of it all! ((hugs to all of my REAL supporters))

Ending to Begin

While highlights are always exciting to reflect upon, it’s the journey to reach those mountain-top moments that are often left untold. It’s the ugly and sometimes messy lessons learned that truly shape us and make us and GROW us. It’s the ending of one thing and the looking ahead to begin something new that gives us hope that our future can and will be brighter. Now, I’d like to share a few 2019 REAL Journey moments. These are those below-the-surface lessons often missed by onlookers.

A Few Things I Want to End to Begin…

Ending: Believing every “gut” feeling is REAL.

To Begin: Recognizing that everything that seems REAL might very well NOT be so–even if something inside of you is telling you it is. It’s tough to decipher sometimes but watch for and listen to the signs.

Ending: The need to hide my weak moments of depression caused by PTSD. I’m fortunate it only happens annually, around the same time of the year. However, it’s a mental illness that has taken years to find a plan to manage.

To Begin: Discussing my proactive plan for coping with PTSD and actionable strategies I’ve set in place that have worked for me this past year and hopefully in the years to come. Life is too precious to allow this stigma to paralyze us from sharing our journey. Our REAL story is powerful.

Ending: Hiding success moments for fear of hurting the feelings of others. You were born to JUMP and make your SPLASH!

To Begin: Recognize and don’t downplay your accomplishments. Acknowledge the work you’ve put in to make them a reality, be grateful, but OWN IT!

PS Didn’t I write about this in Be REAL? Apparently, I’m still learning.

Ending: Feeling the need to find a cure for (or conquer) my flaws, including but not limited to my sensory issues.

To Begin: Truly embracing all of me. Not everything needs to be cured, or beat, in order to succeed. I am who I am, and that is enough.

What Will You End to Begin in 2020?

2019 is ending, but that means new beginnings. It’s that time of the year where Kaleb and I look at our BucketList and make adjustments. What did we accomplish? And, what do we plan to check off in 2020? I can’t wait to see what 2020 holds for my boy and me! A little secret, by the end of March 2020, I will have checked off two of them–shopping in NYC and going to Disney! I know…I might be twelve trapped in a forty-plus-year-old body. Always keepin’ it REAL, though.Bring on 2020! *My title was inspired by Darrell Martin’s Sunday School lesson.

2019…That’s a Wrap

About the Author

I am an educator who values the individuality and uniqueness of others. Writing the blog R.E.A.L. is an outlet for me to pay it forward by sharing ideas, influences, lessons learned and exposing a little vulnerability while encouraging others to maximize their R.E.A.L. potential, as well.