Dear 2017:

As I scan through my memories and scroll through my pictures, I am reminded of all that I was blessed to experience these past 365 days. What stands out the most for me is the true joy I have felt, and continue to feel, with just about everything…except inventory, of course. At the core of everything is gratitude, love and acceptance wrapped with a gift note that reads ‘I will not quit’.

It used to be the case that I wouldn’t give up because I was consumed with the fear of being left behind, the fear of not being good enough. I had to keep baking, keep writing, keep creating, keep training, and keep doing everything a ‘good person’ does because if I stopped, I was no longer good. 2017, you showed me a new way of experiencing life.

♥

You reminded me to let my hair down, and to get outside.

You gently nudged me back into the kitchen, and rekindled my true love of baking.

You helped me find peace and experience the love and joy that comes with gratitude.

You reminded me over & over again how incredible people are, and how blessed I am to have such an amazing community of people in my life.

You introduced me to the joy of making gingerbread houses and the delight that comes with the simplicity of pink baker’s string.

You reminded me that doing things with friends makes everything better.

You pushed me out of my comfort zone which was both petrifying and exhilarating

and which allowed me to see with new perspective.

I saw ocean waves that looked like intricate piping on the edge of a wedding cake.

When I felt down, you reminded me that life is good

that it’s still ok to multitask

that puppies make everything better

and that even inventory can be ok when properly outfitted.

(Fine. That was a lie, but don’t tell Joel.)

May the next 365 days bring health, happiness, growth, joy and new adventures to each of us. May the life lessons be gentle, may our impact on others be meaningful, and may we be able to reflect at the end of 2018 with renewed awe.

With special love & appreciation for my family at home & at work.

Wishing everyone peace –

xo