2019 in Review
I feel like I always say that every year has been a huge learning experience for me. While 2019 was not different in this respect, I would be remiss not to consider the incredible personal growth I’ve encountered this year.
This year started out like any other - challenging and with much stress about money and jobs. Though it was better than 2018, money and career stayed on the forefront of our minds for a lot of the year. I worked two jobs to compensate, and although I love teaching, it became a burden. I was tired.
There were several key turning points for me this year, the biggest being starting my novel. If you haven’t read about my journey with writing, this might not seem like it should be what I am most proud of or what made the most difference for me; however, it was.
The fact that I now have 18 sections of a book I still get excited to write is beyond joyous for me.
Writing has always been my biggest passion, and it was neglected for many years because of my own insecurity, so the fact that I now have 18 sections of a book I still get excited to write is beyond joyous for me. Beginning my novel also sparked my interest and now business of blogging.
I have big plans for the next year, and after seeing how well my blog has gone, and how good it makes me feel to produce writing consistently, I know I am on the right course at last.
Another key turning point for me was when I accepted a promotion at my company in the fall. For the first time, we didn’t have to worry about money. The biggest deal about this position is that it uses the skills I’ve developed throughout my education in a new and innovative way. It’s probably the best blend of teaching and non-teaching I could have asked for in a job. What I didn’t count on was liking it so much.
Of course these are only two times this year has surprised me, but they have both been (without exaggeration) game-changers in my life. I continue to be blessed with an amazingly supportive husband who has been with me through both the good and bad times. The best boy in the whole world, Charlie. A supportive family and friends.
While I know a lot of people had a tough 2019, I find that I have been extraordinarily blessed. I can only hope that this year’s hard work will seep into next year.
In case you’re interested, here are some quick facts from this year:
Writing
Novel
Quick Stats:
Approx. 20,000 words
80 pages
18 sections
Method:
Google Docs
Mostly typed on computer, but one or two sections typed on phone
Biggest Accomplishments:
Starting a novel after thinking I wasn’t good enough for many years
Figuring out how to put in a searchable table of contents
Continuing to work week after week and build on something that started as a wacky dream on a night I didn’t sleep well
Blog
Quick Stats:
38 blogs
Approx. 59,397 words, not including static website pages
Method:
Self-hosted Wordpress
Google docs for typing & blog safe-keeping
Typed on computer
Biggest Accomplishments:
Committing to my blog not just with time, but also financially
Being able to more or less keep up with one blog post per week, even with 2 ½ jobs this fall
A stranger (and acquaintance) approaching me to ask advice about blog writing!
Working with my first freelance client
Reading
Quick Stats:
17 books from Summer, Fall, and beginning of Winter 19/20
Last book completed in 2019:
Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel
I was not counting before about April/May, but if my pattern was the same, about 22-23 books for the entire year
Method:
Physical book
Audio book
Biggest Accomplishments:
Making time for reading even when I was way past capacity for any non-work-related activity I might have wanted to do
Branching out to read more types of books than my “usual”
Teaching
Quick Stats:
3 classes; English 075, 111, & 112
2 semesters
Approx. 50 students
Method:
In the classroom
75 minute & 2 hour 50 minute sections
Biggest Accomplishments:
Teaching an advanced class when I had never done it before
Continuing to have students tell me they are more confident in writing after my class ended
Personal
Quick Stats:
One new car purchased
August 2019
One surgery for my husband
One house sold
Two small(er) student loans paid off
Credit card debt paid off
Started writing my novel and got 20,000 words in (so far)
Started a new day job that I actually enjoy
Began my blog!
Began freelance writing
Finished a semester of teaching when I was working 2 jobs (and a half)
Got interviews & rejections from numerous jobs
Losing 10 lbs and gaining it back
Biggest Accomplishments:
Continuously learning & striving to be my best
Being faithful to my blog
Acknowledging myself as a writer and actively making my dreams happen
Consciously working to have a more positive mindset in all situations
Being financially stable
Have your own accomplishments or stats to share? Drop a comment below or email me at rachel@capturingyourconfidence.com! I'd love to hear about it.