The hours are counting down to 2018. 2017 proved to be a whirlwind year full of major achievements, crucial decisions, and change. I found myself being challenged in new ways. The changes over the course of the year brought me to new places geographically, mentally, and emotionally. One of the biggest changes in the year was taking a different course in my career which meant changing jobs. It was difficult walking away from something that was familiar and where I had gained mastery. At the same time, it was good stepping into something new.

2017 was also about continuing projects that had been put on my low priority list for too long. Creating this blog and building it out was one those continuations. I also continued my journey for professional development and leadership. Back in 2014 and 2015, I had the opportunity to be invited to participate in professional development fellowships focused around making spaces for change. This year, I was accepted to fellowships where I was able to turn my focus on the how I can be a changemaker. It felt like a natural progression of the skills I had honed over time. First, creating a space for change to happen, then, being able to step into the space and make change happen.

The year also brought the ability to put skills into use I hadn’t used actively in several years: teaching, lecturing, and event planning. I got to look at my skills in different ways and see again that their can often be more that one path to a destination. It was a year that was humbling, but empowering. It was a year where I faced lows and highs, rejection and validation. Ultimately, the year proved to be a career crucible where I learned to thrive and apply my skills in new and different ways.

Here’s to working and doing in 2018 with fresh perspective.