“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.”
― Margaret J. Wheatley
Hi my loves! Long time no speak. Still here. Still figuring out blogging. Still trying to keep myself sane!
I debated if I actually wanted to write about this topic because it feels a bit selfish but it’s what is resonating in my heart at the moment. It will also allow me to to better connect with the blogging community since I fell off the grid sometime after May of 2022, with making very rare and brief appearances towards the latter part of the year. And man, do I love my blogging community so let me catch you all up to speed! So grateful for your continued support even through my wacky seasons of figuring this thing called life out.
So without further ado and with the intention of keeping this short and sweet, I present to you my top 5 moments (in no particular order) of 2022!
My First Magazine Feature
In July, I was approached by Voyage Tampa to complete an interview for their Local Gems series. This magazine predominantly goes by word of mouth as the focus is to give local creatives a platform to showcase their talents, skills, and services. I was able to share my story on how I started blogging and my ultimate purpose to keep my blog going. It was such an amazing feeling seeing the official publication. I am so grateful for my good friend, Jasmin for providing the reference! Feel free to check out the feature here.

Zip lining in Mexico
In April, I went on a cruise with a group of friends to Cozumel. The day before I was leaving for the cruise, I received the news that I was officially in the pre-cancer stage of cervical cancer. After lots of tears and processing, I vowed to make the upcoming trip the best one ever. My logic was that I am going to live each day like it was my last which included doing activities that are completely out of my comfort zone. Let me just say, I am terrified of heights. Not in the sense of freaking out when I’m standing still at extreme heights. What freaks me out is the feeling of falling to my death. So what do I decide? I just HAVE to go zip lining; the only logical answer, of course. I quickly found out it’s not for me. I cried and I did not complete the course. I’m laughing hysterically reflecting on this because what a joke! But at least I did it, right? No pictures of me actually on the zip line so here’s one of me actually enjoying the hammock slide lol.

Walking in my First Fashion Show
This one took me by surprise! After attending an event that my husband was hosting, I met the owner of MIA Intimate Apparel, Mia. Her line consists of lingerie and she was prepping for a fashion show that integrates art and music which was taking place in September. The theme of the show was Camp so everything had to be over the top, high fashion, and fantasy. She asked me if I was interested in being one of the models and my first reaction was “me?!” I don’t think Mia realizes this, but she instilled such a confidence in me that I lost after birthing my daughter. To be wearing lingerie at the biggest size I’ve ever been felt empowering. I think I did pretty good too! I loved the overall experience.

Winning Best of the Bay- Best Blogger
Every year, Creative Loafing holds their inaugural celebration as recognition for local creatives of Tampa Bay at the Hard Rock Café and Casino. This was the first time I truly put myself out there and asked for the support of my community to be voted as best blogger. When I placed as a finalist, that felt good enough. But actually winning? I think it was in this moment that I realized my blogger had a bigger impact on others than I assumed. I met strangers who were supporters and have connected with my blog on a deeper level. Truly mind blowing and such a proud moment after all that I have endured in 2022.

Watching my Daughter Walk for the First Time
One of my absolute favorite moments! In early December, at 13 months old, my daughter Sahara decided to make her grand appearance as a walker. I love that I was able to experience this moment as I feared this would happen while she was away at daycare. Waiting for Sahara to walk felt like holding my breath. I know you’re not supposed to compare your child to others but it felt like all of my friends’ children were walking by 11 months. When Sahara’s first birthday past and she was not walking, I became concerned. But I should’ve known better! One thing about Sahara, she does what she wants, WHEN she wants, and now I can’t keep up with her!

Honorable Mention: Company Retreat to Lisbon, Portugal
I really don’t have to elaborate on this…it’s Portugal!

There you have it. 2022 was one of the most challenging years of my life. I’ve grown a lot and I took the time needed to gather myself and clear my mind through all the curveballs thrown at me. But in the midst of the chaos, confusion, and fear, there were some truly uplifting moments.
What were some of your top moments of 2022? I would love to hear from you all. ❤

Congrats on your first runway and for getting featured in a magazine! My only top moment from 2022 was traveling internationally since my mom immigrated with me and my brother to the USA 24 years ago. Great post 🙂
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Thank you so much! And that’s awesome! Where are you originally from?
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So many wonderful achievements — congratulations! It’s always lovely to read how people have worked towards goals, overcome something and boosted their confidence; I hope 2023 continues this trend for you!
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Thank you for taking the time to read my post and for the warm wishes! Wishing the same for you xx.
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You have literally had THE best year! I have had pre-cancerous cells and had a procedure to get rid of them so I know how you felt. Such a scary thing! Hope you’re all good now?
Congratulations on the magazine feature, what a boost and your daughter is gorgeous!!!
Olivia | http://www.whatoliviasaid.com
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Thank you so much! Yes, happy to say I am all good now 🙂 and sorry you had to go through the same. Wishing you lots of health and success in 2023!
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I love you, and your beautiful soul! I am so thankful for you as well and your support each time I need to vent lol. What a way to overcome 2022’s obstacles and go out with a BANG! 🔥🙏🏾❤️
-Jazz
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and you already know that I love you! Thank you boo. May we have even more success in 2023!
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So proud of all that you’ve accomplished my love! Couldn’t be happier for you! ❤️❤️
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Thank you my love!
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It sounds like you’ve had a pretty great 2022. Well done on all your achievements. The only one I’m glad I didn’t have to experience was the zip lining. That’s a hard pass for me. I have a fear of falling
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As you should! You couldn’t pay me to go zip ling again.
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Looks like you had such a great year! Congrats on the magazine feature too! That is so exciting!
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Thank you so much!
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It sounds like you hit some pretty awesome moments this past year. I’m really happy for you! That’s great that you were able to experience challenging your fear of heights in Mexico. Congrats on your accomplishments. I don’t recall anything that really stood out my past year as it was more introspective. Thanks for sharing!
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Introspective is always good! During my hiatus from blogging, I had lots of introspection and looking back, it helped me keep my sanity. Thank you for reading!
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Glad to hear that you’ve had so many wonderful experiences lately! A cancer scare definitely makes you stop and think. It’s great that you were able to keep a positive attitude. I went through breast cancer this year and I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what’s important to me and how I want to spend my time. Good for you for reaching out and grabbing life!
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So sorry that you went through breast cancer! I hope you are feeling better. Thank you so much for reading and sharing!
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Oh my god girl, what a year you had! Congratulations on what you achieved in 2022 and I bet ziplining was an incredible experience!
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Thank you so much! Honestly, I was so terrified, I’ll never do it again lol
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Congratulation!!! I look forward to all 2023 has in stored for you and I cant wait to see you achieve so much more. I don’t know you but i’m proud of you!!
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate that ❤
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Congratulations on your amazing achievements. Love the magazine feature.
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Thank you so much!
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You had some amazing moments. Watching a child’s first steps is a wonderful moment.
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Yes, I agree. One of the moments I will forever hold in my heart.
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Congratulations on your achievements that is quite a great list!! Thank you for sharing with us!!
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Congrats for being featured and it’s amazing to see your daughter walking for the first time.
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So many wonderful achievements — congratulations! It’s always lovely to read how people have worked towards goals, overcome something and boosted their confidence.
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You had some amazing moments. Watching a child’s first steps is a wonderful moment. Congratulations on your achievements that is quite a great list!! Thank you for sharing with us!!
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Congratulations on your achievements that is quite a great list!! Thank you for sharing with us!!!!!!!
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