My Top 5 Moments of 2022

self reflection, Uncategorized, , , , , , , 31 Comments

“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. ❤

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Like a lotus flower, I emerge from dark, murky waters to reveal my beauty. Feeling and healing on this journey of life; glowing and flowing. I have always loved writing, but it has taken me 29 trips around the sun before I had to confidence to share publicly. I hope my writing, which is near and dear to my heart, sparks light and love in all of you. Make yourself at home and enjoy the ride!

31 thoughts on “My Top 5 Moments of 2022”

  1. 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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  4. 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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  6. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  14. Congratulations on your achievements that is quite a great list!! Thank you for sharing with us!!

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  16. 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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  17. 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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