This year wasn’t very big on tangible gifts, which I actually kind of love. We instead spent some much needed time with family. That was honestly the best gift my husband and I could have received. We were so grateful for those moments.

Unfortunately, I’ve spent every day since Christmas on the couch, battling a sinus infection that I’ve had on and off since the Fall. I am being ridiculously stubborn and refusing to get antibiotics since I had a pretty bad reaction to them the last time I was on them.

Being cooped up on the couch has given me some time to relax and reflect on the last year. I don’t want to jump on the “2017 was a difficult year” train, so I’ll sum it up a different way. 2017 was a year filled with a lot of challenges, and even more opportunities. Here are some of my best moments of the last year.

My Best Moments in 2017

I re-launched the blog

After getting my blog up and running last year, I decided to make the switch to self-host and monetize A Dairing Life. It was frustrating, time-consuming and 100% worth it! If you want to do the same, make sure to check out my post on 7 Easy Steps to Start a Killer Blog!

I celebrated my 1-year blogiversary

I’m so honored for those of you that have been with me from day one, and so incredibly excited for everyone that has started following this past year. One thing I never really expected to experience when I started this journey was all of the wonderful people that I would meet online.

Your comments, words of wisdom, and support has meant the world to me. Thank you so much for joining me on this crazy ride!

We renewed our vows on Maui

My husband and I created bucket lists a couple of years ago. On that list was travel to Hawaii and to renew our vows in an exotic location. We were able to check both of those off this year on one trip. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!

We were so fortunate to come across an amazing photographer (on Instagram of all places!). She captured our private vow renewal in such a non-intrusive way. We were truly blessed to have crossed paths with her and will always cherish that afternoon spent climbing cliffs in our finest clothes! You can peep some of the beautiful images she captured here.

I shared my struggles with PCOS

This was something I did with much hesitation. Even though I like to share recipes, DIY projects and hairstyles on my blog, I am a pretty private person when it comes to personal matters. After struggling, and trying to learn to survive with PCOS, I wanted to share my story this year.

I was so nervous when I hit “post” that day. But something special happened. Other women started sharing their stories with me. Their stories of dealing with PCOS, infertility and repeated miscarriages.

You shared with me so many things I related to. The questions about when you were starting your family that were well-intentioned but shattered your heart when they were asked. How you break into tears as you scroll past the next pregnancy announcement on your newsfeed. How you avoid family get-togethers because seeing them with their little ones is too much to handle.

If you are someone who sent me a private message, I am so honored that you not only read my story, but you felt empowered enough to share yours with me. I keep your messages close to my heart, and you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers.

If you want to learn more about PCOS, head over to the PCOS Awareness Association.

I made some…changes

This is something I’ve hinted at a couple of times on social media and I plan to share more in the new year. But, I’ll continue to be cryptic for now, haha! What I can say is that during the course of this year, I’ve been forced to take a long, hard look at my life.

Who do I want to be, what do I want to be known for, what are my priorities, what are my dreams, what am I doing to fulfill those things, what am I doing to fulfill me? Those were just some of the questions that I asked myself. It definitely was a difficult process to go through, but one that has paid off in spades.

More than anything, this time of hardship and inner reflection led me to see not only what I’m made of, but more importantly, what I’m made for. When it was all said and done, I felt an indescribable peace, and I’m so grateful for the changes I’ve been able to make.

What are some of your best moments of the last year?

I hope that you are able to reflect on this last year with gratitude, even if it was a difficult one. I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions, but I’m constantly setting goals for myself. I plan to share those in the new year to keep myself accountable and hopefully inspire you to set measurable goals that you can stick to as well. In the meantime, have a safe and Happy New Year!

Stay Dairing.

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