A Look Back and A Look Ahead

As I look back on 2016, I can’t help but feel thankful. I know there are TONS of conversations out there about how awful 2016 was and how people just can’t wait until it’s over. While I do agree there were some less than ideal moments, political unease, the loss of some wonderful people, I still feel grateful and hopeful and simply content. Everyday was certainly not perfect, there were certainly hard times, but overall, personally, I feel it’s been a year of growth, of learning, and of perspective. 

As I look ahead to 2017, I feel excited and ready and inspired. A new year is a fresh start, a clean slate, and a time to reflect. While I’m not big on resolutions, I am big on making promises to oneself to continue to grow and to evolve. As human beings, we’re constantly growing and changing. I’ve learned more about myself this past year than I could have imagined. And I’m still learning a lot. I’m still evolving, and I’m excited to continue to discover more. 

With the new year comes some changes in my little corner of the web. As this space has evolved over the past 5 years, I’ve figured out what I’m most passionate about writing on and what you, my friends, are enjoying the most. I want this space to inspire, to uplift, to motivate, and to simply be a place you want to come to daily to help put a smile on your face and a little extra pep in your step. With that being said, you  might see more of certain types of posts and less of others. Of course, I always welcome your feedback, and if there’s something, in particular, you’re loving (or not loving), be sure to let me know (julie@julielauren.com). I’m always thrilled to hear from you. 

As the year winds down and we’re just days away from 2017, I wanted to thank you all so much, from the very bottom of my heart, for your support and for following along. It means more to me than you know. THANK YOU. xo Julie

Photo by Kyle Weber