Saying goodbye to 2017

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2018 is 3 days away and I can’t help but be thankful for 2017 regardless of the many challenges that I had to overcome.  I am still blessed and grateful for whatever happened this past year.  Those obstacles made me discover hidden inner strength.

I am not focusing on anything negative about 2017. I learned and grew from every obstacle.  I am only reminiscing the wonderful moments I have lived this year.

 

My family and I celebrated my husband’s 50th birthday in January.  It was a beautiful day, both my family and his were there to commemorate his big milestone.

Birthday celebration

I went to, Marc Anthony, my favorite singer’s concert in February.  I have been going faithfully to his “Concierto de Amor” for the past 5 years and I am never disappointed.  He is one of the reasons I have learned Spanish.

Marc Anthony at the Prudential Center, 02/11/2017

April, I traveled to the beautiful island of Martinique. What a lovely place to be.  I felt very at home as Martinique’s culture mirrors a blend of French and West Indian influences that is similar to my native country.  I was pleased to speak French, my first language.

La Pagerie Hotel, Martinique

Our trip to Orlando and Tampa was the highlight of my summer.

My daughter after her tea party at the Floridian Hotel, Orlando
Family night in Orlando, Florida
Meeting Gloria Estefan after the last show “On Your Feet”, 8/20/2017

I celebrated my older daughter’s 21 first birthday in Las Vegas in October.  That mother-daughter getaway was so special and meaningful to both of us.  I am still in disbelief that I have an adult daughter.

Mother-daughter in Vegas
About to tour Las Vegas, Helicopter ride

I was blessed to attend a nursing conference in Indianapolis at the end of October.  It was such an amazing experience to network with nursing scholars from around the world.

Sigma Theta Tau International, nursing conference
Convention Delegates

I have left my comfort zone, joined Toastmasters International, participated in a speech contest and made it to the final.  I am so grateful for all my accomplishments.  It’s not always easy, but I have come to realize that challenges and obstacles bring opportunities to rise.

Tall Tales Competition

At the end of November, I embarked on another exciting journey to make my dream come true and created my blog.  This is a risky enterprise as I am not tech savvy.  I did not expect it to be so difficult to create a blog. I am pleasantly surprised to see how other bloggers share tips to succeed.  I am not sure where this new adventure will lead me, so far, I am enjoying the experience.  It’s already a reward to me, to bring my dream to light.

After all, 2017 was great, I have learned, grown, and gave my best.  The journey is still ongoing to become a better version of myself.  I am grateful for each experience.  I am thankful for my family, my friends, and all of you who took time to visit and comment on my blog.  Let’s all have a wonderful and prosperous 2018.

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I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and a nurse. Most importantly, I am passionate about life. I always give my best to anything that I decide to do. I believe taking a risk to fulfill your dream can be rewarding.

66 COMMENTS

  1. I love all you pictures, you have so many beautiful outfits and so many amazing things done this year. Good for you for being brave and joining toastmasters international! Cheers to 2018 and continuing with more greatness

    • April,
      Thank you for your comment. I reminisce about all the good things from 2017, and from the not so good, I only see them as a venue to grow. I wish you a blessed and wonderful new year.

    • Krysti,
      Thank you so much for your comment, I am grateful for all the joyful moments and I have learned from the many challenges encountered in 2017. Happy New Year.

    • It is very challenging Melissa. Besides having great mentors, I realize staying in my comfort zone will not lead me anywhere. Thank you for your comment.

  2. Looks like you have a lot to be thankful for in 2017! Love the photos with your family. They are beautiful. 🙂 I hope 2018 is even better for you!

  3. Aw, I really love this recap! Its so important to be thankful even after we have faced challenges! Heres to an even better 2018 for you and your beautiful family!

    • Ray,
      It definitely worth trying, besides, you can visit as many clubs as you want until you find the one that you really like.

  4. Sounds like you had an awesome year! I lived in Orlando for 7 years and went to college there and met my husband there. The city of Orlando and the University of Central Florida always hold a special place in my heart. Not to mention today UCF won the bowl game to be the only undefeated team in college football!!!

    • Robyn, I am pretty sure that all the up and downs of 2017 had made you stronger and prepared for a great year in 2018. Happy New Year!

  5. YES!! Focus on the good and the growth. It looks like you have such a great attitude about things that can make life a bit harder. Lots of ups and downs for us in 2017 but it was also such an amazing year for growth for us. XO! Happy New Year babe!

    • Lauren,
      my motto in life is to learn and grow from any challenges and mistake. Life is too beautiful to dwell on negativity. I wish you a wonderful and amazing 2018.

    • That is great Danielle, I like your positive energy and the way you are calling greatness for 2018. Have a blessed and successful year.

  6. It sounds like 2017 was a wonderful year fo you! I love all your pictures of the places you travelled too!!

    • Thank you, Angela. Although the negative experiences gave me the strength to become a better version of myself, I don’t dwell on them. I tend to look at the great things more. I make sure to enjoy each experience and I am thankful for the people that cross my path this past year. Have an awesome 2018!

  7. Oh wow, you’ve had a very jam packed 2017! Never heard of Martinique but sounds lovely. And Florida, well, I’m a massive fan! It sounds like you’ve had a wonderful year and I hope 2018 manages to beat it!

  8. So far, I am grateful for the tips other bloggers have shared, and I will make sure to share with others as well. Have a blessed year Brandi!

  9. Looking at what negatively happened is not the best way to start the new year. You are so right about that. Every single thing that happened whether good or bad helped you grow.

    • This is my philosophy in life Deb, don’t dwell on the negativity, learn, grow, and move on. I always find something positive to fix my eyes on.

  10. I want to say goodbye to 2017 and please 2018 give this year more wonderful life for me and for my family. We really had a tough year since 2015 so i hope 2018 will give me a good year.

    • I wish you a blessed, healthy, and amazing 2018. I am certain you have learned from all the challenges encountered since 2015 and I am positive that they made you a better and stronger person. Happy New Year

  11. Happy new year! This looks like you had an amazing 2017, I hope your 2018 is even better and full of more experiences than ever before.

  12. What a wonderful and amazing year you have had! Your trip to Martinique sounds so lovely. I have a hard time believing you have a 21-year-old daughter, you look amazing! What a fun trip for you two to take to celebrate! Best wishes for an equally amazing 2018!

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