Is anyone else a bit baffled by the fact that tomorrow is November? How did that happen? It seems as though just yesterday I was slinging on those rubber boots and gearing up for the start of market season. But alas, here we are on the precipice of the holiday hustle.
It may be a little cliche, but what better time to reflect and give thanks for the year as it's been so far? A friend/colleague of mine recently posted that fall tends to be her "New Year," as she finally has time after a busy farmers market season (she's a vendor) to reflect on the things that went well, the things that didn't and everything in between. I echoed her sentiments - my year has been so insanely busy that this is really the first time I've even visited my website to make sure things were working well!
I can start with WOW. That's really the only word I can come up with in all of my creative genius to describe 2018 as a whole so far. It's been a year of growth for me in so many ways. At the same time it's been one of the most difficult years for me personally that I can recall in a very long time. I mean, it beat planning a wedding at the same time as starting Mockingjay Press back in 2013 & 2014. Seriously. But in all of that, I have SO much to be thankful for...
First and foremost, I'm thankful for this this path that I'm on in all of its winding glory. I never thought that I would develop so many incredible forks in my road - leading me to work with amazing individuals and organizations. The fact that I get to participate and facilitate their growth is still astounding to me and it often stops me in my tracks. From the Downtown Monroe Association & the brand new Mill Creek Farmers Market, to my beloved and exponentially-growing Snohomish Farmers Market. I get to call these organizations my job. I get to put them on resumes and in my portfolio as places & efforts I've helped to mold. That's something to be incredibly thankful for.
Next up, I'm thankful for all of the incredible relationships I have. Yesterday, I posted a job opportunity for Mockingjay Press (that alone is something to be thankful for...who thought I'd have staff?!?!) and the response was nearly immediate and almost overwhelming. Many of my friends shared the post and I was contacted by friends, friends of friends and others too. I struggle with giving up, delegating and the like, but I'm excited to grow my team and potentially help someone else be part of this Mockingjay magic. It's humbling to have friends trust you to take care of their friends as a manager, or a potential partnership. I'm thankful to all of you for suggesting, sending me info and for supporting me in this endeavor. Speaking of precipice...
It's really hit home (pretty much, today) that MJP is growing in leaps and bounds. I'm finally in need of sitting down and evaluating a 5, a 10 and a 15 year plan. Staff is on the list, obviously, but it also seems like Snohomish County takeover is too. That's exciting, scary but also something to be VERY thankful for.
As things - kind of - calm down this fall, I'm able to get a bit more time in the gym. I'm extremely thankful for the new one I found this summer and the willingness to be flexible with me and my body's limitations. Over the summer, working 2 farmers markets was basically 2 days a week of extra workouts, all while trying to master the art of weightlifting. That's no easy feat when random things hurt from lifting tents and hucking around tables and garbage cans. My coach has been incredible and in the last 2 weeks of refocusing, I've been able to make leaps and bounds in form, weight and consistency. I've also been able to get back to a regular schedule of running with my bestie. It's a win-win since we get to catch up on our days, get some cardio, and train for the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot - our 4th year in a row!
All of that makes me thankful in many ways. For an awesome coach, for a body that seems to just keep taking it, and to the "slower" time of year to be able to get back into it fully committed. Not to mention another medal in the 40 by 40 challenge! This isn't meant to sound narcissistic but I'm proud and thankful for my strength and the ability to do something for me. I can already see and feel the results and I know that I'm doing something that is great for my health and wellness overall, not just physique.
Lastly I want to thank everyone for standing by my side - whether you knew you were or not - on what I mentioned earlier as likely one of the most challenging years of my life. Family is hard, owning a business is hard, marriage is hard. I couldn't have made it without the love and friendship so many have shown me. When I showed up teary-eyed. When I asked to join in an event. When I just asked for time. You may not realize the value of those things and the appreciation I have for those moments. But, I'm here to say Thank You with all my heart.
A few thankful moments from this fall: