2016 was certainly one for the books! As I reflect on what the year was for me, one word in particular comes to mind — fearless. I learned many valuable lessons this year and almost all of them revolved around being fearless. I had to learn to be fearless in my work, my mindset, my relationships, my decisions and my life overall. I’ve conquered many battles, made it through situations I never thought I had the capability of overcoming, and came out stronger on the other side. As I recall the wonderful things that happened to me in 2016, I share them with you. More than just my accomplishments, these are lessons learned — which we all know to be an accomplishment in and of itself.
My Instagram grew from 11,600 to 44,700 followers.
This result is mind blowing. In the moment, day by day, it didn’t seem like a lot, but this goes to show just how much perspective can affect your view. My Instagram grew by 285% which feels completely surreal! During this process of growth, I internally grew by learning not to compare myself to others. There are so many fabulous Instagram accounts out there and while I can look up to them, admire them, and learn from them, I learned that it’s most important to focus on the here and now. Not only was comparison bringing me down mentally, but it was holding me back. I learned to celebrate the little moments and cherish them as my moments. After all, everyone’s journey will always look quite a bit different from another’s.
I became a full-time blogger.
It still feels weird to be able to say this out loud, but I learned that to fulfill a dream, sometimes you have to quit chasing another. This was quite the change for me after being a Kindergarten teacher for the last eight years, but after falling so completely in love with the blogging community I knew I had to give it the chance it deserved. I will say that it is not easy and it takes a lot of passion and self-discipline, but it is extremely rewarding especially for someone who loves to be creative — like me! Every day is different and brings a new challenge to master and opportunities to create with my whole heart. I am passionate about what I do and am so thankful to be on this journey!
My “why” became clearer.
Defining your why could potentially be the most important thing you do for yourself. If you haven’t done so in your own profession yet, I encourage you to spend some time thinking about it. The passion that comes from discovering one’s “why” is immensely motivating. I discovered why I do what I do. Why I chose to leave a job I loved so much for a job that would be harder than I could have imagined. Why I wake up every day with motivation to keep going. Why I continue to fight, pursue, and work hard even when it’s tough. You can read more about my “why” in my post Why I Blog.
My voice became stronger.
Originally, I started my blog to share my passion. What I thought would be sharing style tips and outfit inspiration grew into something exceedingly more than I could have imagined. As the passion of my heart leapt out of my fingers and onto the keyboard, I began to discover what it is I truly care about. People. I quickly realized the more I poured out my heart about who I am and what I struggle with, the more people opened up and connected with me. It’s amazing how many of us share the same struggles, and I am passionate about using my voice to help encourage so many women who really need it. The end result is what you see now. Fashion inspiration with a mix of my heart and spreading joy, hope, and positivity wherever I can. We are on this journey of self-growth together.
I learned I can get through anything.
I learned more about myself than I ever have before. I learned more about my fears, dreams, likes, and passions. With as much as I’ve gone through this year, I made it through stronger, even when I thought I couldn’t. It’s an amazing feeling to feel more and more like myself every day, and I have God, my family, friends and blogging community to thank for that. It’s been an exciting year and I’m looking forward to making 2017 better than ever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my year and making it so great!
As we begin a new year and a new chapter, let’s be determined to write the best one yet. Remember, that life is not about years, but about moments. Make them, enjoy them, and hold them dear to your heart.
Keep smiling!
I love stripes because you can wear it all year long because of the endless amounts of options for styling. A classic striped top like the one I’m wearing is ALL about versatility. This shirt is super comfortable and only $32. SCORE!
Shirt: White and Blue Striped Top
(Use code MISSMOLLY20 to get 20% off this top & everything from HER. Boutique)
Hat: Floppy hats now less than $10 at Nordstrom
Necklace: Samantha Faye Jewelry Hammered Disc
Purse: Charming Charlie
Jeans: Paige Denim
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
Loved this post! Looking back is always a good way to put things in perspective! Love your outfit by the way!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Author
Thank you! I agree. Perspective really is everything and I’m so thankful for this year. 🙂
Happy New Year!! I totally agree sometimes to pursue a dream you have to quite another — and while it may feel uncomfortable in the interim, it’s worth it to follow your passion!!
xx layne fable
http://www.laynefable.com
Author
Happy New Year Layne! It definitely is scary to change something you love to “another” something you love, but I will continue to follow my heart. Thanks for being a part of year!
wow you achieved so many great goals! congrats to you and looking forward to seeing more! check out my resolutions http://poshandspicy.com/2017/01/02/simple-resolutions-2017-can-keep/ maybe you will spot something that will inspire you xx toby
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Thanks Toby for all the love and support! LOVE your resolutions! Definitely stealing some of them 🙂 Hehe.
You are simply fabulous, and I’m so honored to know you and call you a friend and I can’t wait to see what 2017 holds for you, sweet girl!
Coming Up Roses
Author
Friend, I am SO honored to know you and I really hope 2017 brings us together in even more special ways! =D Maybe, meeting for the first time or more Skype calls?! xoxo
Oh yes. You’re literally on a note I wrote to myself yesterday to schedule another Skype!!! Message me so we can pick a date?!?
Work it girl! You are adorable and have a great outlook on your blogging goals
Author
Thank you for the encouragement and your kindness, Rachel!
This outfit is just adorable! Love the hat!
xoxo-Hilary
http://www.byhilaryrose.com
Author
Thank you Hilary! So obsessed with hats lately!
SO proud of you.
Author
Couldn’t have done it without your support. LOVE you so much!
Love you right back <3
Loving this look! And it sounds like you had such a great year! I’d love to full time
Blog some day so you’re definitely inspiration! Cheers to 2017!
Neelofar
http://www.theloveliestlily.com
Author
Thank you! Keep pursing your dreams and going for your goals! =D I’m standing behind you 100%!
I’m so glad I found your blog on the Seattle Bloggers Unite FB post today, I generally avoid style blogs but it seems like yours is so much more than that. I can’t wait to dig deeper into your posts and learn about why you left teaching and more about why you blog, I’m struggling with that question currently so this is great!
Author
Aww thanks Samantha! It definitely is much more than a style blog, although it started out that way and still is, my heart is to reach beyond and give people the encouragement they really need! I linked some posts in this to help capture my heart and share the reason behind my blog. Can’t wait to connect with you more and hear about your story too!
Such a great post! It sounds like you had an amazing year! My Instagram grew like crazy as well. And your ring collaboration is so cool!! Looking forward to following you in 2017.
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Author
Yes it did and I am SO proud of you for all of the hard work you’ve been doing. Keep it up!
Thank you! Yes, Perspective is everything when we are experiencing the challenges of life.
Challenges of all kind are uncomfortable. But I learned that there is no growth inside the comfort zone. Whilst being pushed too far outside the comfort is hard and sometimes traumatic, but there is an optimal point where real growth comes.
And with that comes an acceptance, a patience with what comes and doesn’t come, and we end up becoming grateful for everything. Then we can take the fluctuations, the roller coaster experiences that are inevitable, with equanimity.
WOW WOW WOW!!!! Inspiration to the MAX!!! I have to say, you are my inspo. Thank you for stepping out in leaps and bounds this past year… I pray that the Lord would multiply your favor in this next year!! You are an impact majorly on this generation, Thanks for being you!
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That means so much to me Ruthie! Thank you for your prayers and your sweet words! I look up to you too. Major respect! 🙂
Love this Molly! So cool to see all you achieved and I can totally relate to feeling like my why is clearer. I think it’s so cool when that happens year after year! Cheers to 2017!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
Such great learnings! I loved reading them – very inspiring! Good luck in 2017!!
This are all such great accomplishments and should be recognized. Exciting to see your growth and what you share in 2017.
back to catching up with fave bloggers and getting inspired…
kisses from dubai ❤️
http://www.mahryska.com
Love the stripes Babe!!!!
Xx Brandi
http://www.brandilocks.com
I love this! You certainly accomplished a lot in 2016!
Smooches,
http://www.poppysmooches.com
Congrats on achieving so many great things in 2016! I know you will rock 2017 too!
You always have such a positive, Molly! Loved this post and wishing you a great 2017! =)
TheBlushingPink.com
Your OOTD really fits you.. Perfect! 🙂
https://www.zunera-serena.com/
I’m in love with your hat! Its too adorbs.
<3 Raven
http://simplesassysultry.com/paintbrush-shein/