I’m embarrassed to admit how long it’s been since I posted an update for you all here. So, why not kick off my return with one of my favorite posts to write: My birthday post!

Coming at you nearly 3-weeks late – my annual birthday recap is so special for me to look back on. You can look back here: turning twenty-two, turning twenty-four, turning twenty-five, and turning twenty-six.

You might note, I skipped last year’s post on turning twenty-seven.

Pausing and reflecting on the past is something that can be extremely overwhelming to me. Especially if I’m reflecting on a time that’s challenging or still working through a conflict.

Last year, I was not in the “mood” to share.

So, I’ve decided to take this opportunity to reflect on the past two years (twenty-six & twenty-seven); the main obstacle I have of over-functioning; and what solutions and tools I’m using today – a place I feel is the best I’ve been thus far!

I just know twenty-eight will be the best year yet. Between my impending wedding to Matt and our honeymoon in Paris. But first a little reflection:

Obstacle: Over-functioning

I would say I spent twenty-six and the first half of twenty-seven extremely stressed out. I was really trying to hold it ALL together but it wasn’t working. Running a small business during Covid was hard but transitioning that business into the “post-Covid” world with supply-chain, staffing, and price inflation was even harder.

At the same time, I was trying to keep the blog up-to-date with new content. All while planning a wedding (I got engaged at 26), volunteering in my community, and still being a good friend.

I had put myself in a corner of over-functioning.

I spent a good amount of time when I was twenty-six learning a break is better than a breakdown – whether you think you have time for it or not.

Solution: Release

I have a big problem with releasing. And there’s a few reasons behind that.

First, I enjoy being in charge and taking on challenging projects. It makes me really really happy and I often want to see things from start to finish. Second, I can’t stand to inconvenience anyone. So, when I want to do something whether it’s planning my wedding or running Mr. Trophy I often volunteer to do it all instead of asking for help.

I worked really hard in 2021 on pondering the following questions whenever I felt close to collapsing: What has to continue? What can I say no to? Where can I pause and where can I ask for help?

Doing this exercise led me to add four new hires at Mr. Trophy! These new members of our team have been such a game-changer and a true blessing.

Currently, I’d say I’m still working on releasing over-functioning in my personal life, especially with my wedding and honeymoon in sight. I want to continue to release the fear of letting others help or get involved. I can tell you right off the bat, I dislike inconveniencing people which for me means asking for favors.

I also dread not being in control of anything image-based. My job literally is to capture the most aesthetically pleasing pieces of New England. So naturally, letting go of some of the control around aesthetic is a work in progress. But, I’m trying.

Occasions: So Much To Look Forward To

As I said earlier, I know this is going to be the best year yet! There is so much to look forward to and I wanted to share a few things I’m especially excited about in the coming year:

• Getting Married
• Exploring Maine This Summer
• Enjoying Our New Outdoor Space
• Shenanigans At My Bachelorette Party
• Seeing My Friend Jennifer
• Seeing Pictures Of Shenanigans At Matt’s Bachelor Party
• Going To France
• Celebrating The Birth Of My First Nephew
• Seeing As Many Concerts As Possible
• Staying At The Palace Of Versailles
• First Christmas As A Married Couple
• Celebrating A Few Family Weddings
• Embracing The Pre-Wedding Festivities
• Celebrating Tessa’s Graduation From Undergrad
• Going To At Least One Red Sox And Patriot Game
• Expanding Our Staff At Mr. Trophy
• Launching A New & Exciting Blog Project
• Seeing New England Interiors Hit 20,000 Followers
• Seeing My Brother & Sister Soon
• A February Family Vacation
• Purchasing A Designer Item In France
• Getting Back Into Blogging

I’m so looking forward to all the special moments over the coming months. And of course, you’ll hear how it all goes in the end-of-year recap come 2023! Inhale, exhale – enjoying all the moments- it’s all going by so fast.