2016 was a tough year for many people.
We lost a lot of people we loved and admired.
Many cried over what was a devastating election result.
We watched from afar as children died in bombings, helpless to do anything to save them.
There was pain, there was fear.
Gun violence continued to grow, mass shootings, and craziness occurred. We learned that our country is FAR from beyond horrific racism and sexism. The UGLY came out everywhere.
I made some questionable decisions and bad investments of both time, money, and emotions.
I left the church, but found spirituality like never before.
I experienced profound heartache, but grew from it.
My father’s health continued to decline. But he’s still with us.
I celebrated the 5th birthday of my surviving twin while grieving the 5th anniversary of her sister’s death. I acknowledged that it’s okay to love her and miss her while still moving forward.
I wanted to run away from everything and everyone.
I made mistakes, many of them.
But throughout the process, I learned to truly love ME.
During this time frame, some really darn good stuff happened too.
I laughed. I loved. I danced. I sang. I lived.
I begrudgingly turned 40. And was showered with love by the people I love the most.
My best friend and soul mate took a week off from work and flew over from France for a surprise visit.
I made new friends, found a tribe that gets me, reconnected with some friends from my past, and said goodbye to some relationships that did not benefit me.
My husband and a group of our friends spent an incredible week in Costa Rica.
I continued to raise three amazing, wonderful, smart, kind, beautiful little people.
I completely healed my knee after having surgery in December 2015, and eliminated almost all of my Lupus symptoms through eliminating gluten and eating clean (whenever possible!).
I attended the wonderful wedding of my dear friend Lisa, and got to spend a fun, child-free weekend in Washington, D.C. with one of my besties, Megan.
With amazing mentorship and coaching, I grew my business, Write.Publish.Sell (under Kat Biggie Press) 1000%.
I launched an author coaching program and am helping other writers bring their writing dreams to life.
I published some books for debut authors, Jacob Longe and Samantha Munoz.
I published my own book – Never the Same: Families Forever Changed by Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, full of stories and a peak into the life of families affected by TTTS.
I interviewed a crap ton of amazing moms and shared stories of motherhood and surviving the struggle of the juggle on the Lose the Cape podcast.
I supported many grieving moms (with helps from friends and supporters) by sending over 30 packages filled with love. And I came to the conclusion that it’s time to pass the torch. While I love supporting others, I realized that reliving that pain through others kept me in a place that I don’t want to be. So it is with both sadness and hope, I close that chapter of my life.
Life is what you manifest, people. Focus on the good, and the good will come back to you. I promise.
Love this, lady. You’re amazing, and keep rocking on!
Oh Alexa, this post makes me SO happy. You have had one hell of a year, my friend! I am SO PROUD of ALL you have accomplished!! You are so strong, brave, bold, and beautiful. I just love that you have embraced SO many amazing endeavors and worked hard and smart to succeed in them all.
You are amazing. Keep blazing those trails, ending the ones that need to end, and walking forward on that path of purpose for your life. Happy New Year!
Well enjoy your life, have fun and live it to the fullest!