If I had set out to write the story of 2012 on January 1st, there is no way I could have anticipated — or even dreamed — of the blessings along the way last year.
As I got up early this morning to write, I realize the same is true for this New Year. Although my path seems certain, though I have goals and projections, hopes and plans, this year, like the last, will unfold with surprises and gifts as well as challenges and obstacles — and I have no way of predicting what they might be.
Here are a few of the unplanned surprises and blessings of 2012:
I started and grew a business. In January of 2012, I had decided to work with a couple of private clients in addition to my work with a leadership consultant. I had no idea how much I would enjoy the consulting work, nor how the business would grow beyond the consulting to include a team. I juggled work with my steady job and my own business for several months before taking the leap to a role of full-time business owner on June 1st.
God used my business to make a difference for others. In February, I started to see a mismatch between my capacity to deliver work (limited) and the work clients requested (growing). Through this, I caught a vision that I could create a business to include meaningful work for others. Though I start 2013 with a team different from the one pictured in this post , I am grateful for the ways I have been blessed by the women I work with and the ways I know this work has made a difference for them.
We worked with amazing clients! I am daily in awe of the talent, character, expertise, generosity, creativity, kindness, and dedication of our clients. We serve some pretty wonderful people who have written difference-making books.
Relationships make me rich. I found the best and biggest blessings of 2013 in relationships, first with my family (these precious, growing girls), and with friends, new connections, collaborators, clients, my team, and all the online allies I’ve formed. Thank you! If you are reading this, you ave made my life rich!
Looking forward to a great new year.
Tell me something! What surprises and blessings did you enjoy in 2013? What are you looking forward to in 2013?
I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Becky,
Wow! 2012 was definitely a watershed year for you. The montage of book covers depicts an amazing journey. Wishing you all the best for 2013.
Thanks, Jennifer! I appreciate your encouragement, support, and friendship!
What a great list of achievements! Also the perfect way to start your own business with a few side clients. I have been inspired by your blog posts. I am just starting my own journey but have finished my first book with plans for many more. Good luck for 2013 Jennifer!
Becky, I am remembering back to LeaderTalk, pancakes at IHOP and am so inspired by how you’ve rocked the world. This is just the beginning. Here’s to 2013!
Lisa,
Thank you! I hope we’ll get to meet again in person someday! I can’t wait to see what 2013 holds for you, as well!
You are an amazing woman, Becky. It is an honor and a privilege to witness you actively participate in creating your future.
Jesse,
Thank you! I would not be where I am without the introductions you’ve made and the encouragement you’ve shared!
Congratulations on a great year! Grateful for the connection and how you’ve helped me this past year. Thank you! Here’s to a wonderful 2013! Mike…
I am grateful for you, as well, Mike and hope 2013 will be the year we (finally) meet in person.
I thank God for you, Becky! You are all about helping others get where they need to be by living out your purpose and using your gifts. Happy, Happier, Happiest New Year with many successes and much joy!
Becky, I can only sit back and smile broadly. It warms my heart to see where you’ve gone, where you are headed, and how contagious your enthusiasm is to your ever-growing community. Here’s to another year of blessings to you and your family! — Steve
Thank you, Steve! I look forward to our continued connection! I am blessed by your friendship and encouragement!
Becky, I appreciate your clarity of thinking, your direct and succinct descriptions and your directness. Your writing is very helpful, indeed. How can I support you?
Hugh Ballou
Hugh,
Thanks for the note. I’m not sure how you can support me but even the offer brings a smile to my face.
I’ll send you an email — let’s chat!
Becky
Becky,
Sure. I like what you write and think that you bring lots of good things to leaders.
Email me and we’ll chat.
Hugh
hugh@hughballou.com