If you go on any social media site you will see how horrible 2016 was for most people. Some of the meme’s are hysterical while others remind you of the challenges the world faced this past year. However, looking back I don’t consider 2016 to be a year to sweep under the rug, I consider it to be a year of growth.

Like others, I have also experienced things this last year that have made me wonder if it could get any worse. We experienced loss in both my immediate and extended family and my marriage was challenged in ways that helped us grow stronger in our relationship with each other as well as our relationship with God. Career decisions, parenting choices, and health concerns all were issues that I faced that made me question what I was doing but looking back I know that it has also helped me grow into a stronger, more focused woman.

With that being said, it’s easy to forget how much happiness filled the year. Like successes in my small business, the growth I’ve seen in our son, fulfilling my childhood dream of swimming with a dolphin (her name was Dot), my husband’s college graduation, and most of all, my ever growing baby bump that will soon excite and terrify me as a new member of our family will be brought into this world. Recognizing the joy in your life help you refocus and know that the joy you have is because you were joyful during those times.

Being a negative person is exhausting. Being around negative people and still being happy can can be equally exhausting but there is a tiny piece inside of me that knows I’m driving someone crazy just for being happy that makes it all worth it.

Take a moment. Find your joy. Welcome another year to grow.