This is the third birthday I’ve documented on this space (see: 26 and 27). It kind of amazes me that I’ve stuck with this blogging thing for so long, and that I still love it as much as I did when I first started back in the spring of 2010. This space has grown and evolved with me over the years, and it’s both entertaining and cringe-inducing to look back at those early posts!

27 was a great year — perhaps the best one yet.

Here are some of the highlights:

We started a[nother] new business. It didn’t go quite as planned, and we ended up closing it down in less than 12 months. It’s one of the first “failures” in my life that I’ve accepted and been okay with. I learned a lot in that venture; mostly about knowing when to say when, the pitfalls of overextending yourself, and the importance of focusing on one big thing at a time. But it was so very fun while it lasted!

Chad and I stretched our little wings and flew out of the nest of our family business, moving our flower shop to a beautiful new space and officially taking over all of the the daily operations of the business. Our ribbon cutting was one of the proudest moments of my life.

I made a commitment to focus on floral design, and made big strides this year. I tackled my first wedding, and hope to invest in some formal training next year.

I made great new friends this year, and rekindled several friendships from my past, too. I’m making it a priority to make more time for the important people in my life.

For the first time in my life, I’ve wrapped my head around the importance of financial responsibility, and made some great progress paying off my debt and getting a handle on a budget. Does this mean I’m officially a grown-up?

There were challenges this year. Boy were there challenges… but I learned something valuable from every single one of them, and wouldn’t change a thing. I’m finding this lovely peace and self-acceptance that comes with getting older. I’m learning to let go of the vice-grip of control I used to hold on every aspect of my life, and to live with open hands and an open heart. I crave simplicity: less clutter and distraction, more honest relationships, less makeup and maintenance, more traditions, and less fuss.

So bring it on, 28. Let’s see what you’ve got!