“Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop figuring out precisely how we feel, stop deciding exactly what we want and just see what happens.”

– Carrie Bradshaw

7 months ago, I laid out the vision for my year with friends, a little fun and several mimosas. Of course we all knew there could be a few bumps along the road, yet we still planned and aimed for the best.  I’ll be the first to say NOTHING on my vision board has come to fruition this year, and as a planner, the feeling that you’re not accomplishing anything– can be the SCARIEST feeling! I usually do my first vision board assessment three months into the year–that’s when I realized my career goals weren’t where I intended for them to be.

So what to do you do when your moves don’t match your vision board? Be honest with yourself! Two years ago, I stepped out on faith and moved to the Mac-town (just know I laughed when I typed that)…I’m not a pessimist, but I will admit I had my alarm set to ring off as soon as the second year came to an end.  It’s imperative that you understand that I moved to Macon with the mindset to treat this like a boot camp–learn as much as I can, as quickly as I can and BOUNCE! When I arrived in Macon, I already felt like I was behind my peers who were already succeeding in the news world. Here I was at 25, just figuring it all out and beginning to embark on my career full-time–while many others had been in the field straight out of college. If my journey hasn’t taught me anything–it constantly reminds me that no two people run the same race and the rewards at the finish line will always have a different meaning. For me, I needed time to work through some things personally and learn to trust the process. Sounds so simple– but believe me when I tell you trusting was always the hardest part. My honesty: Macon hasn’t been all bad– In fact, it’s offered me the chance to grow in ways I could never imagine.

“Everything happens for a reason… even if you don’t know what that reason is yet.”  -Charlotte York

While the plans on my vision board were going astray– I learned to celebrate my right now. Year two has clearly wrapped up–and I’m gearing up for year three– which was honestly nowhere on my vision board. My vision board had me headed in a much different direction, but that’s neither here nor there. Today, July 15th, starts year three and I’m actually more excited about my third year than I was for the first! In April, I was offered a promotion with WMAZ and I said YESSS to another two years of growing and witnessing others as they grow. Since I walked through the station’s doors–I’ve made mistakes, I’ve learned from those mistakes, but the wins make it all worth it. *I’m blooming baby!*

“Bloom where you are planted”– said someone once upon a time…

So what do you do when nothing on your vision board is adding up? Or better yet, what do you do when God decides to flip your plans upside down and show you He’s really the boss? *Let me insert that I already knew that… but I’ll admit I still had my own plans lined up without consulting with Him first! We’re all guilty of doing it, so no judgement please.*

1. Be honest with yourself. Have you really been doing the work to accomplish your goals?
2. Celebrate your RIGHT NOW! Don’t drown in personal pity–celebrate the small wins and wait on God to show you HE can do the impossible! Your vision board is just a nice reminder to be ambitious!
3. Bloom where you are planted. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. Just because YOUR vision isn’t shaping up, doesn’t mean it’s all bad. Sometimes you have to reevaluate your current situation and just be grateful for where you are in this very moment.
4. Keep laying those visions out each year! Make your dreams make sense to you–and if they don’t come true on your timing, don’t be discouraged– pray about it, trust the process and know that it’s all working for your good.

My vision board didn’t fall in place this year, but 2017 is still blowing my mind beyond expectations! I’m celebrating my RIGHT NOW–and you should consider doing so too. Thus far, my journey has taught me that your gifts will truly make room for you–all in God’s timing.

Here’s to another year of growth, pushing through the tough days and most importantly celebrating wins– all in the heart of Georgia! Third year’s the charm— right?