Looking Back on 2017 With Gratitude

Some people may say that 2017 wasn't a banner year of progress in America (i.e., me. I would say that.). But it would be too easy to use that as an excuse to see 2017 as an unredeemable dumpster fire, and I refuse to succumb to that temptation. Rather, it is arguably especially important at such times to think through the things for which you are grateful, and I am lucky that there are many things in my life which fit that bill. 

For me, 2017 was an amazingly fulfilling and inspiring year professionally. Eighty-two (!!) people who were previously friends, family, or strangers became clients who let me into their lives to take some burden off of their plates. They talked to me about their hopes and their fears and their stresses, and I in turn told them about mine. We worked together to make their lives easier in some small ways and some big ways. I am unbelievably grateful that they trusted me with such a grave responsibility. 

Among those clients, there were 2 weddings and 11 babies were born! And these marriages and humans are better protected by the work we did together. 

I started the year cautiously optimistic (and uncautiously a little terrified) of what this year of private practice could bring. I was fortunate to wake up every day excited about the work I do and the people with whom I get to do that work. That passion stayed alive for a whole year, with no sign of dissipating anytime soon. 

I got to meet - and be inspired by - so many professionals in LA: lawyers and accountants and insurance brokers and financial advisors who care so much about helping others. Many of these people have become close friends and mentors. Each of these people has not hesitated for one second to offer or provide advice or assistance to me or my clients, simply out of the goodness of their hearts. 

On a personal note, my drooling (but adorable) blob of a son at the beginning of the year grew into a hilarious, chatty, active, stubborn toddler whom I somehow love more and more every day - even the days when he clearly prefers his dad and seems to forget all of the physical and emotional sacrifices I've made so that he can exist. And my husband and I were fortunate enough to create another human, due to more formally introduce himself to us at the end of April.   

A wise cast of actors once told me that there are 525,600 minutes in a year and that that time should be measured in love. When I look back at the year that was 2017, I do so with love, gratitude, and endless excitement for the 525,600 minutes that are to come in 2018.