Exactly one year ago, I quit my job at a law firm without a plan. All I knew was that I wanted a more fulfilling life. I was excited to start a new chapter in my life although I had no idea what that life would resemble. Right now at this very moment, all I can say is THANK YOU to the Most High for giving me strength. It was a challenging year and I am better for it. I won't lie, this year threw me for a loop. By April, the optimistic glaze shielding my eyes was gone. I was faced with reality: I lived at home and was penniless with no clear direction in sight. I've cried more than I ever had in my entire life. I've been sick. I've screamed. I've hurt and hurt others. After all of that, you go to bed and get the privilege of waking up and realize that it's a new day; another opportunity to make a change.And that I did.

• My friend Lindsay did my lovely logo and I paid for a blog template I love.
• I saw Laura Mvula, India Shawn, & Emily King perform in concert.
• I got my fourth and favorite tattoo thus far.
• I lead the most awesome photo shoot with some beautiful Black girls.
• I went to New York.
• I started volunteering at the Museum of Design Atlanta.
• I interned at Caren West PR.
• I was Solange for a day.
• I finally met the woman who inspired my red lip craze, Felicia Benson.
• I also met Kevin Hart and Terrence J. I think Kevin told me I was cute. Maybe.
• I became a member of MODE Media and did a lot of brand promotion.
• I went on a day trip to Savannah randomly.
• I went to my first baseball game.
• I touched Luke James again.
• I met and chatted with Chilli.
• I finally went to a beer brewery.
• I climbed Stone Mountain twice.
• I SAW OPRAH IN REAL LIFE.
• I met Dr. Oz.
• I went to the Outkast Reunion show and it was AMAZING.
• I went apple picking with my friends.
• I was nominated for Best Lifestyle Blogger.
• I got bangs.
• I got awesome blogger perks like going to see Cirque du Soleil, The Nutcracker & AYIKODANS.
• I was a model.
• I felt sexy for once.
• I got my first client.
• I worked Music Midtown again and heard my favorite musician, John Mayer, perform.

So even in the midst of dark times, I found my rays of sunshine. Although some days I did not get out of bed, the rest of the days, I counted my blessings and got to work. Here's what I learned:Your health is your wealth. So this year I've developed heart palpitations that have not gone away with a simple bottle of Xanax. I'm used to it now but it also made me realize how unhealthy my eating habits have been. As an entrepreneur, you practically work around the clock. If you have to set a reminder to eat, do that. And eat well, not just junk.Discipline and determination will get you anywhere. Me two years ago would not have survived 2014. It was extremely difficult but I also realized that it was doable. You have to remind yourself of you goals, your future. Talk to yourself and push yourself like a coach. Nothing is impossible.Everything passes with time. The heaviness that you feel now from whatever you're experiencing eventually ends. Don't stress yourself too much in the moment.Patience is a virtue. What is for you is for you and it will come in due time.When something goes wrong, scream "PLOT TWIST" and keep it moving. Look, shit happens. Such is life. "Build a bridge and get over it." The best thing you can do is adjust and adapt and move forward.There's a whole world of opportunity, you just have to go out and get it. You want a new job? Get to calling your contacts and make connections. What a new mate? Join some meet up groups and meet new people. There's literally an answer to almost any of your questions in life. There's always something you can do. It's your choice.Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's financially or professionally. There are plenty of people who can help you if you just ask. Of course, make sure that you've done all that you can but let others help you, especially when they offer.When you don't have anything to do, there's always something you can do. I was bored a lot this year. When you don't have funds, it feels like you can't do anything. That is incorrect. A little bit of research will show you all of the free things you can do with your time around your town.

"People think being an entrepreneur means doing what you want. It's more like doing what you need to do even if you don't want to do it."

I'd like to say that I've grown a lot since I started this blog almost five years ago. (It will be FIVE years TOMORROW.) Sometimes it's difficult to write about changes while you're going through them, hence my lack of posts this year, but I try my best to be transparent and inspiring. I hope my transparency is something that you all appreciate.I want to evolve WITH you guys and I want to make sure we're both getting something out of this little blog. With that said, I'd love if you'd take this brief survey. It will tell me more about what you like, love and hate about Lucy's Pearls and how I can improve in 2015.

Lucy's Pearls 2014 Review

All surveys are anonymous so feel free to be equally as transparent with your answers. Just remember, "I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my shit." Lol. I am a human with feelings so constructive criticism only.Thank you SO much for riding with me on this journey. See you in 2015.