2023 - Purpose. — Just a Blonde in Buffalo

Purpose. What is it? What is mine? That has been a question that has been on my mind ever since I finished my marathon in November. Maybe it’s at the forefront of my thoughts because I’m trying to fill a void. Trying to figure out what my next step is, that next goal. As someone who always seems to have a plan for once I don’t feel like I do and it leaves me a little unsettled, anxious and asking myself multiple times a day what is my purpose. Why am I here, what should I be doing…AND THEN I try to take a step back and tell myself God has a plan and lean into my faith. It will lead me to where I am supposed to be, when I’m supposed to be there. It’s a wild ride full of emotions and thoughts but it’s one that I know I’ll be carrying into the new year with me.

2023, what a year it has been. Full of new memories and reflecting on old. This year brought me some failure but with that a lot of growth. It taught me how strong I can be in all aspects of my life and how anything is possible if you continue to show up for yourself. It has also been overwhelming to feel and see how much love that has been sent my way through friends and family. Something I will never be able to describe but feelings that are so beautiful and I’m forever grateful for.

I am not the person I was 365 days ago, none of us are. As I look back not only on this past year but on the past few, I look at where I started this blog, wanting to capture every little detail and share my experiences with everyone (my first post on Dec. 17, 2012 really not knowing what I was doing, but I remember telling my family, I created a website and I’m starting a blog to share about all the great things in WNY and being so proud during that moment).

Now going into my 12th year, I realize how much things have changed, yet the core of why I have Just a Blonde in Buffalo has stayed the same. To share experiences, introduce my supporters to new people making a difference and doing cool things in the place we call home and creating authentic and lasting relationships with the people I meet. While life has taken over one of my intentions for 2024 is to get back to sharing stories more often than these past couple of years.