2023 - Purpose.

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.

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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.

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As I close out 2023 and look to 2024, I’ll carry this with me:

What’s my purpose? I’m shifting my mindset to fill my life with more feel-good energy, balance and purposeful intentions, experiences and relationships and letting go of un-wanted negativity.

Whatever it is you have set for yourself in the new year I’m wishing you all a happy, healthy and beautiful 2024.

With Love, Beth

Saying Goodbye to 2014 and Hello to 2015

It's the end of the year and like a lot of people we all take time to look back and reflect on this past year. I feel like I tend to do this more often throughout the year, not just at the end of December. 2014 was a year of growth for me... building relationships, facing fears and living outside "my shell." I learned to snowboard, ran my first half marathon, climbed ropes and cables in trees and expanded my courage more than I thought I ever would. 2014 wasn't all great things though, I experienced hardships with the loss of loved ones, felt defeated at times and just wanted to give up. I guess one of the good things about reflecting back on your year is that even if you think you haven't grown or made improvements somewhere in your life, you do, sometimes you just may not see it.

While I'm happy with what 2014 brought me, I look forward to what 2015 holds not only for me, but for Buffalo as well. I'm not one to make resolutions, but I do constantly make goals for myself throughout the year and am looking forward to challenging myself to be a "better me."

Thank you for your continued support of Just a Blonde in Buffalo this past year. Until next time!

xxoo

-B

Here are some photos of mine throughout the year:

{The cranes down by Harbor Center January 2014}

{My snowboarding adventure in February at Holiday Valley}

{My 29th birthday at Paint on Tap with some of the best friends I could ask for}

{A visit to the Hamburg Brewing Company and interview with Jeff at Resurgence Brewery were just a couple highlights from April}

{My first rock concert, a makers class and much more kicked off the month of May}

{June was a great month full of living life and completing my first half marathon}

{July was about some of the biggest events I've done so far in my career}

{August was a month I will remember for a long time. Receiving a 30 under 30 award was one of the biggest highlights from 2014}

{September I faced another fear of mine.. heights and among the ropes course we kicked off the football season, visited restaurants and enjoyed the almost fall season}

{October was a trip to Disney, an introduction to new non-profit organizations, turning the falls pink with my Mom and picking pumpkins}

{November was a month of unexpected snow, a new addition to our family and prepping for the holidays}

{December was about enjoying friends and family during the craziest of times. It brought with it events, craft classes, a trip to NYC and much more!}