For the past couple of years, I’ve been trying to reduce the amount of “stuff” that comes with Christmas: i.e. toys, unneeded gifts, an overabundance of things. I’ll admit, I’m an Amazonaholic. If I want something, it’s just a click and a two day shipment away. The desire for “things” is never that big during Christmas time, and it takes away from the main reason for the season. So for the kids, we’ve been focusing on memberships to the zoo, museums, and trips to places. The memories we create doing these activities last much longer than the toy I’ll eventually throw away or donate.

My husband and I have been applying that principle to ourselves, too. This past weekend, we took our annual Christmas “gift” vacation to Charleston, SC. Oh man, if you haven’t been to this historically rich and beautiful city, it needs to be on your bucket list!

And the food! We did not have a single bad meal there. Normally, I have some kind of self-control, but the food was just too amazing not to indulge. I’ve never been on a vacation where I had a hard time fitting into my clothes on the last day. I can’t wait to go back.

Another reason why this trip was so significant is because it’s the last one before I embark on being a small business owner. Let the countdown begin! My parents were immigrants and small business owners that worked tirelessly. I vividly remember their work ethic, and in the end, it was those memories that pushed the drive in me to be a stay-at-home mom.

But here I am, about to take part ownership of something that will consume my time, my thoughts, and energy… while trying not to to let it consume my family life. I take this responsibility very seriously. My love for Jazzercise did not push me towards this decision. In actuality, it’s the love the for the community… nope, that’s not the right word… the FAMILY of women that come to dance that led me here.

I would be lying if I didn’t say that I wasn’t scared. I feel unprepared, anxious, inadequate, and so much more! I don’t want to fail: as an owner, as a wife, mother, and a church member. My life was full of adventure and events even before this. Will the scales be totally unbalanced, and will everything go awry?

Only time can tell. Until the moment comes, I continue to remind myself that I have a God who is faithful and will continue to be so even when I doubt myself. I have partners in my life that are solid rocks–my husband who is completely supportive and flexible with my crazy schedule and my business partner who is so complementary to my strengths/weaknesses.

And then there is you, my reader, my friends. I have received so many encouraging words, support and love throughout this entire process. Thank you for praying for me, listening/reading to my struggles, and just being there. I want to make you proud in the upcoming year.

So let’s hope that 2020 will be great! Let the countdown begin!

Speaking of my business partner, here’s a picture of the new owners of Jazzercise Tyrone. May we live long and prosper. 🙂