Thank you for giving me so much. Thank you for being the best year of my life so far.

First, you gave me a healthy, wonderful baby boy. And despite all the troubles we’ve had, I wouldn’t change a single thing about him. To me, he is perfect.

Then you sent a career opportunity my way. Granted, I was planning to work on my website more seriously, but it turned out to be difficult with a little baby. But around 3 months postpartum, a company contacted me, asking if I’d like to interview for a job there.

Four calls and one SEO challenge later, I was hired. The pay was 2.5x to what I was making in the previous company, and it wasn’t even a 40h week. Flexible schedule, the opportunity to learn all about SEO, which will definitely help me in the future when it comes to growing my own websites…

It all fit perfectly. And thanks to that salary, for the first time in my life, I was able to afford so many things and not worry whether I should be spending all that money right now. This year alone, I purchased:

• New laptop
• New phone
• New TV (something my husband and I were really planning to do for a long time, but could never afford to prioritize)
• New kitchen aspirator
• And a whole bunch of fairly expensive baby stuff.

We also redid the entire boiler room and turned it into a nursery. Plus, we got a PS4 for free, and we’ve been enjoying it so so much!

And then, there’s the trip to Portugal. If someone had told me that I’d be TRAVELING abroad this year, and alone, I would be laughing at that. And yet, it’s exactly what happened, thanks to that very company. It was the first time I traveled somewhere I knew no one (at least personally), for four whole days.

It was such an insane and wonderful experience!

This year has put me on a path to being a mom, a working woman, one who travels and works on her dreams.

For 2023, all I wish for is that what started this year continues and grows in the next one. I hope the savings meant for our new home grow, too, and I am confident that on January 19th I am finally getting my well-deserved driver’s license. (Update: I have!)

And another baby on the way would be welcome!

Here’s to a very happy 2023 🥂

Jelena

A 28-year-old married mom, trying to have it all. I have a full-time job I enjoy, a home I’m in love with, and plenty of hobbies I try my best to have the time for. A psychologist by vocation, with the goal of helping young women live their best lives.