Another year has wrapped up and it's time for me to reflect on how 2019 went for me.
2019.
To be completely honest, I was thinking of not doing this post this year. The last couple of weeks of 2019 had me on an emotional roller coaster ride for many reasons. Because of that it made me feel like this year was just horrible. I just wanted the year to end and move on. Just because you're having a difficult moment in time doesn't mean your year as a whole was bad. That's something I have to remind myself. We tend to focus on the negative but the positive out weights that tenfold. As we finished the year and enter a new decade (so crazy), it's now more than ever a great time to reflect not only this past year but the past decade. Sometimes it's hard to to see your growth when things aren't going your way but seeing where you were in the beginning of the decade to where you are now is something to be proud of. The growth is there, whether you see it or not!
Since starting my blogging journey in 2015 and recently starting doing yearly reflecting posts (click to read 2017 and 2018 reflecting posts), I realized these posts are necessary to look back on not only for myself but for whoever has been following me to see that not everything is rainbows and butterflies. I've said this on last years post and I'll say it again now, this time of year everyone is only posting their highlight reel of accomplishments. Don't make yourself feel like your accomplishments don't compare. We all have different things going on in our lives but at the end of the day we are all humans experiencing highs and lows. I'm pushing myself to keep up the tradition going of being vulnerable and sharing how this year went even if it wasn't ideal, so here we go.
Personal Growth.
I started of the year with a heavy heart. I'm not going to do into all of the details but I entered the year not having a relationship with my father and that continued throughout the whole year as well. This weighs on me so much because growing up I was always told family is first and they are the ones who are always going to be there. Sometimes it's your own family that hurt you the most. I've had many tumultuous family relationships end over the years. I've always been a people-pleaser, which is a trait I want to change but especially when it came to my parents. In general, I came to the point where I felt like why am I always putting other people first, going out of my way doing things for others and it isn't being reciprocated when asked. As I said before I'm not going to go into much detail but I'm tired of being constantly compared, criticized, and put down. This is isn't the first time my father and I haven't spoken in a long time but I thought things would change over the years and this wouldn't happen again. I look back at certain points of my life and just cry remembering certain feelings and things that happened. I know no one is perfect but when you constantly are around that negative energy it gets to you at some point. Those hurtful words stick with you no matter how much you try to forget them. I tried to reconcile the relationship but when the other person doesn't want to hear nor understand your point of view, it's a lose-lose situation. This was a hard part of my 2019 to deal with. I had many breakdowns throughout the year and wish things were different. I have to to put my self first and that's something I'm working on. They say time heals all wounds, we'll see. Moving on...
This year challenged me emotionally especially towards the end of the year which again I don't want to get into to much detail. It just made me realize how strong I am. Although sometimes I felt weak because I couldn't control the tears from falling and couldn't calm myself down at some points. It's okay to let all of those emotions out, it's healthy! I've always been someone who bottles everything in and let me tell you it's not good to do that, it affects you in so many ways. I learned to put my foot down and speak up. I don't like arguing nor confrontation, so I usually just deal with those emotions to myself. It was the first year that I spent Christmas Day alone. I wasn't in the holiday spirit at all and that's not like me at all. The holidays are my favorite time of year. I guess there's a first time for everything. I just no longer want to give people my energy who are full of negativity and are toxic. It doesn't matter if their family or friends, it's just not okay to be around that all the time. Being around more people who support you is not only good for your mind but good for your heart. Putting boundaries in place is important for your sanity and spirit. If people can't respect those boundaries, then now you know you stand. People show you who they really are by their actions, remember that! Always be true to yourself and don't let people dim your light. You can't make everyone happy but making sure you're making yourself happy has to be a priority at the end of the day. "Put your happiness in no one else's hands but your own." I'm going into 2020 with a whole new attitude and putting myself first with no guilt attached. Now lets talk about some highs!
The Blog.
This year I really wanted to increase my readership and that's exactly what happened. I was shocked to see my posts were being read from people all over the word, a total reach of 141 countries! That just blows my mind and keeps me motivated to continuing my journey. I made sure to learn more about SEO and implement that into my blog which took many long hours and days to reformat old posts. All that hard work I feel like is finally paying off slowly but surely. A few of my posts landed on the first pages of Google which is any bloggers dream! I'm so proud of the growth of my blog. Although I have posted less blog posts this year compared to my other years, I felt like the content I've been posting has been more valuable. I've gotten really great feedback from those posts and I hope to do more of that in 2020!
I also redesigned my blog to the look that it has now. It's so cool to see the evolution of my blog design over the years. This is third time I have switched up the look since starting in 2015. I also redid a few of my pages on the blog like my about me, press page, work with me page and contact page. Go check them out if you haven't done so already. I'm so thankful for the people who stop by and take the time to read my blog posts and comment their thoughts; it truly means the world to me!
Travel.
Travel is a huge passion of mine and of course a big part of my blog. Unfortunately I didn't get to go anywhere on my bucket-list this year. It was also the first year I haven't traveled anywhere since 2015. Some years are travel heavy and some are not and that's okay. But I did get to explore fun places nearby and that also counts. So if you're in place where you can't travel to those epic destinations you always see scrolling on Instagram just know exploring different places nearby is just as fun and memorable. I stayed in a tiny home cabin for the first time in the middle of no where (click here to read more). I hiked to see an amazing waterfall in Catskill, New York (click here to check that out). I visited a tulip field for the first time (click here). I watched the Copa America games at a fun bar and had a blast supporting the Colombia National Soccer Team (click here to watch). I discovered beautiful parks in New Jersey such as a stunning Italian garden (click here to find out more information) and a gorgeous sunflower field (click here) that I visited during the summer time. I stayed in the cutest cottage resort (click here to check it out). I spent quality time with my mother and grandma in Poconos, Pennsylvania (click here). I ate yummy food at the San Gennaro festival in NYC (click here to see). And I visited so many holiday markets in around the city (click here to watch). Hoping for more adventures in 2020!
Youtube.
My goal for my youtube channel in 2019 was to make more valuable content and grow my audience. I'm happy to say that I did that by ending the year making 22 videos on my main channel and 19 videos on my spanish channel. Making video content is a lot more time consuming and takes lots of patience especially managing two channels. At times I got into ruts of feeling unmotivated or questioning if I should continue but I kept going at it. I've seen so much improvement when it comes to my filming and editing style. I just really fell in love the creative process of it all. I hope to upgrade my laptop soon and also upgrade my editing software to continue improving on my skills. One of my videos went viral and consistently gets views which so crazy to me. Many of my videos are ranking in the first page of search results which also a huge thing for any youtuber! I closed the year hitting 99k channel views which is so insane to me. I hope to continue growing on that platform in 2020!
Instagram, Facebook, Pintrest and Tik Tok.
I'm always trying to grow my other social media platforms, which can be overwhelming. I know many people advise to only focus on one platform at a time but why put you eggs in one basket? You just never know what will grow so I believe it's good to nourish all platforms and not limit yourself to just one. Instagram is a platform everyone loves but it can be frustrating to grow on nowadays. I was stuck in the 5k range for a while but this year I grew to 7.4k! While many people only focus on the follower count, I think having that engaged community is more important. Last year I invested in Lightroom and playing around with it for a year, I'm always learning new tips and tricks. Photography is such a huge passion of mine. I'm always learning new ways to improve and get better. I really want to invest in a better camera so hopefully I'm able to do that in 2020. As I mentioned last year, Instagram is a place where you can either be inspired or feel down. I took some breaks here and there from the platform this year but I also think it's healthy to not always be scrolling.
I didn't grow much on Facebook this year but joined many groups and communities. Finding those groups are important to connect with like minded individuals who have the same interests and that you can run by ideas with and get feedback. Pintrest was so confusing to me last year but this year I definitely learned more. Not only did I increase my following but also my pin impressions. I had a few pins go viral which brought me so much traffic. I'm still getting the hang of it but hoping to learn more of the ins and outs of that platform to grow more. I joined TikTok this year! I would've never thought I would be on that platform but surprisingly it's so much fun. It's short form video content of people of all ages and niches. Go follow me there if you're on tiktok!
In last years reflecting post, I mentioned how sometimes it's hard for me to celebrate my wins whether big or small. I've been trying not be that way anymore so here are somethings I'm very proud of accomplishing. I worked with 23 brands this year! Two of those brands I've worked with more than once on a recurring contract. I also increased my income when it came to these collaborations. Being able to make an extra income with content creation is something I'm grateful for. Through this learning process I learned to charge my worth from here on out and not except anything less.
I also was featured in a couple of places on the internet! In February, Fierce by MiTu, talked about safety advice while traveling in Latin America and I was included in the roundup (20 Latinas Advice on How to Travel Safely in Latin America. I was also mentioned in a roundup on another Fierce by Mitu article that same month, talking about Valentines Day experiences (20 Latinas Reveal Their Best and Worst Valentine’s Day Memories). In March, The Daily Hive, used one of my photos in their article about (10 of the Best Places to Travel Alone as a Woman). Also, The Mujersita, talked about International Women's Day and I was included in the roundup (35 Mujeristas Share What Empowers Them for International Women’s Day) In September, Kay from The Awkward Traveler, included me in her roundup of Latinx bloggers to follow during Latinx Heritage Month (Latinx Travel Bloggers to Inspire You to See the World). I also contributed to her roundup article for the month of December, (Best Destinations for Hispanic Families).
I guess you can call this an achievement but I did something drastic to my hair in December. For many years I let my hair grow and it was at it's longest it has ever been. Also not coloring it for a long time either I felt it was time for a change. I decided to chop off many many inches and brighten the color up with balayage. I didn't recognize myself and wasn't use to the new short haircut for several days. It feels so much healthier, light and easy to manage. Sometimes it's easy to hide behind your hair and let that define you. With everything that went on this year, letting go and change where on my mind. You know what they say, "when a woman cuts her hair she's about to change her life."
Thank You 2019.
Here's to closing another chapter of life and decade with 2019. With many tears, stressful days, laughs, growth, learning curves, reflecting, road blocks, discovery, changes and memories. Hoping for a better year in 2020. It's a start of a new decade, a fresh new start, and a great time to look forward to the future. It's never too late to pursue something you love. It's never too late to learn something new. Learn to believe in yourself more and keep pushing through negativity. If you had a not that good of at year, just know things can only go up from where you are. If you had a fantastic year, hope you have more of those in the future. Most importantly, THANK YOU for following my adventures and supporting me whether it's through my blog, Instagram or Youtube! It means more than you know when you comment, like, or send me emails/messages.
Comment Below,
What were your lows or highs of 2019?
Awesome post! I'm super happy for you and all the cool things you've achieved. I'm sure that 2020 only has more awesome things in store for you and your blog :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteIt looks like you had a very busy 2019! That is great to hear about your blog and getting some posts to rank high with google! Congrats! I wish you all the best for 2020! I hear you about YouTube. I have 2 channels and I have been so busy, I have all but neglected one of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you and same to you! Managing two youtube channels can be a headache and usually one of them gets a bit neglected haha.
DeleteI love that people are finding you from all over the world! Sounds like more success is in store for you for 2020. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you and same to you, happy 2020!
DeleteI’m sorry to hear that 2019 was an emotional rollercoaster especially with family. Sounds like you did really well with your blogging...amazing how much you have grown, keep it up girl! May 2020 bring many more wonderful things and positive energy! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you so much <3
DeleteWhile it sounds like you had your fair share of challenges and heartache in 2019, it also sounds like you accomplished a lot as well, and you should be proud of yourself. While you may not have those relationships you crave, you have relationships with people across the world through this platform, and that's huge as well! Here's to an even better 2020.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. Happy 2020!
DeleteWow, what a year that you had this year. I'm glad that you were able to pat yourself on the back inspite of some bumps in the road along the way. Sounds like you are off to a great start in 2020.
ReplyDeleteYes feeling very hopeful and motivated starting off 2020!
DeleteSounds like you accomplished a lot and that will set you up nicely for 2020! I hope you have a great year and see lots of positivity!!
ReplyDeleteThank you and same to you :)
DeleteIt sounds like you had a productive year! May 2020 be just as productive, if not better!
ReplyDelete-Monica
Yes it was very productive for sure!
DeleteYou did good!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for an even better 2020 :)
Thank you and and same to you :)
DeleteCongratulations on your successes in 2019, including putting those boundaries in place. You got this.
ReplyDeleteThank you <3
DeleteI am copying some of your goals for myself in 2020
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in 2020 :)
DeleteYou are welcome! Well, 2019 had me doing many first-timers like attending my very first reggae concert in life! I am not a common fly but I am fly with my eyes and ears. My blog developed greatly too.....I mean, the National Geographic Channel came knocking to add a line or two, to my blog I shared about their show, Hot Zone! You should have seen my smile and face.
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing, congrats!
DeleteI am soooo glad to see the end of 2019. It's a year like I never want to experience again. I also didn't get to travel in 2019...the 1st year since 2010 that I haven't travelled. I usually travel 3 - 4 times a year. Here's to a better 2020 for all!
ReplyDeleteYes to all of the above, to a better 2020!
DeleteAlong with the challenges, you had so many fantastic accomplishments in 2019! I hope you have plenty of adventures and even more success in 2020 :D
ReplyDeleteThank you and same to you Carrie!
DeleteWhile setting boundaries is difficult, sometimes its necessary so we can be happy! Sounds like overall it was a great year!
ReplyDeleteI agree boundaries are very important!
DeleteSounds like an incredible year! Here's to all the goodness ahead in 2020 ��
ReplyDeleteSame to you :)
DeleteI think your accomplishments in 2019 are amazing. Well done! Hopefully, you can enjoy what you have accomplished and not focus on everything that didn't work out the way you wanted.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm working on that. I think thats why reflecting on the good and bad is great way to see how much the pros outweigh the cons.
Deleteyou def did a lot last year. i didnt do as much as i planned but this year i'm hoping to change that.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for you in 2020!
Delete2019 was a great year for us. We had many changes, most positive.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great!
DeleteThis has been an emotional year for me too. I lost 3 people who meant the world to me. Congratulations on learning SEPO and landing on the first page a couple times, that’s a very big deal! I agree about not focusing on just one social media, it takes time but it’s important to be present on each. Here’s to 2020
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that, my condolences for your losses. Hope you have more healing and happiness in 2020!
DeleteSounds like you have had a very busy 2019. always good to get away and do some travel x
ReplyDeleteYes hoping for more adventures in 2020!
DeleteCongrats on all of your achievements! I wanted to focus on Youtube in 2019, but it didn't work haha! Also, that's awesome that your blog is doing so well! To many more goals accomplished in 2020!
ReplyDeleteYou can always make youtube a goal in 2020!
DeleteSeems like 2019 suited you well, it looks like you had grown a lot personally but also professionally that is always great
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a year of growth in many aspects!
DeleteKeep pushing forward- you are doing a great job. Life gets hard sometimes but all of your hard work and perseverance is paying off. I hope you have a wonderful 2020.
ReplyDeleteYes! I hope that same for you too as well.
DeleteI am sorry that your year began on a tough note and was an emotional roller coaster ride but I can see a positive attitude emerging through your post - you have started to see the good and take it all in the stride and I guess that's what life has to be about. I agree with you about some years being travel heavy and others not. My 2019 was very travel heavy but due to some financial constraints, 2020 doesn't seem very promising on that front but I am going to take inspiration from you and look at the positives instead of focusing on the negatives. Cheers and all the best for a better 2020 to you.
ReplyDeleteSame to you Medha, lots of success and happiness in 2020!
DeleteCongratulations on your accomplishments in 2019. I trust you will exceed those records this year. Stay faithful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Eliz!
Delete2019 seemed like a roller coaster but so much more positive than negative! I am excited to see what 2020 holds for you and your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Renee. Wishing you the best in 2020 as well!
DeleteIt is a lovely read with full of good memories you had from 2019 and also with some struggles. It is great that you got inspired from tough times and hopefully 2020 will be more fruitful to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWell thanks for sharing about your personal life and other stuff. My suggestion is do what you love and love what you do. Don't ever bother about what others say as life is full of challenges but always remember that you failures leads you to success.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words.
DeleteIs great to reflect on the past year and pick up the positive and get rid of the negativity.
ReplyDeleteHello! I hope you are well. How are you, how was 2020?
ReplyDelete