Why I Almost Killed This Blog | Thoughts for 2016

I can easily count the number of times this year that I’ve been so close to saying ‘goodbye’ to this lil space of mine. See it’s not always fun and games and glam, it involves consistent passion, time, energy to continuously create content that you love, but others would enjoy as well.

I remember around the same time last year, I sat with my parents and spoke about these plans I was hoping for for 2015 – which if you must know, never did happen. No, once 2015 started, all my ‘plans’ took a life of its own and went a completely different direction with opportunities I never ever thought about. It was SO much more exciting and incredible than my pre made plans ever were.

2015 was such a year for growth ~ personally, emotionally, mentally. I found myself being pushed into things (good and bad) with no regrets.

There were many times I found myself completely drained, breaking down so much that I couldn’t find space to enjoy what I was supposed to love, I couldn’t find time and emotional energy to fully be with all the people I love.

And so I thought, the easiest and selfishly ‘most dramatic’ way out, was to kill a burden of energy- my blog. I figured if I had one less thing to worry about or maintain, I could forward that energy elsewhere.

But as you can see, I didn’t. THE BLOG’S ALIVE!! That shadow of doubt and fear is gone, and I’ve added a new platform to my writing repertoire.

I think as terrible as this sounds, I found myself again after losing something that I thought I needed. I managed to spend my full week working on projects that I’ve had in mind forever, got my blog redesigned (on my own, tqvm) , and embarked on a new chapter of my ‘writing’ journey. And I’ve got a new set of plans for 2016 which makes me all giddy inside. It has been a year to deal with some insecurities that I never thought I had and really coming to terms of what it ACTUALLY means to be confident in your own skin.

Needless to say, I’m looking forward to seeing how this year takes a different turn once again. Life’s more fun that way. 

My friend Lilyanne wrote a reverse bucket list where she lists all the things she’s accomplished as opposed to what she wants to do. I did mine for 2015 and feel so thankful, I suggest you do the same!

I used to think it had to be BIG milestones to be considered well.. milestones but I’m starting to appreciate the smaller things that are just as important.

And as I’m writing this, I JUST REMEMBERED!! I have a letter to myself tucked away somewhere ready to be opened when the time comes next year! 

 Sam’s Reverse Bucket List

– Travelled to Los Angeles alone with two days of meeting filled, photoshoots and fun

– Stepped into the real big girl shoes with Bell Media and experienced the world of CTV & Radio

– Started Self employment (like real self employment)

– Collaborated with some amazing Youtubers

– Had the opportunity to interview some amazing actors + musicians – SamSito TV

– Finally met (and became friends) with a Fashion blogger who I’ve been following on social media since forever

– First major Instagram takeover

– Started story campaigns on the blog – ex: The Colour Series

– Partied in the rain @Squamish Valley Music Festival

– Attempted to swim in Cultus Lake

– Travelled through the Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary

– Shot a campaign with Brooks Brothers

– Most amazing media filled birthday at Hotel Georgia

– Most amazing birthday surprise in my life

– Canoe-ed on Lake Louise

– Attended Diner En Blanc

– Instagram growth from 1 K to 6 K (allow me to elaborate this. When I finally hit 1 K this time last year- I was over the moon. Yes, call me crazy but it was a milestone for me. So I told myself that the goal was to create good content that I could grow to 2 K by the same time this year. I’ve grown up to 6 K and can’t be more thankful. So yes, judge me if you must) 

– Coded, optimized and redesigned my blog on my own

– Actually executed a full Christmas project – Santa Sam

– Had some AMAZING content thanks to my guest bloggers!

– Rode a tandem bike along the Stanley Park Seawall with wine and cheese <3

– My first Bright Nights experience

Happy 2016 everyone, you’ve been such a big part of my life and I hope 2016 is completely everything you do not expect 😉 

images: Studio Ninety 9