This past year has been a year of tremendous change for me. In some ways, sometimes it feels like things are the same, but in many ways, I can’t believe how many things are different. And I don’t mean change in terms of just things that I’m involved in, but I mean it in terms of personal growth.

I don’t know how effortless it may appear here (or on social media), but I promise you that it is anything but effortless. This year has been so much change, and so much pushing myself outside my comfort zone! I am an introvert by nature – it’s not that I hate talking to people, but I definitely need my alone time to recharge. I’ve also never been particularly outgoing. This year has definitely challenged that perception! Being Ms. Wheelchair USA, starting Accessible YOUniverse, even blogging – all of those require talking to LOTS of people. I still may not be the most outgoing person in a room, but I’ve become so much more comfortable talking to strangers, whether it’s in a group setting or one-on-one. I’m really proud of that progress!

This year has also taught me the importance of just TRYING things. I touched on this a bit in my post about hearing no (here), but I have spent this year saying yes to as many opportunities as I possibly can. Sometimes, these are things that are being pitched to me, but often, they’re ideas that I’ve reached out to pitch to other people! Not only does this mean I have to be okay hearing no, it also means that I have to push myself to write that e-mail and share my idea. It can be hard to imagine where an opportunity will take you – sometimes a little thing can lead to bigger things, or can connect you with someone who can help share your story.

These changes haven’t been easy – I have really pushed myself to grow, to keep trying something a little bit different more and more. It has not been comfortable, but I am so happy with where I have ended up.