“Do not slouch.”

Those were the last words my great grandma said to me before she died. She always told us she loved us in German before we left.

“Ich liebe dich,”

But this day I was exhausted. We had stopped by to see her after church and although it was wonderful to see her, I was ready for my Sunday afternoon nap.

I had worked too late the night before (story of my life) and because of it, I was tired, leaning against the wall in her nursing home room.

“Do not slouch.”

In the perfect world, I would have known that this was the time I would see her beautiful smile. I would have pushed aside my tired. I would have made more of an effort.

It’s been a year since we said goodbye to the strongest Christian Woman I have ever met.

For months, those words rolled around in my head. I found myself sitting up straight when I realized I was slouching. More than anything, I wished those words were something else. Something more meaningful.

I guess you can find meaning in anything… so that’s what I’ve done.

“Do not slouch.”

I’ve turned these three words into some sort of motto for my life.

2017 was a year of growth. It took a lot of fight. A lot of prayers. A lot of faith.

Up until this year, I was coasting through life. I was content. I wasn’t motivated to give my business the push it needed to grow.

I was slouching… leaning against the wall of life.

I decided 2017 would be different. I was determined to give it all I have.

I worked as hard as I could. Making sacrifices that weren’t easy.

It wasn’t easy staying home from parties and events because I needed to get work done.

It wasn’t always fun work. (Yes, I love my job).

But every time I felt myself slipping… Slowing down… I hear her words.

“Do not slouch.”

This year has been one of the best years of my life.

In just twelve months…

My business went from 3 clients to 12.

We launched a social media marketing course.

We hosted 13 events.

Grown our team & partnerships from 1 to 10.

And built hundreds of local connections with AWESOME business owners and entrepreneurs.

2017 is coming to an end. I am so excited for 2018.

If I can leave you with anything from this post, it’s this…

Give life your best shot. Live life to the fullest. Chase after your dreams. Focus on that long-term goal and then work your butt off until you reach it.

But whatever you do…

“Do not slouch.”

Nichole is a Social Media Marketing Manager, business owner, daughter and friend. She has a Marketing Diploma and a Certificate of Christian Theology. She is an avid coffee lover who enjoys a good movie or book. She takes great joy in organizing, scheduling, and volunteering. Her passion for volunteerism extends specifically to those who are hurting, whether it is emotionally, physically, or mentally.

Nichole is certified to provide Mental Health First Aid, which means she can provide immediate support and guidance in a safe environment, comfortably have a conversation about mental health-related issues and offer professional and other supports. This does NOT make Nichole a psychologist, or a counselor. It simply gives her the tools to direct people to the help they need.

You can follow Nichole on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest, Linkedin and her Personal Blog.