“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
— Albert Einstein

 

 

Almost three years — that’s how long it’s been since I last wrote on this blog. I’ve come a long way since I started writing seven years ago, and so much has happened — both good and bad. There’s a lot to catch you all up on, so buckle up and let’s take a ride down memory lane.

2020

The pandemic, coronavirus, COVID-19 era — whatever you call it, everyone knows what I’m talking about. It seems so long ago when the world just stopped for months.

Two moments in my life have had a lasting impact on me, and this year is one of them.
In 2020, I lost two family members within months of each other.

In August, my uncle died from a condition none of us knew he had until he was hospitalized. It wasn’t COVID but something related to his pancreas. He was young when he passed, and his death left a void in our family.

He was the “cool” tio who started a family tradition of graduates from Alief Hastings High School. Most importantly, he was the first in our family to openly talk about depression. I don’t know if he ever realized it, but by his sharing, he helped me with healing journey after my mom died. For that, I will be forever thankful to him.

 

Then five months later, my abuelo (grandpa) passed away on New Year’s Day (2021). When my abuelo was diagnosed with cancer, the doctors only gave him a couple months to a year to live but he was a strong-willed man who proved them wrong by living for nearly five years.
I reacted differently to their deaths than my mom’s. My mom’s death taught me a lot of things but I think the most important one is to enjoy the time you have with the people you love.

The year before they both passed away, my family grew closer, and I’m grateful for the memories we made — memories I will forever cherish.

RECAP: 2020 was a tough year that I will never forget but it reminded me that life is short, and to enjoy every moment like it’s the our last.

2021

They say it has to get worse before it gets better, right!? Then came Winter Storm Uri, better known as the Texas Freeze of 2021. I can honestly say I’ve never been so cold in my life and never want to feel that way ever again.I don’t like to say I hate things because hate is a strong word, but I hate the cold. Temperatures were in the teens, snow lingered for a week, and electricity and water were out for several days. I will never complain about the Texas heat again.

But things did get better! I accepted a position as a Social Media and Marketing Specialist at a prestigious Montessori school. This position helped me grow in several ways, and I even realized I wanted kids…someday. This was a beautiful chapter in my life.
And because I finally got this full-time job, I finally quit my college job at James Avery on July 4th! I worked at JA for four years and am thankful for my time— I learned a lot, made lifelong friends, and it helped me through some tough times. It was the end of an era, but it was time to move on.

One of the most important things to happen that year was Luna. After waiting 14 long years, I finally decided to get another Dalmatian. At the time, I was still living at home and it felt like it was the perfect time to get a dog.
Becoming a dog mom has changed my life and I’m so happy I chose Luna. But I can honestly say I will never get another puppy again — her puppy phase was intense. She destroyed seven beds!

I also traveled a lot more that year! From Florida to Colorado to California— literally across the country! 2021 was a year of travel and reconnecting with several long-lost family members.

Most importantly, this year was a turning point in my life. Although I had a great full-time job, something was missing. I didn’t feel fulfilled in my career and during my time in Colorado, I took a leap of faith.
I applied to jobs in the news industry and before the end of the year, I accepted a job offer! This was one of the best decisions I ever made and it changed my life in 2022.

RECAP: 2021 started rough, but great things happened that helped me grow and helped me prepare for what was next.

2022

Everything CHANGED this year! I accepted a Digital Content Producer position at a news station in Tyler, Texas.
I moved 3.5 hours away from home to write stories for the East Texas community. Luna of course came with me!

As exciting as this new chapter in my life was, it was also terrifying. I was the first in my family to relocate for a job and live on my own in an apartment.

Working alongside professionals in the news industry was eye-opening. I struggled with imposter syndrome for months experienced imposter syndrome— I still couldn’t believe I was finally living my dream.

At CBS19, I found  a second family which help make the transition a bit easier. This was a year of growth in ever area of my life.

Also, my sisters and I visited Disneyland during the Halloween season. This might not seem like a big deal, but for us it was the first time we experienced that holiday together there.

RECAP: Taking a leap of faith led me to a new job, a new place, and friendships that turned into a second family.

2023

This year felt like a step back in many ways.

My mental health took a hit. I wasn’t eating well, working out regularly, or feeling confident in my career. The news industry can be both incredibly difficult and rewarding.

This was the year I learned to set boundaries at work. Without them, I knew I wouldn’t make it.

Halfway through the year, I had to prioritize my health again. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and poor eating habits were affecting my job and my life.

I began seeing a therapist again to help manage everything. I started working out with friends and eating healthier.

Shoutout to Jesus, Dani, Nathan, and Zak — they motivated me to go to the gym more and try workouts I was nervous about. Thanks to Jesus, I even started to like running!

2023 was a year of hard lessons — mainly, learning to put myself first.

Learning this led me to an amazing opportunity in 2024!

RECAP: I learned to prioritize myself first and lean on my friends for support.

2024

Two years flew by and my first contract ended in January.
I was ready for a change — and it came. In March, I accepted a reporter position in Corpus Christi.
Becoming a reporter has been everything I hoped for an more. Every day is different and sometimes challenging, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. (Sorry Zak!)
In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve learned so much thanks to my coworkers. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by amazing professionals who are always willing to help me— and they’re genuinely kind!

Well, now we’re all caught up! Who would’ve thought that so much could happen in four years? Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I can’t wait to accomplish so much more.

When I look back at everything that happened these passed years, I can’t help but to think of how far I’ve come. I’m proud of myself and I can’t wait to accomplish so much more!

And this year marks the 7th anniversary of Love Your Life! Thanks for being part of this journey with me. I’m excited to keep sharing with you all.

Love Always,

Lidia