Reflecting on 2017: A Year of Profound Growth, Achievements, and Lessons Learned for an Empowered 2018
Happy New Year, cherished friends! As we step into another promising year, I’m thrilled to bring you back into the “Out of the Kitchen” (OOTK) series. This installment is particularly special as we embark on a journey of deep reflection on the remarkable year that was 2017, and set our sights with great anticipation on the year 2018 that lies ahead. It’s a moment to pause, appreciate the journey, and consciously shape our path forward.
When I consider 2017, one word unequivocally encapsulates its essence for me: growth. It wasn’t just a year of minor adjustments; it felt like a period of accelerated personal and professional development unlike any other in my life. The past twelve months were a rich tapestry woven with positively challenging experiences, the thrill of new ventures, an incredible amount of business travel that expanded my horizons, and certainly, the sweet taste of achieving significant success across various fronts. So many pivotal moments defined my journey last year that I realized the most effective way to share them with you would be through a concise listicle, offering you a clear, immediate snapshot of this transformative period.
I firmly believe that true progress forward is inextricably linked to a proper reflection on the past. It’s a practice that allows us to consolidate our learning and appreciate our journey. I was particularly inspired by a thoughtful post Julia wrote about reflecting on a full year, and I’ve consciously adapted one of her invaluable steps here. It’s remarkably easy to let the amazing achievements and memorable moments of a year fade from memory amidst the daily hustle. Therefore, consciously documenting them, whether through writing or journaling, becomes a powerful tool. I discovered that separating my business accomplishments from my personal growth shifts provided immense clarity. Equally important was listing the challenges I encountered – those aspects that didn’t go as planned – creating a roadmap for future adjustments and improvements.
Top 5 Business Accomplishments I Am Most Proud Of in 2017
- Featured in Essence’s Print Magazine: A Dream Realized
This accomplishment was an absolute joy and a moment of profound validation! When Essence initially reached out to feature me, I was already ecstatic. But discovering it would be in their prestigious print issue? That news nearly made me leap with excitement! My best friend, being the amazing supporter she is, promptly bought four copies for me (a lovely gesture, haha), and they now sit proudly displayed on my office shelf. It was a tangible moment that solidified the realization: the work I’m doing is not only important but also recognized on a significant platform. It truly was an honor. - Speaking at the National Conference on Girls’ Education: Inspiring the Next Generation
This experience was deeply moving, to the point where I actually shed tears of joy and gratitude upon returning home. Standing before a room filled with hundreds of vibrant Jamaican high school girls, witnessing their complete enthrallment with our professions and journeys, was an incredible honor. It was a powerful reminder that the youth genuinely hold the key to our future. Honestly, this moment stands out as perhaps one of the most profoundly proud achievements of my entire life. The opportunity to maintain contact with several of these girls afterward, many of whom are already budding entrepreneurs, has been equally rewarding. I also had the pleasure of meeting Godiva, whose spirit is truly amazing! This connection to the next generation of leaders was simply priceless. - Successfully Wrote and Launched an Ebook: “It’s That Easy”
Last year, I accomplished a long-held dream: I wrote a book! Titled “It’s That Easy: your easy, step-by-step guide for switching to a healthier, meatless lifestyle you’ll love”, this ebook was more than just a writing project; it was a profound learning experience. It taught me a multitude of lessons that I simply couldn’t have gained otherwise, particularly about commitment and perseverance. Sticking with a passion project from its nascent stages all the way to completion, and seeing it culminate in such a rewarding outcome, is a journey I plan to share in a separate post – so keep an eye out for that! For now, the most significant lesson I gleaned was the critical importance of pushing perfectionism aside and simply committing to *finish*. When I *finally* completed this project, I felt like I could have slept for an entire day! It was immensely rewarding, and without a doubt, an experience I would embrace again. - Jessica in the Kitchen Underwent a Stunning Website Transformation & Brand Refresh
For those new to Jessica in the Kitchen, last year marked its most significant transformation since its inception. On my 3rd blog anniversary, August 8, 2017, the site received an insane facelift! Being several hours ahead in London, I anxiously awaited the moment of the actual switch-over, and my excitement was palpable when it finally happened. Investing in such a comprehensive website overhaul – including a new design, a logo redesign, and a complete brand refresh – proved to be the single best investment I made all year. It was unequivocally worth every effort and resource. This transformation profoundly changed how I perceived my own brand, instilling a renewed sense of pride and direction, and it was clear that others also saw it in a new light. Being referred to as a “recipe maven” after the refresh was just icing on the cake! - Nominated as a Top 3 Finalist for a Best Original Photography Award: A Creative Validation
This was a wonderful surprise and an incredible honor! While I’ll be dedicating a separate post to this achievement, I must share how meaningful this recognition was. I’ve always held a deep passion for photography, and to receive this nomination, making me a top 3 finalist, truly confirmed that it is indeed one of my greatest skills. It served to effectively banish a lot of the self-doubt I often associated with my photographic abilities. The anticipation for the awards ceremony is building, and I cannot wait to share all the details with you!
Top 5 Personal Growth Changes That Transformed My 2017
- Consistent Meditation Practice: A Catalyst for Clarity and Calm
One of the most impactful changes I made in 2017 was committing to a consistent meditation practice. I initially began using Headspace in January of that year, and since then, it has fundamentally transformed my entire life and mindset. Meditation has been instrumental in helping me perceive situations with much greater clarity, enabling me to detach myself from unhelpful or damaging thoughts, and has profoundly contributed to making me a happier, more centered individual overall. I wholeheartedly recommend trying it – it could be a game-changer for you too! - Launched the “Out of the Kitchen” (OOTK) Series: Sharing My Journey Beyond Recipes
While this initiative certainly has business implications, the inception of the Out of the Kitchen Series was primarily a personal venture for me. It evolved organically from simply sharing my thoughts and personal reflections into a beloved series that many of you have frequently requested more of! I’m delighted to announce that I plan to publish more of these OOTK posts on several Sundays each month in the coming year. It has become a truly fun and fulfilling platform for me to openly share my journey, discuss the challenges I face, and offer solutions with you, my wonderful community. Thank you for your incredible feedback and engagement! - Deepening My Spiritual Journey: Cultivating Inner Peace and Trust
Oh, the profound change this made! My spiritual deepening was a multifaceted journey throughout 2017. It encompassed everything from consistent morning meditations and extended yoga sessions to actively asking for signs and transforming prayers into deep, heartfelt conversations with God. Journaling became a sacred practice, and I cultivated a simple, yet profound, trust in the Universe. These practices, individually and collectively, made an undeniable difference in my life. Beyond literally changing my life for the better, they empowered me to approach challenging situations with a newfound sense of calm, to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, and to constantly remember that I am never truly alone in my journey. - Immersing Myself in Self-Help Literature and Podcasts: Expanding My Self-Awareness
The term “self-help” can sometimes carry a negative connotation, but I’ve always viewed these types of books and podcasts as invaluable resources that help you explore deeper into your self. Throughout 2017, I made it a point to read and listen to a significant amount of such content. I’ll be sharing a dedicated list of my favorites in a separate post later this month, as I don’t want to overwhelm this comprehensive reflection. However, I wholeheartedly recommend the practice of reading at least one self-help book a month. This consistent engagement with personal development content helped me become significantly more aware of myself, my thought patterns, the influences I allow into my life, and the true extent of my capabilities. - A Qualitative Shift in My Mindset Regarding My Capabilities: Believing in My Own Power
While I’ve always possessed a degree of self-belief, 2017 presented me with situations that demanded I truly *dig deep* and believe in myself, irrespective of external opinions. Navigating difficult decisions and embracing new challenges necessitated an unwavering faith in my own abilities. Focusing on my spiritual connection with God, internalizing the truth that “I am enough,” and actively listing my own accomplishments were all instrumental in fostering this robust self-belief. Furthermore, speaking at three different seminars, summits, and meetups this year contributed immensely to this transformation. Knowing that people were genuinely interested in what I had to say reinforced the understanding that I am doing important work, and that my ability to help others is directly tied to my belief in myself. Being able to confidently articulate this feeling is truly amazing and liberating.
Top 3 Challenges I Faced in 2017 and How I Plan to Overcome Them
Just as there are no beautiful flowers without a nourishing rain, my year of growth was accompanied by its share of challenges. I experienced a lot last year, and while I’m not aiming for an unrealistic perfection to *fix* everything, I now possess invaluable insights into how I can proactively prevent or better navigate these issues in the future.
1. Battling Self-Doubt: The Unseen Adversary of Growth
Ugh, self-doubt. With every significant step forward in growth, an inexplicable, often overwhelming, wave of fear and self-doubt seemed to accompany it. This was a battle I wrestled with for several months. While it seems to be gradually subsiding, I’ve discovered a critical strategy to combat it: I *must* begin my day with meditation. This practice grounds me and sets a positive tone, effectively mitigating the insidious creeping of self-doubt.
2. Navigating Burnout: The Cost of Pushing Too Hard
During the summer holidays in August, my partner and I embarked on a trip to London. While it was undoubtedly a fun experience, it was far from a true vacation. Every evening, I was either diligently working on the site redesign or meticulously finalizing my ebook. Then, September brought the exciting launch of the book, which immediately transitioned into Quarter 4 – historically my busiest period of the year. Needless to say, the cumulative effect of these intense periods meant that burnout hit me incredibly hard during the latter part of the year. To proactively combat this in the future, I plan to strategically outsource more tasks and, crucially, to *stop* working seven days a week. Establishing healthier boundaries is paramount.
3. Confronting the Perfectionism Complex: A Disguise for Procrastination
A truly profound insight I gained from one of the enlightening books I read was the revelation that perfectionism is often just a beautifully worded disguise for procrastination. I spent a considerable amount of time last year holding back, telling myself, “Don’t publish that/don’t do that yet because you aren’t ready.” Fortunately, I now know better. I am acutely aware of this tendency within myself, and recognizing perfectionism for what it truly is – a form of procrastination – has been incredibly helpful in moving past it and taking action.
Top 5 Life-Changing Lessons Learned in 2017
- The Only Obstacle in Your Path Is You.
Upon deep introspection, I came to a profound realization: in almost every situation where I felt held back or constrained, it was ultimately my own limiting beliefs that were the true barriers. When I truly took an honest look, it became clear that external circumstances often served as mirrors for internal resistance. Shifting this perspective was incredibly liberating. - Nothing Great Ever Happened in the Comfort Zone.
While I can’t precisely recall who originally coined this incredibly true statement, its wisdom resonated deeply with me. Stepping out of my comfort zone, even when it felt daunting, was directly correlated with every significant achievement and moment of growth I experienced in 2017. It’s a powerful reminder that true transformation lies beyond familiar boundaries. - Don’t Hesitate to Ask for a Sign.
This invaluable gem comes straight from Gabby Bernstein’s transformative book, The Universe Has Your Back. It served as a powerful reminder that *when*, not if, you find yourself in need of guidance or assistance, you must ask for it. Do so clearly and honestly, then cultivate the unwavering belief that you will indeed receive it. This practice has not once proved me wrong; the Universe consistently delivers. - When You Think You’ve Surrendered, Surrender More.
Another profound lesson directly from Gabby Bernstein, this reminder was absolutely pivotal in alleviating immense pressure I too often placed on my own shoulders. The act of surrendering and truly letting go allowed me to relax profoundly, refocus my energy, and cultivate an unwavering trust in God and the Universe to support me. It instigated such a significant mind shift that I know I can never revert to the anxious state everything used to evoke in me. This newfound peace is a gift. - Surround Yourself Exclusively with People Who Love and Support Your Core Being.
WOW! This was not an easy lesson to implement initially, as it required difficult decisions and setting boundaries. However, after witnessing the dramatically positive shift in my life, I am eternally grateful for making this change. It became unequivocally clear: you simply cannot truly grow and thrive if you are surrounded by individuals who consciously or unconsciously hold you back, harbor jealousy, or genuinely dislike you. Toxic friendships and relationships serve no beneficial purpose. As scary as this realization and the subsequent actions were for me, cultivating a core group of truly supportive individuals around me has led me to fully realize all that I am capable of achieving, and, most importantly, to deeply understand that I am genuinely loved. This foundational support system is irreplaceable.
Books that Changed My Life in 2017
I’m excited to dedicate a whole separate post to this topic, diving deeper into the specific books that made a profound impact on my journey in 2017. Be sure to look out for that coming this month!
2018 Thoughts, My Word of the Year, and Empowering Intentions
And so, we arrive at 2018! I’m not one for rigid New Year’s resolutions; instead, I much prefer to channel positive thoughts and set clear intentions for the year ahead. My overriding thought is one of deep anticipation and excitement for all that 2018 has to offer. I already have several thrilling projects on the horizon, alongside a wealth of fresh ideas brewing for Jessica in the Kitchen. My chosen word of the year is DARE. As I shared in my Instagram post, this word didn’t feel chosen by me; it definitely *chose* me. I am eagerly looking forward to embracing this powerful word in every facet of my life, eager to see what incredible experiences and transformations it has in store for me.
With regards to my intentions for 2018, I commit to:
I intend to cultivate a profound focus on self-love this year, ensuring I care for myself properly and holistically. This means prioritizing adequate sleep, nourishing my body with proper nutrition, and consciously surrounding myself with love and positive energy.
I intend to practice kindness, both towards myself in moments of challenge and towards others, extending compassion and understanding.
I intend to truly be DARING, to embrace courage in stepping out of my comfort zone, to stand up for what I believe in, and to confidently stand out in my unique contributions to the world.
How was your 2017, my dear friends? I’d be absolutely delighted to hear about your reflections, achievements, and lessons learned. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below, or even reach out via email! I’m sending you all my warmest wishes for the most phenomenal year yet in 2018!