If I could describe 2013 in one word, I would say it was purposeful! I realized going into the year that this would be monumental, but it was just the beginning. I had four main goals this year: 1) expand my blog, 2) build my network, 3) switch careers and 4) find a church. I can truly say I was able to experience each of those goals this year!
Always PHREA is my breath of fresh air!
I love where my blog is and where it is going. On May 29, I
went on a quest to begin interviewing young leaders or individuals who are
making a difference in the lives of others. The PHREAdom Leaders took off with
my soror Jessica Ross, who is a multiple sclerosis survivor. I wasn’t sure what
to expect from my readers, but I knew that because of my work and belief in giving
back I needed to feature individuals who shared a common value. Needless to
say, I finished this year with 10 PHREAdom Leaders! I truly have to thank those
leaders who gave me the opportunity to share their story. They were: Ross,
Shantelle Igiozee, Ashley Nash, Alton J. Murray, John Harris III, Curtis Walls,
Brittany Yates, Ashley Gonzalez, Daniel D. and Austin Smith.
Last year, I blogged 8 times. However, this year I blogged
22 times!! I wanted to expand my blog to offer more, and I was able to do just
that! I’m really excited to see where Always PHREA and I go next year! I’m
continuing to discover the endless possibilities and Bee PHREA!
Network makes the Dream Work
I can honestly say that I’ve always been a relatively shy
woman. I didn’t socialize much with people outside of my normal circle.
However, I considered it a challenge to build my network. I was very
apprehensive, but I knew it was necessary. I started attending different events
on my own. I joined two groups (the #GOALDiggers Project and Bloggers Like Me)
on Facebook, which has definitely helped me to grow as a writer, blogger and
businesswoman. Next year, I want to network more and meet new people.
One Door Closes
In September, I received word that my company was closing
the Charlotte office. I could say that I was upset, but I really wasn’t. I was
trying to find a way to leave there, but I am such a loyal worker that I didn’t
know how to do so. Isn’t it funny how God works? He knew the only way I would
leave to find something better for me is by forcing me out. I spent 60 days job
searching and went on six different job interviews. I was determined to not be
jobless when I left there, and I wasn’t. I received my job offer the day before
my last day at my old job. I am so thankful because I found a career. I love
every bit of this new opportunity. It’s truly a perfect combination of Crystal –
the server, the writer and the educator.
Spiritual Feeding
There’s something about a spiritual feeding that just does
your body good! I’ve been in Charlotte for the almost four years now, and I can
finally say that I’ve found a church that fits me perfectly.
I was searching for purpose this year, and I believe I’ve found
it in different ways. I can’t wait for 2014 to arrive so that I can make more
moves because the best is yet to come. #BeePHREA
<3 Starkey
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