Reflecting on 2019: A Transformative Year of Growth and New Directions

As another year draws to a close, it’s impossible not to marvel at how swiftly time flies. It feels like just yesterday we were bracing for Y2K, yet here we are, not only on the cusp of a new year but an entirely new decade. The idea of living through the 2020s, a period that once felt like science fiction, is truly surreal. It’s a moment for profound reflection, taking stock of where we’ve been and anticipating where we’re headed.

For me, 2019 has been a remarkable whirlwind, brimming with significant shifts, unexpected triumphs, and invaluable lessons. While no year is without its challenges—and indeed, there were moments of stress and upheaval—this particular year felt remarkably more stable and less chaotic than 2018. For that sense of calm and progress, I am incredibly grateful. True to tradition since the inception of The Healthy Maven (THM), this post is dedicated to a comprehensive year-in-review, detailing the personal and professional milestones that shaped my journey in 2019.

For those curious to explore the journey through the years, here are links to previous annual reviews:

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

(Apparently, I missed doing one in 2013!)

Major Transformations and Strategic Shifts in 2019

On a personal front, 2019 marked a significant turning point as I celebrated my 30th birthday. While age is merely a number, reaching this new decade presented a powerful opportunity for introspection. It allowed me to reflect on my past experiences, embrace the lessons learned, and consciously choose to shed the thoughts and habits that no longer served my highest good. Frankly, I grew a bit weary of my own self-imposed limitations, and a milestone birthday felt like the perfect catalyst to release that internal “BS” and step into a more authentic, empowered self. This personal liberation has been one of my biggest victories this year.

Professionally, 2019 heralded a period of profound change for The Healthy Maven. There’s a saying that big shifts often occur every seven years, and as THM entered its seventh year, this adage proved remarkably true. In many respects, I found myself returning to the very core mission of this platform: to empower you with valuable resources for cultivating your unique version of health and wellness. In the early days, my personal journey and experiences were a more prominent feature. While my voice and perspective continue to infuse every piece of content I share, I’ve intentionally dialed back the extent of personal life disclosures. As I mature, my desire for privacy grows, and I’ve recognized that sharing every intimate detail of my life isn’t always the most beneficial approach for my audience.

My passion lies in providing actionable guidance—whether it’s helping you select safer, non-toxic candles, discover the best natural mascaras, or effortlessly prepare a healthy and delicious dinner. These are the topics that genuinely resonate and add value to your lives. In contrast, details about my breakfast or weekend hikes, while part of my life, feel increasingly disconnected from that core mission. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and understanding you’ve all shown throughout this evolving process.

Key Professional Adjustments and Innovations in 2019:

Renewed Focus on Blogging: You may have noticed a significant increase in the volume of blog posts on THM. By strategically eliminating aspects of my business that no longer brought me joy or alignment, I rediscovered the profound satisfaction of connecting through written content. It has been incredibly fulfilling to share 5-6 new blog posts each week, hoping to inspire and inform you along the way. Furthermore, a concerted effort has been made to revitalize older, evergreen content. With over 1000 posts in the archive, many were in need of a modern makeover with fresh photos and updated information. This ensures that even “recycled” content remains a relevant, vetted, and valuable resource for you. This strategic approach not only provides fresh content but also enhances the overall quality and SEO performance of the site by making existing content more robust and current.
My Deliberate Break from Instagram: Nearly four months into this “Instagram experiment,” I can honestly say it has been profoundly beneficial. While I anticipate a return to the platform in the near future, there are still some mental and strategic adjustments I’m working through. Stepping away from such a dominant social media channel as a blogger was a considerable risk, but I harbor zero regrets. In fact, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to consider taking a social media detox for their own mental well-being and clarity. It offered a crucial opportunity to step back from the constant comparisons and external validation, allowing for a clearer focus on authentic content creation and personal peace.
Concluding The Podcast Journey: Ending the podcast was arguably the most difficult decision of the year. I gained an immense amount of knowledge and growth, both personally and professionally, from the experience. However, I reached a point where my heart was no longer fully invested. The podcasting and wellness landscape has evolved significantly, and I genuinely questioned whether the podcast was still delivering maximal value to your lives. If it resonated with you, I am incredibly grateful for your listenership. This leads me to a Public Service Announcement: if a podcast (or any free content) has touched you, please take a moment to reach out to the creator, send a note, or write a review. These gestures of appreciation are vital; producing content often feels like speaking into a void, and creator support is often taken for granted. Remember to acknowledge and champion the individuals who invest their time, effort, and resources into creating valuable, free content.
Embracing My Role as a Yoga Instructor: While technically not entirely new to 2019, this year saw me establishing a regular teaching schedule. I absolutely adore guiding my prenatal mamas on Tuesday evenings and stepping in for regular vinyasa classes whenever my schedule permits. The opportunity to teach at my absolute favorite studio in the world – the very place where I completed my teacher training – is a dream come true. I feel incredibly fortunate and dedicated to showing up each week to share the practice. If you’re in the area, I invite you to join me at The Pad Studios! Teaching yoga provides a unique avenue for connection and contributing to the physical and mental well-being of others, further aligning with the core values of THM.

Anticipating 2020: New Adventures and Evolutions

The dawn of 2020 promises even more excitement and significant changes:

A New Home in the Bay Area: The first week of January will see us embarking on a new chapter as we move homes! While we’re staying local within the vibrant Bay Area, Curt and I are transitioning into a house. I’ll admit, the moving process itself is currently a source of considerable stress, but our excitement for more space – particularly a much-desired yard – and the symbolic fresh start of a new decade in a new home outweighs the temporary hassle. Our current apartment has served us incredibly well, and I’ll certainly be sentimental about leaving it, but it’s time for new horizons and upward trajectory!
Further Evolution for The Healthy Maven: For those who tuned into the final podcast episode this week, you’ll have a hint that even bigger shifts are in store for THM. These are all positive developments that I’m not quite ready to reveal, but suffice it to say, it will be a refined iteration of what you already cherish about this platform, meticulously designed to serve you even better. Stay tuned for exciting announcements – the future of THM is bright and focused on maximizing value for our community!

Celebrating Small Wins and Personal Triumphs in 2019

While 2019 brought about monumental changes, it was also a year rich with smaller, equally impactful victories. Many of these are deeply personal, yet their collective effect on my life has been profound, and I am incredibly proud of the progress made.

Conquering My Fear of Driving (Finally!): If you know me, you’re aware that driving has been a lifelong, significant fear. Yes, I possess a driver’s license (and there’s a great story behind how I obtained it, feel free to ask!), but it has always been a major mental block. Living in bustling cities for most of my life meant driving was never a necessity. While San Francisco is certainly navigable without a car, having one significantly enhances ease of movement and affordability. For two years, I relied exclusively on public transit and rideshares, but as destinations became less accessible and rideshare costs soared, I knew it was time for a change. In January, I made it my personal mission to start driving our car regularly. I’m absolutely thrilled to report that I am now much more confident behind the wheel, having systematically worked through many of my deeply ingrained driving anxieties. It’s a testament that overcoming long-standing fears is truly possible! This newfound independence has truly expanded my world.
Bodhi: A Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Dog: It took a full year of dedicated effort, but our beloved Bodhi officially passed his rigorous Animal Assisted Therapy Dog test! After two comprehensive courses, two demanding tests, and a final orientation, we finally achieved this wonderful milestone. We’re excited to begin our volunteering journey in January, bringing comfort and joy to those in need. I couldn’t be prouder of my big, sweet boy and the incredible work he’s now poised to do. This journey with Bodhi has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened our bond.
Taking Control of My Finances: I’ve always been naturally inclined to save and have managed my money responsibly. However, establishing a formal financial structure, navigating 401ks, and delving into investments always felt intimidating and complex. This year, I made it a priority to become financially savvy and truly understand the intricacies of the system. While I still feel I’ve only scratched the surface, we’ve partnered with an incredible financial advisor who has guided us in making smart investment decisions, planning for retirement, and establishing a robust financial foundation. I finally feel like a fully-fledged adult, equipped with the knowledge to make informed financial choices for our future.
Discovering a Dentist I Actually Enjoy Visiting: Believe it or not, this is a colossal win for me! I genuinely detest going to the dentist; it’s an experience I truly loathe. However, this year, I found a new dentist who has been incredibly understanding of my dental anxieties and has transformed the experience entirely. For the first time, I don’t dread my appointments. If you’re in the San Francisco area and share similar dental fears, I wholeheartedly recommend Integrative Dentistry. Finding a healthcare provider who prioritizes patient comfort and understanding makes all the difference.

Adventures and Explorations: Travel Highlights of 2019

Although I may not have shared as many detailed travelogues as in previous years, 2019 was by no means short on adventures. We crisscrossed the country and ventured north for significant life events, attending weddings in New York, Minnesota, and Toronto. We also carved out precious time for family with a trip to Arizona. Closer to home, we made countless escapes to our absolute favorite place in the world, Mendocino, California, and enjoyed numerous rejuvenating weekend trips to Sonoma. For my birthday, I even embarked on a whirlwind journey to Las Vegas to see Lady Gaga live – a truly unforgettable experience!

One of the most special trips of the year, which I didn’t widely discuss at the time, was a restorative 5-day solo retreat to Miraval Austin for my 30th birthday. It was a profound act of self-care and undoubtedly one of the best trips of my life, offering deep relaxation and introspection.

On the blog, I was delighted to share some travel guides designed to inspire your own explorations:

Our US Southwest Road Trip (covering the stunning landscapes of Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona)
Cariboo Gold Rush Trail Travel Guide (exploring the historical beauty of British Columbia, Canada)
Pacific City, Oregon (a charming coastal escape)

Looking ahead, 2020 already promises a busy travel schedule with several more weddings on the horizon and a highly anticipated, bucket-list trip to New Zealand in March. I absolutely cannot wait to share more details about these upcoming adventures with you soon!

My Favorite Content from 2019: Wellness and Culinary Delights

Each year, selecting my favorite posts proves to be a delightful challenge, and 2019 was by far the most difficult. This year brought a tremendous volume and diversity of content, making the task of narrowing it down particularly tough. However, upon reflection, these are the articles and recipes that genuinely resonated with me and have left a lasting impression:

Wellness Insights and Clean Living

All the Clean Beauty 5×5 series posts, culminating in my comprehensive Best of Clean Beauty 2019 recap, which empowered readers to make informed choices.
The exciting announcement of The Green Beauty Shop!, a curated resource to simplify conscious beauty choices.
A deep dive into What is Sustainable Clothing + My Favorite Sustainable Clothing Brands, promoting ethical and eco-conscious fashion.
A comparative guide: Gua Sha vs. Jade Rolling: What are they and how do they compare?, offering insights into ancient beauty practices.
Essential advice on How to Find a Therapist that is the right fit for you?, emphasizing the importance of mental health support.
My personal experience: I Switched to a Menstrual Cup – here’s why!, detailing benefits for both health and environment.
Practical tips for How to Style Curly Hair with Natural Products, celebrating natural beauty.
My extensive review: The Best Natural Deodorants [I tried 20+!], a comprehensive guide to safer personal care.

Delicious and Nourishing Recipes

The uniquely flavorful Tahini Date + Cinnamon Smoothie, a perfect blend of sweet and savory.
A wholesome twist on a classic: Healthy Kimchi Fried Rice, packed with probiotics and flavor.
The surprisingly delightful Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Chickpeas + Creamy Herb Sauce, an innovative vegetable dish.
A seasonal indulgence: Pumpkin Spice Blondies, perfect for fall cravings.
A treat for all: Double Chocolate Cookies [Grain-Free], satisfying without gluten.
Energetic and nutritious: Matcha Protein Bars, ideal for a healthy snack.
A comforting and hearty meal: Warm Lentil + Sweet Potato Salad, nourishing and full of flavor.

So there you have it – a comprehensive look back at a truly transformative year. Given all the exciting changes slated for 2020, I have a strong feeling it will be equally, if not even more, exhilarating. As is customary, this will be the final post of the year, allowing my team and me a much-deserved break over the holidays. May the coming year inspire you to face your fears, embrace change with an open heart, and take deep, calming breaths through it all. I look forward to reconnecting with you in 2020!

THM 2019: The Year’s Final Chapter