I wanted to check in with you, as I settle into a new year. This year was the second time I made ZERO New Years resolutions for myself. ZERO. If you know me, you what a planner, plotter and strategizer I am. But there was something that felt liberating in making no plans, no bucket lists, no vision boards. In starting the year without a map, and just going where the wind takes you. I’m officially a woman without direction now setting sail in the direction of pure instinct! I obviously wouldn’t suggest this for everyone. If you have a hard time getting your rear in gear, then this strategy wouldn’t be the path to a successful you in 2015. But if you are a type A, hard working hustler, then I highly suggest loosening the reigns. It turns out, it’s very liberating. Kinda like going out without a bra.

our personal brand is in essence, who you are and what you want to be known for. Think Richard Branson for Virgin, Bill Gates for Microsoft, Steve Jobs for Apple, Ralph Lauren for Polo.

After being in business for a few years, I discovered (the hard way) that I needed a personal brand. When I was doing everything myself, I kinda, sorta knew what I wanted and where I wanted to go with my boutique marketing agency, but what I lacked was a clear brand for me. While I knew what I wanted and who I was, all of that was only in my own head. I couldn’t quite figure out how to convey that into my own personal passion and bring it to life.

I needed to set myself apart from the crowd. Sure, I knew I was fun and little quirky, with non-stop drive, business savvy, resourcefulness, out-of-the-box thinking, and a helpful, can-do attitude. Everyone could see that, and I certainly didn’t need to tell them, right?

Do you hear that sound?

It’s the sound of the home stretch. The approach of the end of a year. Christmas, Hanukkah, holiday season, Nat King Cole and reindeers. BOXING DAY! It’s also the time where I close up the blogging shop for 2 1/2 weeks. Yup, I do. I rest my kepi (that’s Hebrew for head), and come back rested with fresh content in January.

Welcome to the home stretch of 2014. Another year down- CAN YOU BELIEVE? This year was, without a doubt, an interesting year. As has become somewhat of a yearly tradition on WomenOnTheFence.com, for the new and old readers, I recap our year.