When I look back on 2016, a lot has happened. Much has baffled and disappointed me. But I've learned a lot and met some fantastic people along the way. Today's podcast is a review of this past year's Style Stories and the lessons that I learned from each.

#1 Prolific creativity is often the result of a youthful spirit.

from Kelly Christine Sutton

Sidenote on Kelly... This past year, she and her husband took what I'm now going to call a "leap of youthfulness" and purged the majority of their belongings in order to downsize into a mobile tiny house. It's pretty cool and definitely in line with this first Style Story lesson. Get the full scoop HERE.

Read Kelly's Style Story. Listen to Kelly's podcast episode.

#2 Powerful impact starts in our own backyard.

from Carly Burson

Carly's company Tribe Alive, offers sustainable economic options for women in poverty in developing countries.

Read Carly's Style Story. Listen to Carly's podcast episode.

#3 Do the work. Trust the path. The dots will connect eventually.

from Jamie Ditto & Allie Hill

Read Jamie and Allie's Style Story. Listen to Jamie and Allie's podcast episode.

#4 Confidence is a work in progress... Like anything.

from Kristi Drayovitch

Read Kristi's Style Story. Listen to Kristi's podcast episode.

#5 Hard work and kindness, practiced daily, have lifetime effects.

from Elaine and Christopher Moock

Seaminx, the artist management agency that represents my work as a prop stylist, is going into their 18th year of business. Turns out, the strategy for success doesn't have to be overly complicated or exceptionally original. #bekindworkhard

Read Elaine and Christopher's Style Story and interview.

#6 Successful artistry is deeply rooted in working with what you've got.

from Gina Bender

Read Gina's Style Story. Listen to Gina's podcast episode.

#7 Find your tribe... In real life. Take note. Be encouraged.

from Arianna Jones

Read Arianna's Style Story. Listen to Arianna's podcast episode.

In closing, a poem shared by my in-real-life acquaintance, Emily Paben, creative director of Magnolia Home.

"the year is done. i spread the past 365 days before me on the living room carpet. point to the one where i decided to shed everything not deeply committed to my dreams. refused to be a victim to self-pity. here is the week i slept in the garden. in the spring i wrung the self-doubt by its neck. hung your kindness up. took down the calendar. danced so hard my heart learned to float above water again. in the summer i unscrewed all the mirrors from their walls. no longer needed to see myself to feel seen. combed their weight out of my hair. i fold the good days up and place them in my back pocket for safekeeping. draw the match. cremate the unnecessary. the light of the fire warms my toes. i pour myself a glass of hot water to cleanse myself for january. here i go. stronger and wiser into the new."

The Year is Done by Rupi Kaur