Hello! I’m Amanda Brockman, creator of Hot Chocolate & Holding Close. I’m a 32-year-old accountant who felt like something was missing in her life, that I wasn’t making enough of a positive impact on the world. That’s where Hot Chocolate & Holding Close comes in.
I’ve created this blog in the hopes of helping others who have had similar struggles to myself as they navigate through difficult times in their life, or even just life in general.
A little bit about me…
As previously mentioned, I’m an accountant, CPA, and MBA. I’ve always been a lifelong learner and love learning new things. I’m also a mother, wife, pet parent (2 cats and a dog), and aspiring writer (currently 2/3 of the way done with my first book). I’ve also always wanted to make a positive difference here on earth and I felt I wasn’t doing much of that.
Here’s a picture of my family. Photo credit: Shana Joseph at Defining78.
About a year ago I started volunteering at a local animal rescue as a way to give back, which I have thoroughly enjoyed, but it still didn’t feel like enough.
Also, about a year ago, I felt like my life was in shambles. My husband decided he wasn’t happy, moved out, and filed for a legal separation. It seriously felt like my entire life was falling apart. I didn’t know where to turn.
Starting the Blog
I’ve always been a researcher, so I took to the internet to try and find help. I looked for help with saving my marriage, coping with a pending legal separation, help with my now sky-rocketed high anxiety, and guidance trying to get my daughter transitioned through this difficult time.
What I found out was there wasn’t much on the web in what I was looking for. Because of that, I decided that creating a blog with the content that I found lacking on the internet was the way to give back.
What you Can Expect on this Blog
- I will walk you through my journey with therapy and getting my anxiety under control, while also coping with a pending legal separation and learning how to handle a husband struggling with the depths of depression
- Guidance through relationships including separation as well as building a stronger relationship, what I did to try and save my relationship, and how we are working through our struggles now
- Blog posts on parenting – both my daughter and my animals
- Posts on home maintenance – the one area that really concerned me after my husband moved out
- Posts on writing, including starting a book and a blog
- Other random lifestyle posts
What’s in the Name?
Hot chocolate happens to be my favorite fall/winter and general year-round comfort type of drink. It brings back delightful memories of younger days spent in coffee houses with friends or doing school work. To me, it means a gathering, an in-depth conversation with a good friend.
Holding close – that can mean something different to everyone. For me, it means holding close to those things in life that are important to me. Mainly for me – family and friends. I’m not one to put too much emphasis on things and items themselves (although I do enjoy a shopping spree every once in a while!). It is more about spending time with those you love and making sure you have no regrets at the end of your life.
Hold close to you, those important facets of life. Pull up a chair, get your favorite beverage, and talk with me as we navigate all that life has to offer – the good at the bad.
I hope you enjoy all that Hot Chocolate & Holding Close has to offer!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Amanda
