November 30th, 2016. I woke up this morning in a bit of shock realizing there’s only one more month before we’ll be celebrating another new year. I keep wondering where the time has gone. Every year seems to pass by a little faster than the one before. Last night we decorated our Christmas tree, and I felt nostalgic as I watched my baby girl placing ornaments ever so carefully on the branches she could reach. Wasn’t it just yesterday I was pregnant with her? It sure feels like it, but that was three years ago, and so much has changed since then.
This is always the time of year when I reflect on the past 12 months and past years – the good, the bad, the ugly – the highs, the lows and the in-betweens – the smiles, the laughs and the tears. But the truth is, I’ve sorta been reflecting on 2016 for the past six months. In fact, since July I feel like I’ve desperately been trying to hold onto this year, afraid to let it go as I’ve watched it quickly breakaway from my grasp and slip through my fingers.
In one month I’ll be turning the page to what is ultimately a new chapter in my life. Admittedly, I always go into every new year a little hesitant, hoping for continued health, happiness and success. The uncertainty of what the future holds intimidates me. With that said, I try to keep a positive mind, and instead of setting resolutions, I set goals.
In January I sat down and typed out my list of goals for the year. It was the first time I actually put it in writing. I created a spreadsheet with six categories – family, blog, fitness, marriage, running and personal, and under each category I wrote 3 to 5 goals. Some were small and simple while others were definitely more of a stretch. I wanted to obtain a few new fitness certifications, I wanted to run more miles and races, I wanted to feel more present while spending time with my family… The list goes on but I won’t bore you all with each one. By July I was on cloud 9 at how much I had knocked off my list, and at the end of November I can officially say I’m ecstatic as I crushed my list and then some.
But as I started to type every highlight of 2016, I stopped myself, backtracked and deleted the entire paragraph. I decided I don’t need to explain or justify everything I’m proud of this year like I have in the past. One of the things I’m discovering is that as social as I am, I don’t need to share every aspect of my life. The victories and triumphs, the trials and tribulations, my raw authentic creativity and ideas – I’m learning some of these things are better left for myself and my close knit circle of family and friends, and that perhaps I should limit the amount I share, or better yet, who I share it with.
What I will include, is that as I glance back on this year I feel proud of myself and at ease with who I am as an individual, as a wife, as a mother, as a friend and as a fitness professional. Balancing life isn’t always easy, but I’ve come to learn the act of balancing is always changing because life is always changing. One thing I’m absolutely sure of is that nothing is worth compromising my family or my happiness for. There’s not a single day that goes by that I don’t recognize and give thanks for just how lucky I am. Life is short, and in a single second it can completely change. So even on the challenging days where I’m pulling my hair out I always remind myself, “You’re blessed! Embrace all the crazy with all the beauty!”
2016 has been chock-full of accomplishments, proud moments, incredible memories and happiness. I have so much gratitude for all that has been – gratitude that I will take with me as I put my best foot forward and step into 2017.
Here’s wishing all my fellow friends, family, followers and true supporters love, light and positive vibes for a very happy and healthy holiday season.