2016: A Year In Review

When I read my previous year reviews (published and unpublished) I see a theme of conquering adversity - determination to win despite the odds - and hope. This year was no different.

My 3 words for 2016 were PATIENCE. ABUNDANCE. STRENGTH

It’s been a year for the record books. The Struggles were real. There was heartache. There was a lot of healing to be done. Addiction reared its ugly head and bad choices were made. I fell in and out of a successful mindset. I was crippled by my own self doubt but confident in equal measures. I had many book worthy experiences but ultimately felt unfulfilled and empty  throughout a fair portion of the year.

There were days where I felt very low and a few where I wanted to be swallowed up by the earth. Those were the days I reached out to people,  and was reminded that I am surrounded by love. I was patient with myself and others mostly.  A lesson I truly learnt this year.

I gained strength in and out of the gym.

I believed in the abundant nature of the universe and she delivered. I am sure my close friends appreciated hearing at times about all the abundance I was getting! ;)

It’s true - this year has been hard. Maybe they are all hard in a way - but full of greatness too?

Looking back through my phone I am reminded of so many experiences and things that make me smile. 2016 was hella good too.

I loved Walking Lotus in the mountains. Waking in the night to my youngest crawling into bed wanting a snuggle. Watching the boys learn to play hockey. Beach trip. Hikes. New tattoos. Coffee dates at Chapters. Sledding. Swimming. Tennis. Watching Lotus watch me work out. Evenings chatting on the couch. Dancing. Night drives. Finding mushroom forest. Seeing old friends. Meeting new ones. conquering a box jump. Reading bed time stories. Setting PR's in my deadlift and bench press. Visits from out of town friends and conversations with new ones.  And throughout the year I worked on my patience, abundance and strength.

Because 2016 for what little charm it had at times, is over, and it’s time to face 2017 with the same level of optimism as I do every other year! 

My 3 words for 2017 are CONNECT. CONSISTENT. FINISH

CONNECT
To those around me. To the ones I love. To nature. To peaceful places. To source. To myself. This is about meaningfulness and authenticity. It is about continuing to be vulnerable and listening with both ears. This is about building relationships. This is about connecting with people who need me.

CONSISTENT
Self Care. Eating. Training. Learning. This means carving out time and sticking to the plan.

FINISH
What I start. Tasks. Writing. Chores. Every set in good form. I want to focus on one thing at a time. Multitasking is counterproductive. I have many “open” projects and they need to be finished so I can move forward.

 
To the people I love, and surely you will know who you are… (but message me if you’re unsure)
I thank you. You have given me hope when I felt lost this year. You have helped bring joy in multiple ways. When I’ve broken down, you’ve rescued me. When I have been about to make a poor choice, you’ve told me not to. You have come for walks with me & the old girl, Lotus.. You have helped me avoid people at Costco (long story, another time?) You have passed down clothes for my boys. You have given me your time and you have listened. You have enriched my life. Thank you.

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