Reflections on 2016

Hello dear friends,

It’s been a little while since I’ve written. So long that I don’t even remember the last time that I was here speaking with you all. To be completely honest, I didn’t know whether I would ever come back. But this blog is a big part of how I work to be my authentic self in the world, so I thought it was important to start writing again, even if my writing isn’t as often or is harder for me to do.

I have taken some time away to hibernate and heal after an enormous upheaval in my personal life that happened at the end of the summer. Now I understand why so many animals hibernate through the winter, resting and healing and conserving their energy through the harsh weather. I have weathered a roller coaster of emotions and tough changes by doing just that (or my version at least). And though I didn’t believe it at the time, I now feel like I am going to be okay.

Just like a bear after a long winter’s nap, I am emerging happier, healthier, and more refreshed. I am ready to slowly come back out into the open. To write again to you all about how I’m feeling and how I work every day to live as natural and authentic a life as I possibly can.

For a while now I felt like I’d gone a little off course. Like a ship that’s pointed slightly in the wrong direction because the compass isn’t calibrated correctly. I have worked to center myself again and get back to the “me” that I want to be in this world by starting with the basics. For me this is quality time alone, sleeping like it’s nobody’s business, yoga, meditation and building a solid spiritual practice, cooking and trying new recipes, journaling and reflecting, and reconnecting with those that mean the most to me in my life with renewed intention.

My passion for health and fitness has been dulled a little by the pain. It is hard for me to come back and write here and I can feel that I still have emotions and feelings to work through. As it has before, I know my writing will help me with that. As always, I will strive to be authentic and real. We’ve all got our own journeys and I’m here to share mine in hopes that it may help you in some way with yours.

I did a reflection exercise recently from my friend D over at Be You and Thrive. It was a great way for me to look back on my year. To think about the highs and lows, what I have learned, what I would do differently, and what I am proud of. Through reflection we can learn what works for us and what doesn’t. What choices we can make going forward to live the lives that we want to live. It also helps us appreciate what we have and live with greater intention. If this is something you think you would like to do, I encourage you to head on over to Be You and Thrive and check it out.

One of the questions in this reflection is what advice I would give to others from what I have learned this past year. I came up with 10 that I wanted to share with you here:

• Listen to your body, it always know what’s best for you
• Don’t stay in a relationship just because you are afraid of being alone
• A good night’s sleep makes all the difference (don’t compromise on your sleep)
• Taking breaks from technology is really freeing
• Your worth isn’t determined by how many likes you get on social media
• Feed your body real food (this isn’t really a new one for me but is so important I had to include)
• Stand up for what you believe in and don’t be scared to speak your truth
• Hold you head up high, smile, and look people in the eye
• Batch cooking on Sundays is the answer to eating healthy during the week
• Always choose love, no matter what (especially while in traffic)

I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. See you soon in the new year.

 

Photo credit:  Image courtesy of Davide D’Amico on flickr