As I sit and watch out the window today, I am smiling.  Despite the frigid cold weather and blanket of fresh snow on the ground, I am warm and dry.  The birds are frequenting the feeders.  The dog is resting quietly.  Hubby is happily pushing snow with his four-wheeler.  All is well in my world.

I have had an incredible year.  I have reconnected in person with many of my oldest and dearest friends, pulling Hubby into that crazy circle.  I have pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and tried new things. All of my experiences have filled my mind and my soul.  I struggle to find words that accurately build a picture of what that joy looks like.

This year, I spent time tying flies and fishing.  Those were things that deeply connected me to my dad.  Despite his passing 10 years ago, the emotion I feel from his loss is heavy.  I pushed aside my love of fishing and tying, as I wanted to avoid the deep well of feelings.  I have learned that those feelings will come… and they will pass… and I will survive.  This year, I let them come. 

This year, I traveled.  The epic journey I took with Katie Q in 2016 reminded me that part of me is an explorer. I spent many years pushing aside my desire to wander, using the rationale that to do so was frivolous and I had greater responsibilities at home.  This year, I learned I could responsibly balance both.

This year, I wanted to learn something that pushed me in a different way.  I had been carrying around a violin that was gifted to me by my great-aunt Mary, once belonging to her brother, Leonard (aka “Sykes”).  I had it repaired and lovingly stored it away, vowing that one day, I would learn to play it.  An opportunity for lessons came up in a discussion with one of my wise cousins, and I jumped on it.  This year, although still very much a beginner, I am learning to play the violin!  As a side, I can even play some tunes that others can recognize!

This year, I wanted to grow as a personal trainer.  This role is still new to me as there is so much to know.  I love my time working in a local gym.  I love that I can help others with the knowledge I have gained.  I have been searching for where I fit in the world of health and fitness, now that I no longer work as a nurse.  I have been welcomed into an incredible community of women through Girls Gone Strong (GGS) and I am learning how to better take care of me through their Strongest You Coaching program.  I have earned my place as a Certified Pre and Post-Natal Coach through GGS.  I am a teacher of beginner and intermediate Pilates through Power Pilates.  This year, I am embracing that I AM a great personal trainer.

This year, I wanted to give back to my church community.  My church was looking for some help with social media.  I have been working to assist them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  I am helping to spearhead a project to promote a greater connection with the church through technology using the MyParish App.  This year, not only do I feel a part of my church community, but I feel I am helping it grow.

This year, I realized that my lack of social awareness has been limiting me.  I have been reading the works of people who are making a difference in the world by sharing their knowledge, thus allowing me to be a better member of humankind.  I am currently reading “Stamped From The Beginning: A Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” written by Ibram X. Kendi.  I am learning what the words “privilege” and “racist” mean, and how economics have driven our cultural climate for hundreds of years, and how my life has unknowingly been affected by it all.  This year, I have opened my eyes to the world that exists outside of my small-town country haven and realize I have a responsibility to make the world a better place.

I have had an incredible year.  I have learned that I am an amazing woman, capable of learning and growing my mind and my talents.  I have great joy in my heart and a desire to spread that joy with my words, my connection to others, and just with my smile.

I am looking forward to the New Year with great anticipation.  This year, I have learned I am just getting started!