2016 may have had its heart aches and troubles. I myself and so many of others have commented that it was a TOUGH year and we are ready for a clean slate.
How funny it is that we feel year end represents a time for cleaning the slate and starting over when that can happen any day of the year. But the end of the year is a wonderful time to reflect back on your life, where you have been, what you have accomplished, and where are you going. We all should do this in our lives and perhaps more often than once a year.
But today I want to share my journey.
2016 has been tough in many ways. Relationship struggles persist, financial burdens have been more...well, burdensome, and so many around me seem to be battling huge health and life battles and I would by lying if I didn't say it didn't weigh heavily on me at times. I have often said I have way too much empathy for my own good and that means I can take on the pain of others and feel it in what I thought was way too deeply at times.
I was wrong. My empathy is a gift from God. I see that now and I see that me feeling the pain of others and the world around me was completely aligned with my power word....mercy. I was seeing so much through God's eyes as I worked to be more merciful to others and myself. I wouldn't change that for anything!
And even my financial struggles have yielded beautiful results. God works in amazing ways! It was one reason I stepped out of my comfort zone of normal operations and became a Beachbody coach. I would be lying again if I said this was easy as pie but I am working my butt off in more than one way as I strive to chip away at the family debt and secure a brighter future for own family....and perhaps a wonderful retirement day for dear hubby. So....forgive the shameless plug in here but if you love Beachbody, or want to try it, or just want to support a friend, please consider me as your coach. I promise to be by your side every step of the way in just the way you need support. You can email me today to learn more.
Sorry for digressing. I didn't mean for this to be a sales pitch but a year in review post but that brings me to another achievement for 2016. I found my voice. Funny thing from a gal who has been blogging for years! But I found my voice in a new way. Through my workouts and personal development, I am growing in confidence so I will say, I would be the perfect coach for you! I am Catholic! I love God! I am pro life!
I even had the blessing to speak at a pro life rally on O'ahu this past October! That was so scary and amazing all rolled up in one! I am also working with the Respect Life committee on Maui for a walk and event happening this coming January. It is so fun to be involved with others working towards a cause. Meeting new people. Talking. Reaching out. Being involved. And darling daughter gets to join me every step of the way!
She is my champion, my saving grace, my hero. I thank God for her each and every day and life with her is getting quite exciting as her personality bubbles out. She is also becoming my business photographer and videographer so when you work with me, you work with her too! I love it!
2016 has had many blessings such as experiencing my first cruise with darling daughter, my sisters, nieces, nephew, and mom courtesy of my amazing mom! It was a blast and I am forever thankful for that experience in my life.
2016 also had me realizing my 5 year streakiversary...just yesterday! 5 years of running at least one mile a day. Phew! But it is way cool to know I have moved from Neophyte to Proficient on the USRSA Active Running Streak Log.But 2016 wasn't all fun and games as I struggled with motivation while the darkness of depression and anxiety tried to take hold here and there. The past few months have been tough but I am persevering as I find joy in workouts going beyond my daily run. I would not give up my run for a million years but recently I am loving running less with runs focused on prayer and working hard in my cross training workouts.
I have goals and dreams for 2017. I want to continue to grow in love, faith, and charity towards others. I want to improve my vision in seeing others through God's eyes, especially my husband. He really is a gem and I need to see that more each day and less of the little aggravations in life. My way isn't always the best way but when you have a little obsession with order and cleanliness, life's messes can well....bug you. I need to work on that.
I want to try a new workout each week and I have the tips and tools to do just that. I am beyond excited to do at least 52 brand new workouts in 2017 and I got this with one fee. If you want to learn more, email me as this offer will be ending soon but trust me, it rocks.
I will run every single day in 2016 but I am contemplating moving my daily minimum from 1 mile to 1.5 miles. I will complete my virtual run from Maui to Nebraska in January and I will complete my virtual run from England to Scotland by the end of 2017, God willing.
I have pulled out of racing right now but I do hope the desire buds again by the end of the year and I just may run my 11th marathon. Right now, others things are pressing deeper on my heart than toeing a race line. I want to help others including my family. I want to follow God's will and do His work.
I do not know where 2017 will take me but I am powered by my word FORTITUDE to carry me through. I am sure there will be bumps in the road and changing paths but hey, that is what keeps life interesting.
Happy New Year and God bless!
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for waking up today.Daily Bible Verse: I will sing to the one I love a song about his vineyard; My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. ~ Isaiah 5:1
