A Year in Review

2015 is ending, and 2016 will be beginning. A new year just like that. Does anyone ever find the years are going by so quickly? It’s as if time is speeding up, and our culture is moving even faster almost as if it’s trying to keep. I always love to reflect on my year. Going over goals I had set for myself, and even for this blog.

Seeing what goals I have accomplished and others that I didn’t even remember making or fell short of achieving. As a goal oriented individual, goals and lists are important to me. They are my thing. I make lists like crazy, and my husband always say I have a plan for a plan and a list for a list. It’s so true. It helps me stay organized, and makes me feel more accomplished when I can check items off of my list.

Especially as a stay-at-home mom, when it’s hard feeling accomplished or like we do anything at all (even though we most certainly do). So having a list to check off for the day, weather mentally, on traditional note pad with a pen, or on my phone, means the world. Going over the year, I found some questions to ask myself and others, just to assess how our year went. Answering these questions helps us move forward into the year 2016 more confidently, and with a new perspective on things.

Every year I learn what is most important, and I am learning to be more intentional in all areas of my life. Being more kingdom minded. Our life on this Earth is short, and so how I live it is important to me. I want everything I do here on Earth to be done for the Kingdom (Heaven). My rewards are in Heaven, where they are everlasting, not on Earth where they don’t last.  For me this puts a lot in to perspective.

So with that here’s a look into my year in review through a Q&A session:

What did you do this year that you have never done before? – I passed the boards for nutrition and gained a Masters degree. That was huge for me!! I also ran many races pushing a stroller and actually enjoyed them, even if it meant I couldn’t be at the front of the pack like I would in local races. I was racing them, but with a stroller, so it meant different goals.

What was the smartest decision you made this year? – To take a break from running. With an injury that was not getting better, and causing other injuries and hurt, I knew it was needed. One of the hardest things for me to do is stop running, it’s a huge outlet for me and much needed “me time”. Taking the plunge and sitting out for 4 weeks was what my body needed.

What was the biggest risk you took? – My biggest risk for 2015 was taking a coaching job for high school cross country. It was outside my comfort zone for sure, but it was so worth it!! I enjoyed pushing others to achieve their goals. Also, choosing to stay home with R was a risk, especially financially.

What new things did you discover about yourself? – Oh gosh, many!! I discovered the areas I need to work on, and where I have let fear and doubt creep in. I discovered I have placed limits on myself and believed lies. I discovered I am more competitive then I thought, and I already thought I was competitive.

What are you most grateful for this past year? – I am grateful for my wonderful supportive family and friends, who have helped me through many tough seasons this past year in my life. Words can’t express how much it means to me to have them all in my life. Also, grateful for my life and health.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? – Running a sub 3 hour marathon (2:54) and finishing Grad school, receiving my Masters in Nutrition degree, and finally becoming a Certified Nutritionist in the state of Washington.

What do you wish you had done more of? – Pray. Prayer centers me, and helps my relationship with God. I feel more at peace when I pray and spend more time with Him, worshipping Him and diving into his Word. Maybe if I would have done more of this, there wouldn’t have been an issue with……….(see below). Also, laugh and lighten up. I was so serious about everything and uptight.

What do you wish you had done less of? – Worry!! I feel I could answer this the same every year. This year was a bad year for sure. Stress and anxiety I wish I would do less of, as I know it causes issues in many areas in our lives, including our health. Also, complaining. I got into a horrible habit of complaining, and I hate admitting this. I had an ungrateful attitude.

Some of these questions took a lot of thought and were hard to answer. Some could have had more than one answer. So much changes over a year. This year was a year of pressing and finding who I am in Christ, and trusting His purpose. A lot of emotional trials and challenges, as well as physical were thrown into this year, and some I am still battling. I am hoping for a less difficult 2016, with many breakthroughs, laughter and adventure.

Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit

So what about you, how was you year in review? Care to answer any of these? I would love to hear your answers!!