Looking Back at 2017

Today is the last day of 2017 and I can’t help but reflect on this past year. I would love to say it was a great one, but to be honest it was just ok. I am definitely grateful for my family and health. But 2017 also provided me with plenty of learning opportunities and uncovered areas of personal growth.

Looking Back at 2017- Lessons I’ve Learned

You Cannot Control Their Actions, But You Can Control Your Reactions

This year I found myself in several situations, where someone has not been so kind to me. Truth is … people can be such assholes, but you don’t have to be one. I wish I could tell you, in those situations I reacted with grace and kindness, but I did not. I wanted to show them, NO you can’t act like that, you can’t bully me, I will not let you walk all over me… But it ended up making me look bad. After what I thought was standing up for myself, I’d suffer from moral hangover.  I told my husband earlier this month, this was definitely an area of personal growth. I want to be kinder, more forgiving and just a better human.

Letting Go

You may have experienced this yourself. Once you get into a relationship, get married or have kids, it alters your relationships with friends. Or maybe it has to do with careers, work & money. Some grow closer together, some grow further apart. I have tried to hold on to some friendships in my life, because I relied heavily on memories and experiences I’ve shared with them. But people change, their priorities change, and most importantly their loyalty changes. It is OK. I needed to realize it was time to let go of some friendships (it is easier said than done). I have beautiful memories and I’d rather hold on to them and look back at amazing times we’ve had together.

Taking Care of Yourself

To say the struggle is real would be an understatement. I have been on and off the fitness wagon this entire year. I ran a half marathon in March 2017 and it was a downhill spiral from then. I have not worked out in the last two months. I feel grumpy and stressed. I can find numerous excuses… work has kept me busy, kids activities and school, making time for my husband… but  I promised I would take a better care of myself this year. Make time for my health. This will help me with my overall well being and be a better mom and wife.

Be Present

This has probably been one of the fastest years of my life. I can’t help but look back with regret that I was not fully present with my family. Staring at the screen of my laptop, or phone… working from home means I am just trying to wing it… be a stay at home mom and keep up with my job. I kind of sucked at both this year. I know I need to be more productive, be better with time management and set a work schedule. This way when I am with my kids or husband, I am truly there and present. I do not want to look back at these years when my kids are still so little, and think I missed out on too much. Mother’s guilt… always there.

Be a Goal Digger

I never really set goals for my work before, which is such a terrible practice. When I was a runner I always had a goal in mind and strategies and tactics that would help me get there. Working without a goal in mind, will not allow you to reach a level of success you may be craving. Let’s do this 2018!

I would really love love to hear your reflections on this past year and any goals/ plans you have for 2018.

Thank you for reading.

XO,

Anna