Year in Review: 2016

Dear 2016: You have been one of the toughest years for me in the way of growing, but I am stronger because of it.

Oh dear, a lot people are hating on 2016 and I can’t tell you how much I cannot wait to get rid of the negative energy this year has carried with it. However, this year has been full of accomplishments and discoveries. I can’t hate 2016 too much and here’s why:

Oh, the places we will go

I did a ridiculous amount of traveling and had so many adventures. Give me money and time, and I shall not stop moving. Brian said to me one day, “You can’t sit still and stay in one place for very long, can you?” I’m far from wealthy, but I do find frugal ways to travel.

Our first adventure was our trip to California to visit my aunt and uncle. I saw some of the most beautiful sights I will ever see in my life, and learned so much about our national parks and nature. I saw the Sierra National Forest, Yosemite, Monterey Bay, Sequoia National Forest, and Fresno. I ate freshly picked strawberries from a stand on the side of the road and the best shrimp tacos I will ever have. I listened to coyotes howl not even a mile away from me while I sat on the back porch. I visited wineries on the Madera County Wine Trail and chugged a whole bottle of red wine just so I could take the bottle back home.

We were rained out at our first festival of the season, Domefest, and then attended several more after that. Great Blue Heron Festival, Buffalove, Lazy Daisy, and Gory at the Quarry. I got my fair share of the woods and music this summer.

We made a spontaneous trip to Charlotte, NC with a detour to camp in Pisgah Forest and visit Asheville along the way.

I started my fitness journey (and kinda fell in love)

In January, I decided that the gym wasn’t working for me. I took a leap and invested in the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology. I am petite and had to get a handle on my weight before it got out of hand. Thanks to the program, I became a lot stronger and learned that I can actually (kinda) love fitness. I’ve completed two rounds of 21 Day Fix this year (with a few other failed attempts…it happens) and decided to become a Beachbody Coach in October! I truly want to inspire others to get started on their journey. It’s definitely not perfect, but you learn so much a long the way and it’s worth it.

I paid off two large debts

I finally ended my relationship with debt. This resulted in paying off a credit card with debt from 2012 and paying off my car loan. I changed my mindset about money and debt. I am working on tackling the rest of my debt in 2017. My student loans will be the final debt I have, which I hope to tackle quickly as well.

Love deeply

Oh, man…I’ve had my struggles this year with relationships in my life, but I have learned to love deeper. At the end of the day, all people want is compassion and love. I’m learning to let go of things I can’t control and how to handle situations differently. I also changed my attitude towards people. For a long time, I had been timid and distant with people. That isn’t who I was a few years ago. I changed my attitude and gained friends. You’re not always going to like everything about a person, but I rarely meet someone that I can’t find at least one thing I like about them.

Also this year, I was the maid of honor for my best friend’s wedding! Watching her and her husband’s love grow has truly inspired me. I am so grateful to be part of their lives <3

This year has been a struggle. Through my struggles, I found a path of spirituality also. It’s difficult to explain, but it has opened my eyes. Through the fights, the stress, and complete lack of motivation, I’ve learned so much.

So, here’s to the end of 2016, the year of letting go of what no longer serves me, but also the year I found myself again (at least a small piece). Here’s to the beginning of 2017, the year of new beginnings…I know that you have so much to teach me.

What did you accomplish in 2016? What are you hoping to accomplish in 2017?

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