What I learned In 2016
Not gonna sugar coat it. 2016 was rough for lots of people. Most everyone I know is SO ready for 2016 to be over. But instead of marinating on the negatives of the year, I wanted to take a moment to recap and reflect on what I'm most proud of in 2016. To internalize the lessons learned, and to really get excited about all the good stuff that 2017 has to bring. This was hard. I racked my brain, I thought of a few physique and athletic achievements that made me feel proud, but as far as the top accomplishment, I kept coming back to the same thing: my relationships.
I felt excited to recognize this as my top accomplishment for a couple reasons. First, it reminded me of how much I've changed and how much I appreciate those closest to me. Particularly, as someone who is self-reliant, I now believe my relationships are priorities and I'm proud that I show it in action.
Secondly, it reminded me that accomplishments don't necessarily have to entail productivity, gaining a profit, placing in a competition, or getting a promotion. That sometimes the most fulfilling things we do in this world bring little recognition, yield no "results" and come without an applause.
And yet, they still can mean so much and feel so completely satisfying. I'd be lying if I said I don't enjoy growing and improving through my work or physique, but I've realized that what I have to offer to others and myself far exceeds the benefits of my rewarded work.
Looking back on the year doesn’t have to be about beating yourself up and seeing what you need to do better. It’s about celebrating your wins no matter how big or small. It’s about taking action and doing something now that will make the person you'll be tomorrow proud.
If you’re looking to do something that will make you feel proud, or if you need a reminder of how awesome you already are, here are a few relationship ideas that may resonate with you...
Support someone who is struggling, show up for someone who needs help, plan something for someone, organize something, listen, volunteer, give, open up your home, respond calmly, be kind without expecting anything in return, reach out, step up and be a light for someone else.
This goes for your relationship with yourself too: Take good care of yourself, make a commitment to yourself, follow through, replace a negative self-defeating thought with a positive self-affirming one, stick with something, set boundaries, forgive yourself for making a mistake, own your shit, honor your needs, trust your intuition, believe in your abilities and allow yourself to truly find enjoyment in an activity.
In such a fast-paced, competitive world, where it's easy to feel like we're never doing enough, it's gratifying to recognize just how much we can do to honor the people and things that matter to us the most.
It’s important to consciously appreciate all the things that have happened this year. Because if you don’t stop and take a moment to reflect, life just passes by too fast. Writing it was super therapeutic. Give it a try. Grab a pen and paper and write down at the top of a page: I’m most proud of…… And see what comes up!
Wishing you a super duper Happy New Years! xo
Sandy