Saturday, December 29, 2012

365

I've spent far too little time here this year.  

And while that's not necessarily a bad thing, I have missed it. 

And you.  

Just when I think nobody noticed my infrequent posts, I get an email, phone call or text message saying, "Where have you been?"  "Once a month isn't cutting it, sister!" or "I hope all is well."  

All has been well.  

In fact, as I reflect back to this very day last year, I am reminded of just how well it has been.  

You see, it was this time last year that I was desperately looking for a change.  Something had to happen because I needed 2012 to be different.  The medication I was on was killing my immune system and I was constantly sick.  The pain was hit or miss and life felt a bit out of control.  I wasn't about to give up, but I was getting tired of fighting.

Resolutions seemed silly at the time because clearly I just wanted one thing - to be healthy.  

And so it began.  

In my quest for health, I found new passion and purpose.  

In early January I began a nutrition program that changed my life.  In the last year, not only have I been able to cut my medication by 75% and live mostly pain-free, I have built a meaningful business that shares health and wellness with others.  I have traveled, made new friends, work with incredible people, and get to help others live healthier, happier lives.  I named my business Thriving365.  That was the idea - to thrive 365 days a year and to still be thriving 365 days from now.  

And here we are.  

This year, as I look ahead to 2013, I'm thinking about things a little differently.  Instead of starting with a long list of specific things I want to do or accomplish, I started with a vision of what I want my life to look like this time next year.  For example, instead of saying I'm going to go to the gym 5 times a week and then feel like a failure by March, I'm saying I want to be fit, strong and in the best shape of my 38-year old life come December 2013. It's about staying active, pushing myself and enjoying the process of getting stronger.  That could mean going to the gym but it also leaves room for long hikes through the forest, laps at the pool, dancing with my girls, and regular visits to my yoga for arthritis class.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still the type A, list-loving gal I've always been. I'm just trying to approach the goals in a way that lets life happen.  Somehow I think it will make me love the process more than the act of crossing words off a list.  Details of this beautiful vision for 2013 to be continued.  And yes, I do plan on writing a whole lot more this year.  

Enough about me.  How about you?  Do you remember where you were this time last year?  Where are you now?  Whatever the case, the good news is, however far we have come or backwards we go, there is always a new day.  While life can take a turn at any moment, why not take the symbolism of a new year to start fresh.  Whether it's better health, stronger relationships or a career change, there is no better time to take a step forward than right now.  

What's it going to be?  

Thanks for being here - even when I'm not, 
Kim