In the final two months of 2014, I found myself reflecting on the year and contemplating how I wanted to feel in 2015. What had worked in 2014 and what hadn’t worked? 2014 year was a year of learning, re-building confidence and accomplishing many new things! However, I often felt overwhelmed and behind, playing catch-up, only to get there and feel like now I needed to do something additional.
To keep my sanity, I all but took the last two months off from my online business. Sure I wrote some blog posts and continued to post of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but I cancelled all engagements and basically had no agenda. No programs to create, no marketing, no phone calls. I finished up my studies at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, took my final exam and then took a break from learning. Honestly, I think I just needed down time. I needed time to spend with my family. I needed time to focus on me and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
This past holiday season was probably the least stressful I can ever remember. I didn’t rush to get the house decorated or presents bought and wrapped. No last minute details overwhelming me. Yet amazingly, the Christmas decorations came together and thanks to the help of my son’s girlfriend, McKenzie, the house looked beautiful and we had a great time working together.
The string of pictures from Christmas past was a new touch this year and special way of honoring those who weren’t with us.
My husband and I scaled way back on presents this year and decided to spend our money helping others, so gifts were bought and wrapped well before Christmas eve making the week of Christmas truly enjoyable. With the loss of his sister this past August, we decided to start a new tradition. We hosted our family for lunch (Thanksgiving style: turkey and dressing complete with all the trimmings) on Christmas Eve.
Turkey, dressing and yes that is Bo drinking the gravy while Clayton puts mustard on him!
Jellied cranberries from a can. What can I say: We love it! Ha, at least it was organic!
After lunch we broke out the games and then had a Spade Tournament. We took a break to played “Search for the Pickle Ornament” and my nephew got a special present for being the most observant and locating the pickle! After more Spades, we all ended up in the living room watching Christmas Vacation. Everyone finally left about 10:30…almost 12 hours later.
Clayton carefully searched all three Christmas trees and found the pickle ornament, a special gift from my friend Carole that started a new tradition in our family.
Uno! After reading the rules we figured out we had been playing wrong for years! It’s not near as fun when you play by the rules!
Pausing for a silly selfie!
Why was Christmas less stressful and so enjoyable this time? As I began to ponder this, I realized I loved the way everything felt. It wasn’t the activities, the food, the gifts, or the decorations. It was the feeling that we had created, a feeling of balance and peace. December wasn’t all fun and games, I still went work, I still did laundry, I still paid bills. What was different is that it wasn’t rushed. There was a time for everything and everything got done and I was able to be present in all my activities which led me to feel peaceful!
Moving into 2015, I knew it would be time for me to get back to work. I have lots that I want to accomplish this year and I am excited to share the things I have learned with you and help you reach your running and wellness goals. However, I realize that in order for me to be able to help you, I have to continue to have Balance in my life. Taking a break the last two months of 2014 was probably the best thing I could have done. It helped me to re-group and prioritize what activities are important and what needs to go!
Rather than set New Year’s Resolutions, I like to think about how I want to feel now and throughout the year. Sure I have goals and plans, but I want to enjoy the journey and create a lifestyle that I love. I want to feel Balanced, be fully Present in my activities (yes put the phone down while having lunch with a friend or my husband) so that I create an atmosphere that is Peaceful. My key words for 2015 are Balance, Present, and Peaceful.
Are you seeking more balance in your life? Perhaps you have good intentions to improve your health and your running but are struggling to get started. Maybe you have even taken time off from running and now find yourself carrying a few extra pounds. Let’s face it deciding to make a change is the easy part, but actually implementing change and following through can be a big challenge. That is why I have designed two new programs to eliminated the guess work and to give you a jumpstart, increase your energy, boost your mood and drop those unwanted pounds! You can choose from the 5-Day RESET Program and a 30-Day Transform Program. You pick the one that is best for you and your own personal weight loss & health goals. Read all about them here.
Think about how you want to feel in 2015. What do you want your life to look like this time next year? Are you ready to feel, look and perform your best in 2015? I am excited to work with you and show you how easy it can be to become the best version of yourself. Click Here to get started right away. Then come back and leave comment below and share how you want to feel in 2015. Make sure to share this post with all your friends on Facebook so that they too join us in making 2015 hour best year yet!
