So, it’s almost a wrap on 2016, and I have to say overall it’s been a pretty amazing year for me.
A serious highlight for me- Starting this blog.
I got the idea in January of this year after reading You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero.
Side Note: If you haven’t read this book, please, please, please do. It will change your outlook on life.
Basically her point is- Why not now and why not you?
Why not start living the life you’ve always wanted? Why shouldn’t great things also happen for you?
Why are you so scared to live?
And she was right about me. I was scared. At the time, I knew (God willing) I’d celebrate five years sober that August. But still only my closest friends and family knew about my sobriety.
I was so scared someone would find out and judge me.
And through reading the book, I realized that was completely ridiculous. Life is too damn short to worry about other people’s opinions.
With that, I decided I wanted to share this little life that I had created without alcohol.
I wanted people both in and out of recovery to see that you get to change your life whenever you want to, and the results can be so joyful.
And I thought that would be it. But really that was just the beginning.
Writing five times a week since I first posted in April has literally changed the way I see the world.
Just a year ago I was still really afraid to do new things, possibly look dumb trying, and just generally put myself in uncomfortable situations.
Well, when your goal is to write about life experiences every weekday, you better start experiencing life!
And this year, I did.
Over the past year I’ve said yes far more than I’ve said no, and the results have been wonderful.
I’ve traveled, tried a ton of new workouts, learned how to eat healthy (and lost some weight because of it), gotten stronger both mentally and physically, made more friends, got a promotion at work- the list goes on and on.
My willingness to be vulnerable and worry less has changed me in countless ways.
At the ripe old age of 36, I’m finally starting to feel comfortable in my own skin. It’s pretty amazing how much easier it is to live this way.
I’m optimistic that 2017 will bring even more opportunities to get outside of my comfort zone.
I can say a year ago, I would have asked for a year with as little change as possible. Just more of the same, please.
Now I’m ready to see what new opportunities and experiences will come my way this next year.
Whether 2016 was a break out year for you, or presented challenges you had to face head on, it’s time to celebrate a cap to another full rotation around the sun.
I hope everyone enjoys these last few days of 2016, and here’s to a beautiful 2017 full of growth and FUN!!
