That’s a Wrap
Tis’ almost the end of another year and I keep hearing.. Where did the time go? How did the year fly by so fast? How is it almost 2024? Instead of viewing this as the end of another year, let’s look back at the photos on our phones or posts on our social media and remind ourselves of all of the memories we created and shared this year. Many of you started a health journey, got a new certification, went back to school, made a career change, found new friends, celebrated a wedding or grandchildren, sent your kids off to college, or maybe you took an adventure.
When I look back at my photos for the year, I am reminded that my word for 2023 was Explore! I wanted to try new things, get out into nature, meet new people, and push myself to grow and expand outside of my comfort zone. In February, I completed my certification to become a health coach and started a hobby in something I’m very passionate about, wellness. In June, I signed up for a retreat with a group of people from all over the US that I had never met. We hiked down South Kaibab trail in the Grand Canyon, camped at Phantom Ranch for 2 nights, then hiked Bright Angel trail out. In August, I took a mother-daughter trip with my beautiful daughter and we celebrated her 21st birthday in Dallas/Ft Worth. In Sept, I spent 4 days with 5 amazing women again who I didn’t know, in Zion, Utah. We stayed in a beautiful VRBO, had an amazing chef and hiked the Narrows. I definitely explored, not only did I discover so much beauty of our country but also in the people I met and finding myself.
In July, I decided it was time to branch out and try a dating site. THIS STILL MAKES ME LAUGH! I was on the site for three days, YES, just three. I met a super nice gentleman from OP so once we started talking, I removed myself from the site. For starters, I can’t juggle a bunch of dudes all at once. Second, most of the men on there were so weird. This guy was funny, respectful, and he made me feel very comfortable in our conversations and safe to be around. The fun part was that we have some similar interests, we both love fitness and HARD ROCK music. We both grew up in small towns, have some of the same memories “Valley Girl” and totally get one another’s humor. We had loads of fun and lots of laughs. For our first date we went to a drip bar, the hip new place where instead of drinking and putting toxins in your body, you get hooked up to an IV and fill your body with restorative minerals and nutrients. Then he asked me to go to various concerts with him throughout the summer, 7 total, those are some of the most incredible experiences that are truly priceless. We are still friends and I learned a lot about myself and what I want or need in my next relationship through that process.
In October, I did something I thought I would never do! My friend talked me into participating in a fundraiser in our area that helps children of sexual or physical abuse. I loved helping with this cause but I didn’t love the fact that I had to propel off of a 14 story building, especially on a cloudy, cold, wet day! But I did it and it felt so good to know I can do hard things!
My motto after these experiences is that when an opportunity is presented, then go! I’ve learned to go to do things even if I have to go alone, I drove to KC to see some friends of mine in a band ALONE. Was it a little uncomfortable at first? Yes, but I’m proud of myself for going and interacting with people I didn’t know. I love meeting new people, connecting, hearing their stories and opening my heart and mind. I am trying to make myself go to one event or invite per month, esp. if it is uncomfortable. I am trying to look people in the eye when passing or engaging in conversations to connect not just pass someone by or avoid. So, try something new, make small changes and get out there. If we are always doing the same thing, we won’t meet new people! Enjoy new experiences, say yes to the adventure, don’t overthink it, add more songs to your future play list! If we don’t change, then nothing in our life changes.