20 Things I’ve Learned in 2016

It’s always important for me to reflect on the last year. What did I do? Where am I headed? Did I live and experience another year to it’s fullest. So here it is. This is my 2016.

20 Things I’ve Learned in 2016

1. I’m going to fail at some things and THAT’S OKAY.  I want to be the runner I was 5 years ago (even if THAT wasn’t that fast).  It just wasn’t in the cards this year.  It wasn’t enjoyable or motivating.  I found myself craving a 1 hour workout at Crossfit instead.  So I gave it up.  And that’s okay!
2. I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.  In 2016, I ventured into the world of Crossfit.  I thought my friend was crazy for thinking that this was something I could do.  The workouts are hard.  They’re going to push you.  Most days I felt like my lungs were going to explode.  At the same time, every day was an achievement.  I can jump boxes and do unbroken wall balls.  I made it through every workout. My time wasn’t the fastest but I finished it.  I did more than I thought I could do.
3. I would rather do burpees than run.  Yeah, that one is surprising.
4. Friendships are a gift to cherish.  Unfortunately, 2016 gave us our share of heartbreak and loss.  We lost some very dear friends and it’s taught me to make time for the friendships and relationships that really matter.  Jen – I’m still waiting for our date.  I see you girl!
   
5. Honey Lattes are YUMMY!  Add a couple packets of honey to a latte and it sweetens it up just right.
6. HULA.  I miss my days of Tahitian dance but really wanted to learn more about Hawaiian culture and dance.  I love it and the new sisters that come with it.  Love you Hula Honees!
7. Film Making.  I’ve got a lot to still learn but it’s exciting to start taking film/video with my DSLR.  Just like prints are important to preserving our life story, as is film.
8. Exist in more photos.  My kids don’t care about the width of my hips.  And my dad will tell me as much as he can that I have a double chin but I don’t care.  I’ve learned to exist in our world and own the woman I am today.
   
9. My kids function better with boundaries.  I try to schedule meals a little better.  I keep bedtimes consistent.  Life is just easier that way.
10. Time set aside to color or do crafts with my kids is worth any TV or iPad time.  It’s easy sometimes to plop the kids down with an ipad so I can make dinner or edit a new batch of photos.  The truth is, I have a very short window of time to spend with them during the day between work and household stuff.  They deserve more of my attention.
11. We end EVERY SINGLE DAY on a positive note.  I make a point to not only go through our prayers together but to ask each child what they loved about the day.  I hope they sleep with those thoughts and dream happy dreams.
12. A full night sleep is more vital to good health than a workout.  I learned this the hard way.
13. Don’t judge my journey by someone else’s path.  I can only measure my success and failure against myself.  It’s important to remember that what I see and admire in someone’s journey has a different set of circumstances.  I haven’t seen their beginning and I definitely have not reached my end.
14. Courage is hard road I’m still learning to take.  
15. Lularoe leggings really are as buttery soft as they say they are.  Shout out to my favorite LLR gal, Anna!
16. Seattle is a pretty amazing city.  I was fortunate to go their twice in 2016 and it was amazing each time.  Fortunately, the Seahawks weren’t playing while I was there.  🙂  This trip brought back a lot of memories of my childhood.  Perhaps one day I’ll visit the old homestead and see if my childhood friends are still in the neighborhood.
    
17. Alaska was absolutely incredible.  It’s vast, full of life and absolutely breathtaking.  I would love to return for a longer excursion to explore more of it’s nature.
    
18. I love planners.  My organization skills, however, still need a little help.
19. My daughter emulates me more than I think.  This both scares and thrills me.  It reminds me to be more mindful of my behavior, my words and my actions.  I hear my voice in her words and my mannerisms in her movements.  I pray every day that I am a person she will always admire.
20. My children are really good people.  I’ve seen so much kindness in them in the way they interact with family, friends and new people they meet.  I love that when they hurt each other’s feelings, they’re also the first to comfort one another.  When a new child comes into our home, they’re always willing to share their toys and engage them with play.