Today is January 1st, and I am starting up my blog again (it’s great to be back!). This time, rather than blogging every day, I’m going to try an “on again, off again” approach. As in, I will blog in January and take off February, then blog in March, etc. I wanted to leave time for other things when I’m not blogging. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Today I wanted to summarize some of the lessons I learned in 2023.
Lessons Learned in 2023
- There is life beyond marathon training. Last year was an incredible exercise year, the perfect antidote to previous running-related stresses. In 2023 I kept things “mellow” running-wise. At the same time, I still ran quite a lot! In fact, two days ago I logged my 1000th mile*… on the final run of the year! I also had many enjoyable running experiences, including running across the Golden Gate Bridge twice (!) from my Dad and Step-mom’s house near Golden Gate Park. Meanwhile, I swam with my wife, did yoga, and even did some biking (admittedly only on a biking machine). All in all, I had a great time and experienced more athletic balance and variety than ever before.
- Writing a book is hard… but worthwhile! Since my book update in July, I’ve continued inching forward with editing and adding content. It feels like it’s taken a long time, but it’s also been fun continually making improvements. I’ve had many good conversations with students about the book, and have I also shown a draft to family. Overall, I am enjoying myself, and feeling cheerful and enthused. Onward!
- There are worse things than being flawed… or highly-sensitive. For a long time, I unconsciously put expectations of perfection on myself. I thought in terms of “all or nothing.” Back in school, if I got less than an A, I thought I was a failure. Even as an adult, I can still take things personally too easily or struggle to be “not nice.” However, I am (finally) becoming kinder to myself. I have taken on “soothing is solving” as my mantra. I now accept my highly-sensitive nature and am getting better at honoring it. I am learning to reframe personal qualities the old me considered unacceptable as part of what makes me glorious and human.
- Taking baby steps is sometimes the only way to move forward. In many ways I am a brilliant manifester 🙂 For example, creativity, teaching, running/health, and this blog. Yet in some areas I am still clearing up old negative thought habits. Yesterday my mind was a maelstrom of negativity and resistance (sigh). Trying to force myself to be in a place of clarity and alignment while that is going on… not going to happen! Instead, I needed to be patient. These things don’t change instantly. The good news is that yesterday turned into today and I have my head on straight again. I take ownership for my headspace and have all my focus pointed at Destination Empowerment. Off we go.
Happy New Year!
*I made a projection a few months ago that I would reach 1000 miles. Naturally, I had to follow through :).