Reflections of 2013

M.C. Escher

December has been a whirlwind of activity; all of it good. As a result, I did not write much, but it has been on my heart and mind. So today I thought I’d reflect on the past year and share some thoughts. Usually at the end of the year we have an inclination that with the New Year comes new beginnings. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. My husband and I don’t. We set goals.

At the beginning of 2013 I set some goals. One was to write weekly. I did not write weekly, but looking back on my archive I actually wrote more than 52 entries for this blog. I must have had some active writing weeks to make it that far before the end of 2013!

Another goal was to lose another 20 pounds and reach a healthy weight. I didn’t reach that goal.

My third goal was to walk a marathon (26.2 miles) in the Avon Walk in San Francisco. Not only did I reach that goal, I actually bested my mileage by walking 31.4 miles. I hope that doesn’t set me up for failure when we walk in Chicago in 2014.

A goal that I achieved that I hadn’t realized I set was to not pass up an opportunity. Upon reflection I realize that I said “yes” to opportunities because I could. Unless it is a medical appointment there is nothing in my life that cannot (or should not) be rescheduled. And so I went on last minute visits; I went on hikes; I saw a friend share at a Christian women’s gathering; I got to see my brother even though it was only for a couple of hours.

Over this year I have had some amazing experiences. I have made some new friends. I have reconnected with dear friends from high school. I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge with extraordinary friends. I hung out in Texas with close friends. I have been blessed with being the part of some exceptional lives. And I have the opportunity to do what I love.

For 2014 my goals are pretty much the same:

1.     Write weekly for my blog.

2.     Exercise, eat well, and get to that healthy BMI weight.

3.     Walk a marathon (or more) in the 2014 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer – destination city: Chicago

4.     Say “yes” to opportunities.

Stay tuned for my first post of January 2014 when I share my “Gratitude Jar” with you.

If you enjoy my blog and would like to follow me on Facebook, I can be found at The Reluctant Survivor. Now on Twitter @relucsurvivor.