Reflections on the year and 2012

Note- this is what I put on my 'getting healthy' blog and decided to share here as well.  Thanks!

I was thinking the other day about all the things I want to do for 2012.  It is that time of year you know.  I was thinking about the Spartan Super in 7 weeks and wondering if I am really ready or just how crazy I am and so glad to have my brothers doing it too.  Thinking about being excited to to the Race to Robie again this year.  Thinking about my daily grind and how to make it less of a grind.  Part of me became very overwhelemed.  I had to step back and instead reflect on 2011.

One year ago:
I had not started running and learned that after the first 1 1/2 miles, I LOVE it.
I had not gotten to know my friend Betty so well and I am soooooooooooo blessed to have her in my life.
I had not considered running the Race to Robie, EVER.
I had not done a 5k.
I had not done a half marathon.
I had not finished a FULL MARATHON!!
I had not considered signing up for a Spartan Race.
I had not realized how much power is 'IN ME'.
I had not fully appreciated the amazing friendships I am surrounded by (how many people do you know that will come run part of 22 miles with you and support you on the rest of them during their weekend retreat?-thank you Kimberlee!)
I had not realized and appreciated how silently supportive my fabulous husband is even when he just doesn't 'get it'. 


I am truly blessed!

Now, it is time to build on this.  Really build.  I have made so much progress, but I am not done!  I will constantly BE a Work In Progress.  That is what it is all about.  So, for 2012...

I will continue to set goals for competitions.  I have learned these are what keep me motivated to get out there and MOVE.

I will continue to improve my eating habits.  I have learned (but need reminded sometimes) some things about myself.  Sugar is my addiction.  I love sweets.  I am very much one of the one bite is too much and the entire pan is never enough variety.  IF I do not have the one bite I am fine.  Once I do, the will power is out the window.  I completely agree with everything a person reads that one bit will satisfy and the first bite is the best, etc., etc., etc.  If you can do this, DO!  It is correct.  However, I need to just not have it.  That is when my will power works.  I can say no to the entire spread, until I start, then the will power no longer exists.

There truly is NOTHING that tastes good enough to do situps, pushups, 5 mile run and burpees for.  NOTHING!  Not even creme brulee, and for those of you that know me, you know what I just said.  I can NOT complain about the way I look and eat the way I have.  That is hypocritical.  If nothing changes, nothing changes.  The ONLY person responsible for this is ME!  I either want it enough or I don't.  End of story.

My time is valuable.  I need to spend it doing things that make me happy.  Now, with regard to my daily grind.  I only have a certain level of control there.  BUT I can control how much I invest.  I will give it my BEST on a consistent basis.  Yes, I will have bad days, but since I am there I need to truly 'show up'.  Will it be perfect, nope.  Will I survive, yep.  Can I give more, most certainly.  I am being paid to be there, I need to give what they are paying for.  Show up, put up and shut up - or get out.

Life is too short to be surrounded by misery.  People who drain me, may no longer get my energy.  I can love people and care about them, but I can NOT change them.  I can't help anyone who doesn't TRULY want it.  That is not mean, that is taking care of me.  The only person I CAN change.

For the last several years, a group of gals I am blessed to know have participated in an exercise to select a word for the upcoming year.  This year, I spent a lot of time thinking and am actually reusing one from several years ago.  My word for 2012 is STRENGTH.  I have learned there is more strength in me that I realized and I need to call on it.  I also need to develop more of my physical strength, intellectual strength and strength to be the best I can be.  I want to continue to strengthen the wonderful relationships around me.  I am truly blessed and should nurture that!   I want to be an example and source of strength for those around me that wish to have it.

So, what did you DO and LEARN in 2011?  How will you 'TAKE IT FORWARD"? 

Wishing you all the very best in the upcoming year of 2012, and THANK YOU for being part of my journey this far.

lots of hugs and strength!
Get Inky!
Alex