Welcome 2018!

Happy New Year! I was supposed to post before the year ended and then I was going to post on the 1^st of the New Year … but here we are :-).

2017 was amazing! I finished my doctorate program, relocated, and began my dream job. My first semester was full and rewarding. Winter break was refreshing and heart-warming. And here we are, in a new season. This year is the first in a long time when I can slow down – there aren’t many external pressing deadlines, no exams, and no papers to write for other people. It took a while for me to begin settling into my new normal and seven months after graduation, I finally feel myself doing so. It feels nice to set my own schedule. It is a wonderful blessing to actually have a salaried position again. I enjoy having evenings to do what I like and weekends that aren’t crammed with homework or studying. So what have I been doing? Taking care of me …

In November, I finally kicked my butt into gear to see a nutritionist and begin working out again. I have remained consistent for the last two months and just started a 6-week challenge with a few other women. I am stoked! I set up my meditation space and am working to recommit to a routine. I began practicing yoga again – it was has been wonderful for my mind, body, and soul. And I am taking things one day at a time. While I have other mantras for the year, one of my central affirmations is to slow down.

Another affirmation and theme for this year is pushing my boundaries. Attending a boot camp-style class is way outside my comfort zone, but is a constant reminder that I have to do something different if I want different results. I’ve committed to finding one new thing – no matter how small – to try each month (thanks to my amazing faculty mentor). And I have opened myself to receiving all sorts of things – friendship, love, companionship, excitement, and fulfillment – in ways that I have not traditionally accepted.

I truly believe 2018 is going to be the best year I have ever lived and that my life will continue to get better. So here is to me affirming my year and hoping that you have or are in the process of doing the same!