Every year around this time, I start thinking of what I want to do better for the next year. Even though the new year is in imaginary line where you start over, it's a good time to reflect on what we've done all year and try to find places for improvement. The first three and a half months of 2017 were filled with painful times that I still work towards putting behind me. In April, I celebrated a "new year" (turning 35) and celebrated it like I was saying goodbye to 2017, and hello to 2018. Things didnt really start to turn around until May, and then late July was very challenging as I battled with what to do with my career as a teacher. In August, I discovered Buddhism and started listening to podcasts and reading books to learn more about it. Without going into too much detail about it (I'll talk about it in another update) the discovery alone has given me clarity and a new way of looking at the world.
On November 11th, I was walking through Uwharrie National Forest with my dog, Haro, and I started thinking about all the things I want to accomplish in the upcoming year. It was then that I decided it wasnt necessary to wait another 7 weeks to start making the changes, but that I could instead start at that moment. So without further delay, here are my plans for the next 365 days...
Visit 12 State Parks
I have had several parks in mind that I have wanted to visit, but there is always a reason why I am not able to get out of town to travel across the state. In 2018, I plan to make this dream a reality. I'm counting National Forests and State Parks in this quest! North Carolina is a beautiful state with so many places to visit that are mindblowingly (not a word) gorgeous! One park that has been on my list for the last four years is Craggy Gardens. This WILL happen in the next 365 days!!
Cary Road Race 2018
I started running in 2008. My very first 5k was the Cary Road Race in Cary, North Carolina. I cant believe this is something I have been doing for 10 years and how much it has changed my life in small ways and big ways. I think about the people I have met through running, the places it has taken me, the confidence it has given me, and it's place in the whole Ironman picture. Completing Ironman started with taking the first step in running.
Read one "book" a month
Reading makes me tired. Plain and simple. Because of this, reading is not my favorite activity. As a kid I was a slow reader. Today I take my time reading and because of this my mind tends to wander as I read and I get to the end of a page and have forgotten what I read about. By the time I read a few pages, I start to get sleepy. Thanks to Audible.com I can listen to books while I wash dishes, go for a run, or while I am cleaning the house. With one credit a month, I get one free book, which I can "return" at any time if I decide I dont like what I'm "reading". With a monthly account, users also get discounts on additional books. Click HERE to check out how to create an account! I know reading makes you a better well rounded person,(right??) so my plan of a book a month is a huge step, considering I only read 1 book this year (Born a Crime by Trevor Noah) I started a bunch of other books, but never finished them. (Sigh....)
Weekly Yoga/Meditation
My boyfriend and I discovered a place in town called Purple Blossom Yoga Studio a couple months ago and have enjoyed taking yoga and meditation classes. As a step towards furthering our understanding of Buddhism and mindfulness, these classes have been an excellent foundation, as well as have allowed us to meet other people on the same spiritual path.
Half Marathon Goal
My last half marathon was right after Ironman Maryland in 2016. I ran it just to prove I could do it after an Ironman (I think it was my 5th or 6th half marathon) but this is something I would like to improve my time on. My goal is to go 2:15 in my next race, which will take some work, but I think I can do it. After Hinson Lake, I found myself feeling a big aimless in what to do next. I need a goal because things like "Look good in a swimsuit" or "To fit into my skinny jeans" are not goals that motivate me to work out. I need a concrete goal of long distance running to get me to put my shoes on each day. Now I just have to pick out a race and sign up!
Hinson Lake 24 Hour Race
Yes, I'm going to try it again in 2018. Being less than 7 miles from my goal this year, I have found places where I could have improved my training. The main thing I need to work on is more time on my feet for longer distances. Sounds easy enough, but when life happens, I need to learn how to better plan around obstacles. Also, having the advantage of this being the second time racing this event, I have a better idea of what to expect along the way. Adam and I have already been planning how to have a more comfortable tent set-up next year. I can't wait!
Grow my small business
In February of 2017 I became a consultant for the company Norwex. It is a business that promotes the use of biodegradable products and microfiber for cleaning around the house. I have tried other at home businesses like Beachbody, and have had very little success. Norwex has been a life changer for me and has help me to make money on the side of my daytime job as a 3rd grade teacher. My plan in 2018 is to recruit team members and promote to Team Coordinator. One step at a time... If you're interested in checking out the business, click here to see my business page! Also, leave a comment below if you want to learn how to join my team. Norwex has been such a blessing, and I'm not sure I could have made it to the end of the year without it. I've been able to pay many bills, (including Haro's expensive vet surgery) thanks to Norwex!
So the year ahead is going to be a busy one, but I am determined to make 2018 an incredible year and one to remember for all the good that will happen.
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