Thoughts on 2015...

Blogging around the holidays. It's always a challenge. There is so much to get done, so much to do, so many people to see....something has to give, hence the weeklong hiatus. When things go silent on A Daily Dose of Fit, you can always keep track of me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram because #socialmedia. It's always hopping.

But, here I am today.
Somehow finding time.

I want to reflect on 2015 out loud, right here. I know it's not over yet, but that's not stopping me from thinking about all that is and was this year. Normally at this time, I'm knee deep in thoughts about the upcoming year: What are my goals? Do I need to change anything? Should I make resolutions? I tend to forget about all that was in favor of all that could be. But my BlogFest buddy is putting a pause on that. Tiffany recently posted her template for year-end reflections, and it's pretty good.

So I'm not thinking about 2016 just yet.

I'm grateful for each and every year I get to celebrate.
I'm grateful for the highs AND the lows.
I'm grateful for every moment and minute.

I'm grateful for all of 2015.
Even the few days it still owes me.

10 Highlights
1) I finished first in my age group at a 5K.
2) We spent a week in Mexico.
3) I set a new half marathon PR.

4) My little man turned one.
5) I set a new 5K PR.
6) I went to BlogFest and IDEA World, and it was awesome.

7) I fell in love with Spinning again.
8) I started writing a monthly column in one of my local papers.
9) My daughter ran her first 5K...
10)...she also started going to school.

3 Disappointments
1) I didn't run my goal race.
2) I had to run/walk the last three miles of a half marathon.
3) I volunteered to coach Girls on the Run, but was ultimately told that I couldn't because my kids wouldn't be allowed to come with me to the practices.

2 Game Changers
1) I suffered major IT band issues in a half marathon, which ultimately forced me to reassess my running plans. I stopped training, and started running for the love of it. And now, I feel stronger and mentally ready to get back into training mode again. For what, I don't know yet.

2) The KonMari Method. Seriously, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up changed me way more than I thought it would. Printed words inspired me to act, and were wonderful. I had boxes and shelves and closets full of things that I didn't need, and it was all weighing me (and my family) down. This book is not about organizing or getting rid of things, it's about changing your perspective. It's about appreciating the things you have that you really, truly do need in your life—and letting go of the things you don't. I'm not done implementing what I have learned (ahem, basement). But I am working on it and it feels so good to be getting rid of clutter and junk. See bags below, and imagine a giant pile of boxes that were equal parts donated and trashed.

3 Areas of Focus
1) We recently rebranded the gym I work at, which has instilled new life into the place. As a result, I've been hell bent on extending that life into every corner of the fitness department. Staying current, staying ahead of our competition...giving our members everything they want...it's been a huge priority for me, and I get the sense that it's paying off. I'm blessed to have a wonderful, talented and very willing team. And our members are equally wonderful, which makes my job worth focusing on.

2) I've been really zoned in on the essence of Daily Dose. I want to grow. I want to share my message. But I don't want to get lost in the shuffle or the pressure to conform to certain blogging standards. It's who I am and what I do with my space on the Internet that matters most. It's how I will ultimately stand out as unique and informative, right? So when I sit down to write, it's fueled by a pure and honest focus on being me. Always.

3) Motherhood. I tend to focus on things that don't matter, or ultimately don't need my attention. And the bigger my son gets, the more I am reminded that these early years, these precious sweet years can't come back. Babies aren't babies forever. My kids are definitely not babies anymore, but they're little and I need to be there for them. I need to be present and loving, and I need to enjoy them even when they annoy the you-know-what out of me. Motherhood is not easy, but I am a mother. And I am focused on being the best mother (and wife) that I can be.

3 Things I Forgot
1) I didn't start studying for my group fitness certification.
2) I didn't read as much as I wanted to (hence, the giant pile of magazines in my nightstand).
3) I totally didn't do the HeartMiRun virtual race for Michigan parks. Boo.

Reflection
What does this mean for 2016? I'm still processing it, but this I know for sure: I'm thinking about that goal race again. And I'm hoping to purchase my group fitness materials after the first of the year. Beyond that, it remains to be seen. I feel like I've paid homage to 2015, and will probably spend the next few days pondering what it all means in terms of 2016. Expect a goal post soon. In the meantime, I'm going to sit back and relax...and be grateful for all that I have, have done and will do.

Question: What's one thing you forgot to do this year?