There’s no question that 2010 was all about trying new things for me.  I probably took more risks and tried more new activities in 2010 than I had in the 37 years prior.

A brief recap…

• Started a blog
• Began jogging for the first time in my life
• Started drinking coffee (not really an accomplishment, I know, but it was new for me and became very important in my life )
• Tried Zip-lining
• Ran a half-marathon, 10K, and two 5K’s (in that order)
• Started going to yoga and eventually became hooked on Hot Yoga
• Went para-sailing
• Served on a jury for over 2 weeks
• Did a 30-Day Hot Yoga challenge (completed 22 classes in 30 days)
• Completed a 21-Day meditation challenge

Wow, I’m even a little impressed by that list.  What’s sad is that I didn’t end the year as triumphantly as it began.  From about Thanksgiving on, I let the craziness of the holidays get the better of me.  Besides all the shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking, cleaning and mailing of cards and gifts, I also hosted Thanksgiving for 40 people, led the 4th grade class in a school wide service project for the Ronald McDonald house, and survived 2 snow days during the kids last week of school before break.  On top of all that, I felt like crap for most of the month which led to blood work, then what seemed like 27 phone calls with the doctor’s office, then an actual appointment, and finally an increase in my thyroid medication which is what I knew I needed all along.  So although I truly do love Christmas and everything that comes with it, I did let the stress get me down this year.  What also happened was that I quit doing all of those things that keep me sane – writing, running, yoga, meditating.  And, my therapist told me she’s retiring at the end of January, so I only have 2 more appointments (can I do it without her?)  Basically that means that when 2010 ended I was just as messed up as I was when it started.  The good news is, that I know what to do to make 2011 even better!!

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions, but it feels like the right thing to do this year.  I also know that when I write things down or share them with other people, I’m more likely to follow through.  So, here goes…

In 2011, I’m going to run the Flying Pig half-marathon for the 2nd time.  I’m going to get a better time than last year which was  2 hrs, 45 min.  My goal is to be closer to 10 min miles.  I would also like to be more committed to my yoga practice.  I never felt better than I did during the 30-day challenge.   Finally, I want to write more.  I love doing the blog, and I’m going to commit to writing two posts a week, and hope to do even more.

There’s one more thing I’m seriously thinking about, but I don’t know if this is the year, so I don’t want to claim it as a resolution.  I really want to become a certified yoga teacher.  I can’t get the idea out of my head and I have looked into the training programs available.  It’s not outrageously expensive and it can be done in as little as 4 months or spread out as long as 2 years.  There are a few things holding me back, but mostly it’s my own fear and doubt…I haven’t been doing yoga long enough, I’m not good enough at yoga to teach it, I won’t fit in with the other students, I’m not as thin as any other yoga teacher I’ve ever met, do I really want to give up my weekends to go back to school.  We just finished paying off my student loans for a degree I’ve never really used, should I spend another $2000 on my education?  I know that none of those reasons should stop me if it’s what I want to do, but like I said, I have to figure out if now is the time to do it, or should I wait?

Basically, I’m re-committing myself to staying healthy (mind, body, spirit).  I have some plans, that’s for sure, but I’m open to new opportunities that pop up along the way, as well.  I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Until later…