Reading others' New Years posts has me feeling reflective too. This year I've been learning more to face my fears and to not be so caught up obsessing over what others think of me. I'm tired of letting anxiety hold me back from trying new things or being open with others. I've been proud of myself for the strides I've made to put aside my fear of failure and my insatiable drive for perfection. It's still a battle, but slow progress is enduring progress.
It's amazing how many times I've been terrified of social situations this year, only to recognize after the fact that I was ok just being present and being myself. Occasionally I've connected with others and been shocked to learn that they've been just as anxious as I've been. No matter how confident or "together" someone's life may seem, we are all fighting our own battles. Making assumptions about others only allows us to put up walls and to potentially miss out on knowing someone. To compare our lives to others' is pointless, because we are never going to fully understand someone else's experiences.
I've preached the fact that we're all unique and have our own strengths that make us lovable exactly how we are. I'm slowly learning to not be so hard on myself and to remember that all I can do is be me. If others don't click with who I am, that's their loss. I may not be the best at something, but that doesn't mean that it's not worthwhile for me to pursue something or to share my thoughts. There is value in not being perfect and in still being honest with others. Easier said than done to keep that in mind, of course, but I'm going to keep working on that.
Most importantly, in the midst of not feeling like I'm where I thought I'd be with my career, starting a family, or personal achievements, I recognize that I am still pushing myself. We can't control everything life throws out way, and there is always going to be a struggle to overcome those challenges. At the start of this year, I didn't think that Brandon would be laid off again, that my Nonna and cousin would pass away, that I'd get a new job only to lose it weeks later, or that I'd need to see a foot specialist because I was in so much pain just to walk.
But I also didn't think that I'd accomplish so much with my own personal fitness goals, become so involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, blog as much as I have, finally finish our home remodeling project, feel like more of a leader in our choir, grow closer with some of the people in my life, or lead a Zumba class song. Life is not perfect. But sometimes opportunities happen when you don't expect them to, and it's amazing to see what happens when you're willing to take a chance. Growth happens when you surround yourself with those who love you for who you are and who continue to inspire you to not give up on yourself.
Ultimately, what's been solidified in my mind this year is that what matters more than anyone's perspective of you, your job, or what's in your bank account, is how you prioritize your time and the people you spend your time with. As cheesy as it sounds, isn't that what life's all about?
Here's to making 2018 another year of growth, openness, believing in ourselves, and prioritizing what truly matters. :)
It's amazing how many times I've been terrified of social situations this year, only to recognize after the fact that I was ok just being present and being myself. Occasionally I've connected with others and been shocked to learn that they've been just as anxious as I've been. No matter how confident or "together" someone's life may seem, we are all fighting our own battles. Making assumptions about others only allows us to put up walls and to potentially miss out on knowing someone. To compare our lives to others' is pointless, because we are never going to fully understand someone else's experiences.
I've preached the fact that we're all unique and have our own strengths that make us lovable exactly how we are. I'm slowly learning to not be so hard on myself and to remember that all I can do is be me. If others don't click with who I am, that's their loss. I may not be the best at something, but that doesn't mean that it's not worthwhile for me to pursue something or to share my thoughts. There is value in not being perfect and in still being honest with others. Easier said than done to keep that in mind, of course, but I'm going to keep working on that.
Most importantly, in the midst of not feeling like I'm where I thought I'd be with my career, starting a family, or personal achievements, I recognize that I am still pushing myself. We can't control everything life throws out way, and there is always going to be a struggle to overcome those challenges. At the start of this year, I didn't think that Brandon would be laid off again, that my Nonna and cousin would pass away, that I'd get a new job only to lose it weeks later, or that I'd need to see a foot specialist because I was in so much pain just to walk.
But I also didn't think that I'd accomplish so much with my own personal fitness goals, become so involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, blog as much as I have, finally finish our home remodeling project, feel like more of a leader in our choir, grow closer with some of the people in my life, or lead a Zumba class song. Life is not perfect. But sometimes opportunities happen when you don't expect them to, and it's amazing to see what happens when you're willing to take a chance. Growth happens when you surround yourself with those who love you for who you are and who continue to inspire you to not give up on yourself.
Ultimately, what's been solidified in my mind this year is that what matters more than anyone's perspective of you, your job, or what's in your bank account, is how you prioritize your time and the people you spend your time with. As cheesy as it sounds, isn't that what life's all about?
Here's to making 2018 another year of growth, openness, believing in ourselves, and prioritizing what truly matters. :)
