In the first week of a new year, I thought it would be a good idea to review my past year in detail. Many people have rituals that they do at the end of a year or beginning of the next one. Some people have a happiness or gratitude jar where they store the joys of each day or week, and review it at the end of the year. I can’t say I have any of these rituals but this review might become one.
The main reason for the exercise is that I want to see how far I’ve come. I want to celebrate my growth and improvement in my health since my burnout at the end of 2014. I’d say that 2015 was the year of burnout in which I suffered the worst of the symptoms and didn’t receive good medical care. I’d label 2016 as the year of healing.
In 2016 I did a lot of research into autoimmune disease and adrenal function. I learned a great deal and I implemented a lot of small changes to improve my health. I read the Autoimmune Solution which correlated well with my existing beliefs around my recovery. I visited a functional practitioner who provided wonderful assistance, supplements and advice, resulting in a leap of improvement in my health.
I’ve worked hard on my diet in eating a green smoothie every day and in eliminating foods that cause me harm. I have started regular yoga practice and have received tremendous health benefits from it. I started biokinetics and healed my hernia with homeopathic medicine and exercises.
I have continued my alternative healing practices such as body stress release, reflexology and kinesiology. I experienced some fun new healing and learning about myself. These include access bars, balvaspata healing, chirology and healing codes. I learned how to meditate effectively, and made it a daily practice.
I completed an online course, the Science of Happiness, adding to my knowledge in positive psychology. I adopted the practices that resonated with me into my daily routine. I actively made myself happier in the process.
Professionally, I did a talk to 170 people with great success. I got a speaking coach, joined Toastmasters and delivered eight prepared speeches, one of which was in a contest. I tried impromptu speaking a few times, stretching myself outside of my comfort zone. I was vulnerable and shared my dreams, fears and beliefs with loved ones, my fellow Toastmasters and my talk audience.
I wrote 43 blog posts and used my writing as a way to find more flow. I worked on my book, found a stronger editor and rewrote the first half of the book. I met with some interesting people, put myself out there and even submitted a few proposals. I got rejected a lot but conditioned myself to be prepared for it as part of the process.
I learned a lot about myself. I became better at setting boundaries to protect myself and to not let harmful people in. I worked on my marriage and deepened some friendships. I read some wonderful books which stretched my mind and my perspective on things. I exercised great courage in speaking my truth on a number of occasions, some of which were incredibly difficult for me.
In this year, I suffered disappointments, I gave up on relationships and recovery at times, and picked myself up again. I failed at things, I improved at things and picked up new skills and knowledge. I grappled with issues around self-compassion, forgiveness, surrender and hope. I became more mindful, and I think through that, became a better mother. I know myself better. What I need, what I want and what I wont accept.
I pushed myself into uncomfortable places and came out stronger and more at peace. I think 2016 was truly a year of healing, and I’m grateful for all that happened and what I learned from it.
What was your year like and what does 2017 hold for you?
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