Social Workout

the year in review. and, my 2010.

2009 has been amazing year. Over the last year I've taken better care of myself than ever before, and, I'd like to think that while doing so I've also always done my best to try to make the lives of others around me better too. Some of the accomplishments are pretty concrete, others are less tangible and are just more of a feeling.

I've become stronger. I've lowered my cholesterol. I ran races: city chase, run a-muck, urbanathalon. I can do push-ups. I have tried tons of new activities: spinning, pole dancing, hot yoga, rock climbing, masala bhangra, hot pilates. I've reduced my body fat. I worked otut most days of the week for the entire year. I'm learning to achieve a maintainable balance. I’ve made being active a priority – no matter what. I've learned to take a rest day when I need one. I've learned to respect my body for all that it can do. I'm eating healthier than ever before. I haven't had fast food of any kind since february. I learned I love to cook and I'm experimenting with new foods and new recipes. I feel better about myself. I take better care of myself. I've made a lot of new friends. I’ve made my own needs a priority. I can be gentle with myself. I’ve unleashed my inner athlete & she can't be contained anymore. I’m progressing every day. And, because killercadoogan said so, I'm adding this one: I've inspired others.

I know that 2010 will be even better. I think I've learned a lot about myself over the last year and I'm excited to discover more every day. I can't wait to spend more time with people who are supportive of this new me and who are excited about making similar positive strides in their own lives. Many of the new friends I've made this year, are people who I met on SW. You guys are supportive, inspiring, funny, caring and, of course, deliciously delinquent. Thank you for all that you've given me this year.

I've thought hard about what I'd like to see happen this coming year, and here are some of the things I would like to accomplish and work on. I know these are all realistic, achievable goals. Especially with the amazing support of my favorite SW'ers.

Exercise:

• Run the distance of a ½ marathon.
• Increase regular running speed to 7-7.5mph
• Run 5k in less than 25 minutes.
• Be able to do more than one unassisted pull-up.
• Be active most days out of the year.
• Get my personal training certification.

General Wellness:

• Make wellness my priority.
  -- Eliminate people, activities & responsibilities from my life that don’t fulfill that end.
  -- Once a week, consciously add an activity that makes me happy. Examples: read, paint, spend time with friends, try a new activity, get mani / pedi / massage, try a new restaurant, try a new recipe, take a long walk, write,…
• Create balance in my life…no more extremes.
  -- Be more in tune with my body: listen when it needs rest/certain foods
  -- Work on a healthy relationship with food, where I don’t feel deprived & can maintain progress made.
  -- Make yoga a part of my life again. At least 1x a week.

Other:

• No more taking money out of my savings account.
  -- put something in there every month, even if it's only $5
• Visit at least one place this year that I haven't been to.
  -- track all my spending in January, then come up with a realistic budget
• Make more of an effort to be in touch with my family overseas
  -- make a conscious effort to reach out to someone every week, even if it's just a quick message on facebook.
• Apply for permission to get dual citizenship
• Give something once a month: time, money, anything
  -- look for an opportunity to volunteer on a regular basis, maybe mentorship program for girls