2017 has taught me a lot. It was a year of self reflecting. Of maintaining the healthy living and fitness choices I’d introduced in 2016 and seeing if I could keep it up in a new year with a new job. (Turns out I did, kind of, with a slight hiccup in November/December, but I’m back on track now!)
I drank less. I went out less. I saved as much money as I could (while still enjoying life). I spent more time with the people that are important to me and felt less like I had to attend every engagement. I used my body to its fullest ⸺ testing its limits whenever I could. I took advantage of the mobility and strength I have, which is something that I’ll never take for granted, especially after this year.
I had set some ambitious goals for 2017, some of which I wasn’t able to reach, some I passed with flying colours. I had a goal to place at the Wasaga Beach Triathlon, and sickness aside, I managed to cross the finish line and grab the Bronze medal for my age group. I hiked my first multi-day 80km hiking trip in Killarney, Ontario with some amazing new girlfriends, Rebecca and Samara, and Louie. I tackled my first portage trip with David and Louie in Algonquin Park ⸺ nearly getting stranded in an intense electrical storm on the way home, paddling along Lake Opeongo wondering if we’d ever make it to shore.
And through all this, I turned 30! Turns out 30 is still just a number, but any birthday is a great reflection on how grateful you are for friends and family. Needless to say, it was a year of outdoor adventure and getting tested (mentally and gear-wise) by the elements.
It’s hard to remember everything you did in a year, and to be honest, 2017 seems uneventful. But when I consider how much quality time I had to spend with friends and family; When I think about how grateful I am to have my health and mobility; When I think about the small feats I’ve made with training and outdoor adventure ⸺ I’m stoked. And I am incredibly, incredibly thankful.
I haven’t yet set out my goals for 2018, but I’ve been milling them around in my head and am confident I’ll be able to achieve most of them. The new year, for me, is just a great way to restart and let go of any negative thoughts from the previous year. I plan to continue on many hiking trips and outdoor adventures, while crushing my triathlon goals, and competing in my first marathon.
But most of all, I want to grow spiritually. I want to be more mindful. I want to learn to *always* love myself, and not be so hard on myself when things don’t go to plan. I want to see more focus on the decisions I make and why I make them. And I want to make even more time for the people and relationships around me. Because without a family and a community to share your life with, what’s left?
Here’s to crushing goals and making incredible memories in 2018 👊.
meghan jeffery 