For those of you who know me well or have trained with me in the past, you know how much I love goals. Daily goals, weekly goals, long-term goals. It’s how I stay accountable to my clients and myself, and is, I believe, the only way we can get where we want to go. But there’s something that’s just as important as looking ahead, and that’s looking back.

Like it is every New Year’s Eve, yesterday was a day of reflection for me. A chance to look back at the past year, relive some of the highlights, and process some of the tough times. It was a trying year, at times, facing some personal challenges but forcing me to grow into a more patient and less anxious person in the process. All while reminding me that I have THE MOST supportive husband, family and friends. For the first time, I also took some professional risks, which was terrifying, humbling and necessary. And because of that, I realized that the world doesn’t end if I make a mistake, embarrass myself or make decisions that don’t please everyone. What does happen, though, is that I learn from each mistake, each interaction, each embarrassment and I plan better for the future.

I’m so glad I took the time to think back on this year. To celebrate our first year of homeownership, the growth of a career I am so very passionate about, the reconnecting with old friends and meeting some amazing new people, taking a spontaneous and very memorable road trip with my husband and growing as a person, a wife, a friend, a daughter and a sister. And though it wasn’t always perfect, the challenges I faced in 2015 have prepared me for a healthier, happier and more productive 2016.

I always tell potential clients during our first meetings that, if you’re looking for very quick results, no matter what it takes, I’m not the trainer for you. But I am the trainer for you if you want to look back, one year from today, and reflect on the many healthy lifestyle changes you have made over the year, celebrate your successes and the achievement of multiple short-term goals, and appreciate the healthier you that you have become. I encourage them to focus on who they want to be a year from now. If you can embrace that a healthier lifestyle is a long-term commitment and that each year you will be healthier than the year before, then we’re gonna get along just fine!

So, in taking my own advice, I’m looking back on this past year and celebrating the small goals that I did meet despite some obstacles and appreciating how much closer it has taken me to the person I am going to be on December 31^st, 2016. I can’t wait to share my story with you next year!

Happy New Year. And may 2016 bring you the happiness and wellness you deserve.

And now for some 2015 highlights: 

Becoming and Auntie again and annual summer vacation to the Cape. so grateful for this amazing family of mine.

Driving from Boston to Nashville, Kentucky and West Virginia with my was one of the most memorable trips my husband and I have taken together. We were both surprised, but road trips might be a thing from now on!

Connecting with a very good friend in Boston and Newport this year was a highlight, for sure. It’s good to know that certain friendships never change, despite distance, careers, family obligations and time.

Finally joining the biking culture that is quite big around our city. So glad two very good friends convinced me to pick up this new workout and do the New York 5 Boro bike tour…I’m obsessed!