farewell Year 31

Year 31 has been a real doozy.

One year ago, I had no idea that I was on the cusp of a life-changing year.

I have always been cautious. Safe. A rule follower. Afraid of trying new things (because I was afraid of failing. Or worse yet, looking silly). A closet perfectionist. A look-before-you-leap kind of gal.

These things aren't all bad - they have saved me a lot of heartache and grief through the years - but I also had this nagging sense that I was missing out on things, that I wasn't living life to its fullest.

And let me tell you that if you are careful and conservative at 7 or 16 or 21, if you let nature run it's course, it's not going to get any better as you get older.

Somehow, someway, something clicked in my brain last year. I decided to try new things, to say yes, to stop being afraid (mostly, I blame it on these girls).

As I look back in the past year, I can hardly believe what I have accomplished. These aren't big, grand gestures but they are small steps in a new direction. I am moving towards living a life filled with purpose and intention, a life filled with experiencing the big and small gifts that God has so generously given us.

I'm not there yet, but I am on my way.

Here's (some of) what happened in Year 31:

terpblog365

workout challenge

streamlining my stuff

early morning swims

cross country skiing

Holy Yoga

first 5K

second 5K

31 Days to Clean

first 10K

water aerobics

paddleboarding

track workouts

There have been failures along the way. I haven't accomplished everything on my 11 for 2011 resolutions list or even my summertime to-do list. I have tried things that haven't worked out. But I think for me personally it has actually been important to fall short and fail and realize that life goes on. And it has been important to see that when I do put myself out there and go for something, there is a lot of joy and satisfaction to be discovered.

I heard this quote this year: "The glory of God is man fully alive," and it resonated with me. I believe we can bring glory to God no matter where we are and no matter what phase of life we're in. We honor him when we use the talents, gifts and abilities he has given us.

Tomorrow starts Year 32. Bring. It. On.