"2010: Just Keep Swimming" Meet "2011: The Next Level"

2010 has been a very incredible year. I competed in my first adventure race, began yoga teacher training, served on the Board of Directors for The Women's Wilderness Insitute, had three great trips to Albquerque to spend time with wonderful friends, and made my first trip to Outdoor Retailer Summer Market for more amazing times with great friends.

Unfortunately, it was also a scary and sad year. In April my dad was hospitalized with pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism. I am in my thirties and while I know it's possible to lose a parent at any time, that was a firm reminder that it can happen any time. Luckily my dad pulled through but there were a few rough months following while he got his strength back.

Then as you may know, this last October I lost Murphy. My sweet Pomeranian was my best friend of 11 years, and truly the loss rocked my world.  My eating habits went to Hades, my exercise routine was sporadic, and my yoga was at about 30% effort than I normally give. I gained about 8lbs. Not good.

So while 2010 was incredible, the setbacks along the way set the tone for the year "Just Keep Swimming". And I did.

Now with 2011 approaching I give it the theme "The Next Level". In this year I will:

• Complete yoga teacher training.
• Compete in another adventure race along with a few more races.
• Improve my cooking and eating habits (I've bought myself a juicer and a food steamer for Christmas in hope of improving my eating habits at home and so far they're helping.)
• Make bike commuting easier by adding a rack and trunk bag to my bike.
• Begin teaching yoga.
• Keep reading and hopefully add more books with the addition of cardio exercise accompanied by books on Mp3.
• Keep providing a good home for the kitties including the newest edition, Finn. (yeah, I know I sound like a cat lady).
• Have at least one great adventure away from home (maybe Wanderlust?)

So there my theme for 2011. They're not resolutions. No drastic changes to my life, just kicking things up a bit. What's your theme? What is going to set 2011 apart from 2010?

Is Resolution a Dirty Word?

In the past few years I have come to dislike the word 'Resolution'. Basically a resolution is just a declaration of one's determination to do or not do something. Common examples are to Quit Smoking and Start Exercising however when we make it a "Resolution" we often give up after one or two slips. The word resolution seems to have an 'all or nothing' feel to it.

So this year I invite you to set Goals and Intentions. Keep them small, simple, and set realistic time lines. Whatever your goals are step back and make sure that you're setting yourself up to succeed. Is it too much too soon? Is it a goal you truly want for yourself or is it being determined by an external pressure? Are you giving yourself enough time to take a few steps back and then move forward again?

I have various goals for this year but there are two that I will share.

First Goal: Play my guitar. I was teaching myself for awhile and then it got tucked in the corner. I love playing and teaching myself however if I don't use it someone else can. I don't have to be rock star and I don't have to share my playing with anyone else. However if I am not using the lovely instrument I have then it's time to let someone else. My intention is to practice playing 3-4 times a week. The goal is if I haven't learned one simple song (right now I am thinking Untouchable Face by Ani Di Franco) by the end of March then I will sell or donate the guitar.

Second Goal: Complete my first duathlon. I have made it easy on myself and picked a mini-du out for this coming May. I don't need to beat any time goals but I have to finish and I have to enjoy it. Part of enjoying the race will be training properly for it, after all injury or drudging through isn't fun. Registration opens in January and I will register and set my intention to complete this goal.

So that's my two cents. Whether you choose to use the word resolution, goal, or intention keep in mind they should all be reasonable, they should be achievable, and they should be important and personal for you.

Love Each Day.