Greetings 2018.

January 1.

I love the start of a new year.  Something about the notion of a fresh beginning can really breathe life into things.  So, as I sit here under a blanket, sipping a cup of coffee, still wearing my fuzzy pink socks, I want to appreciate 2017 and consider 2018.



TWO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN
When I think over the whole year it seems I remember so little of it, but I'm going to believe that I remember what I need most:

• I set new PRs in all but one race, and even won 1st place in my age bracket! Trust me, only one person was more surprised than I...thanks, Jess.
• I faced a decent amount of difficult decisions and personal rejection, but have learned the value of honest and clear communication.  People are incredible and deserve truth, even when it hurts to say/hear it.  The ability to communicate with truth and grace is a virtue of powerful consequence.
• I fell more in love with Jesus and the Church.  My home church gifted me a dream job.  They actioned their love and made a place for me; I'm so honored and amazed! And I'm so grateful for the opportunity to keep serving and building the Kingdom in my local.
• My sister and I explored ruled the Mediterranean together.  But most importantly I saw my sister learn about herself.  Self-discovery on the Mediterranean isn't as glamorous or as "tai chi" as it may sound, but it is nonetheless beautiful.  There were tears of frustration after "getting lost" for the twelfth time, followed by the deep breath of perspective when you realize being lost in Barcelona is still being in Barcelona.  And no matter where you are, what language is spoken, or what the exchange rate is, when you're hungry just spend the damn money.  Hangry ruins holidays.
• I danced more this year than any year in memory.  You don't rent a dance floor, YOU OWN IT (probably my new life motto).
• It is most worth investing in people and experiences

TWO THOUSAND EIGHTEEN 

I'm heading into 2018 not telling it what it should be, but rather letting it be and keeping a few things in mind:

• invest in the right people and the right experiences
• make your schedule reflect who you want to be and not what you need to do
• pray for Jesus to come back
• if you can write the word "pizzazz" elegantly in cursive in one swift motion then you can do pretty much anything

Here's to 2018!

Cheers!