What an amazingly busy, exhilarating, adventurous, whirlwind year 2016 has been, and as I lay in bed, next to my husband, in our seasonal ski condo, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have had such an incredible year.
Looking back at the projects, life milestones, travel adventurous, work accomplishments….I realize what an important year this was for me. Reflecting on the goals I set at the beginning of the year reminds me of not only what I’ve crossed off my list and conquered, but the areas I still need to focus my energy, attention, and commitment (I wrote a Goals and Intentions blog back in December of 2015 and one in December of 2014). Someone recently shared an article on Facebook that stated to be successful, you need not only add things to your list, but remove the things that block you from attaining your goals. I loved that! So, before I dive into my Goals & Intentions for 2017, here are some reflections of the past year.
- I kicked off the New Year with the Forward21 challenge – a 21-day commitment to health, happiness, and commitment. Looking back I realize this wasn’t an attempt to jump on the impossible resolution train that the New Year stirs in us, but an effort to set long-term goals for the year, daily habits meant to set me on the healthy path right out of the gate. Early spring I held a Spring into Action 21-day challenge, hoping to kick myself in the rear
- Mike and I got engaged. This beautiful act set the tone for 2016 – it was truly a year filled with love and partnership!
- My commitment to cooking healthy plant-based meals & snacks was strong this year – some of my favorite dishes are highlighted in the below blogs – I had fun re-visiting:
- I started volunteering at Metro Caring, a comprehensive hunger prevention organization that provides food, education and classes to the food insecure. I’m committed to giving back, as I have been so fortunate, and truly love the work they do there and am proud to be a part of it.
- Inconsistency plagued my blog writing in a big way! Every year for so many years I’ve lost count, I say I will write more. Commit to a daily, weekly, or monthly blog. And every year, looking back, I fall short of that target. Am I aiming too high? Setting too lofty of goals?! No, I’m just inconsistent and don’t make time, time that I do have to commit to something that I claim is important. Looking back at the year, a blog lends itself as a diary, and the archive section acts as proof of your dedication. Yikes!
- Mike, my mom, and I went to Belize! This trip had everything – jungle, ocean, history, adventure, leisure, family, love, and above all exploration. Every year, I like to commit to exploring the unknown (at least the unknown to me!) and head somewhere new. Belize was the perfect spot.
- I climbed 4 14’ers! Kicking off the summer with Belford & Oxford, then followed it up with Mt. Huron, and in September officially climbed Mt. Evans. Unfortunately, I never documented the experience with a blog, which I vow to do this year. Each mountain holds different beauty, challenges, experiences and they deserve dedicated remembrance.
- One of the biggest happenings of 2016: Mike and I got married! Our Backyard Wedding Extravaganza was truly one of the best weekends of my life – full of family, climbing (we met up on the top of Mt. Evans for a dedication ceremony. After climbing it, of course!) and lots of Colorado shenanigans. Plus, I married my best friend, so there’s that.
- I hosted my 2nd annual Soup Swap, which was a bit smaller than last year, but extremely fun! There were great soups made, a new friend came with a delicious quinoa soup, and those who couldn’t make it vowed to partake in the next one.
- We started another company with an investment partner (Happy -Go Trails, LLC), sold two investment properties and bought two investment properties. An incredible year for Mike’s company MAS construction as well!
All in all, a successful, plentiful year full of personal growth, exploration, goodness! Now, staring in the face of 2017 (I’m writing this on December 29th), I’m ready to commit myself to an even better year! Below are some of the personal goals and intentions I’m setting for myself.
- Climb 4 new 14er’s. I’ve done a total of 9 thus far (Quandary, Mt. Sherman, Mt. Huron, Gray’s Peak, Torrey’s Peak, Mt. Evans, Mt Belford, Mt. Oxford, Snowmass Mountain) and the beauty and sense of accomplishment that accompanies each mountain truly takes my breath away. This year, I’d love to extend the experience with camping, which I’ll most likely need to do for the farther away peaks.
- Write one blog (at least) per month. To look back on your year via a blog, to see in black and white what you are doing, have done, or want to do puts things into perspective, makes them real. And holds me accountable. Plus, I truly enjoy writing, so need to commit time to do it.
- Commit to the November Project. This free fitness movement was introduced to me by a buddy (thanks Russ!)- a group of people who get up early (like, way early) to work out every Wednesday & Friday, despite the weather, giving out high-fives, hugs, and encouragement, meeting all around the city, using the stairs, hills and sidewalks as their gym. It is truly something special, something I’ve embraced and need to dedicate 2 mornings to, all year round, every week I’m in town. Period.
- Buy a mountain house. This one is lofty, but something we’ve discussed for the past two years, something we feel adamant about, something we are 100% ready for. To make this happen, I’ll need to start saving an aggressive amount of money, but I am prepared to do so for the cause!
- Buy and sell two more investment properties. Mike has gotten such a rhythm with knowing how to complete them in 90 days that two more would be completely do-able!
- Get my real estate license. With Mike’s knowledge and talent, paired with the Denver market, there’s no reason why we should be using a realtor and losing 3% of the sale price! Within the first few weeks of the new year, I’m committing to researching and knowing the steps I need to take to make that happen.
- Explore more during the week. I work east coast hours and am usually done work by 4pm est, which is plenty of time to go have a front range adventure. Here are some hikes just 15-30 miles away:
- Stop making excuses. I read an article this past week that stated successful people realize the need to not only add things to their repertoire, but realize what they need to let go of or give up. I find myself making excuses or just blatantly not making time for things I’ve claimed to be important. I’d like to stop doing that this year; once I get my mind made set on completing something, I’d like to see it through.
These are just a few of the goals I’m setting for myself in 2017 – all attainable with consistent dedication, commitment and focus. What I need to keep in mind, is being successful doesn’t mean I need to do everything. It just means I need to make my goals a priority everyday.
Cheers to a great year coming to an end and the wide-open possibilities of 2017!
happy & we know it 
Looks like it was a great year for you. Happy New Year!