2013 Wrapup

No one would call 2013 my favorite year. While some key events definitely took place, I was certainly lacking in major accomplishments. It was my first full year out of school, and I think the mundanity of true adulthood got the best of me.

There were highlights:

• Setting a wedding date
• Running a sub-30 5k
• Starting NROL (and finishing Stage One as of today)
• Becoming confident with not only my weight (low 150s) but my body image (I ran at the gym in a sports bra for the first time ever)
• Starting this blog

But overall, I spent a lot of the year hoping that things would change and be better than they were. When I really should have been thankful that I had a full-time job, healthy life, loving fiance and supportive family. I will do better at this next year. Less pity parties all around.

I've never been one for setting new year's resolutions. I am of the mind that new year's resolutions tend to be very short term and unsustainable. What I learned from the last year is that I need goals to keep me motivated, sane and happy.

In this light, I have many goals for 2014. It is looking to be a much more successful and satisfying year than the last one. 

2014 Goals:

1. Get married
2. Buy a house
3. Run at least 7 races including a sub-25 5k
4. Finish NROL and develop a new lifting regimen
5. Find and start a new job
6. Become a certified personal trainer
7. Throw less pity parties (read: have a more positive attitude about life in general)

Honestly, the hardest part of this list is probably number seven. I read the inlaws' Christmas letter last week and while everyone else had a long list of things they did this year, my note was, "Raven is still working at the college." And I cried. Because that doesn't feel like much at all. 

But really it is, and I just can't convince myself to see it. I have two Bachelor's and a Master's and a full-time job that has allowed me to save a good amount toward the down payment on our future home and get the experience I need to be able to find some other type of work that I enjoy. 

And it is that kind of attitude that I need to adopt predominately next year. Because even while being as fit and healthy as I am now, I can't be truly healthy without adopting a positive attitude about my current living state. And while it may not be what I envisioned, it works for now. And I'm fortunate to have what I do. 

Here's to a happy, healthy 2014 (body and mind).

P.S. I will most likely be absent for the next few days as 2013 wraps up. Expect the first 2014 post on New Year's Day. Have a safe holiday, everyone!