Disappoint. Renewal. Clarity.

As 2019 winds down with a busier than normal holiday season, I have noticed so many people tell me that they can't wait for it to all be over as this was a "rough year" for them. These are the same people who told me that 2018 was a "hard year" and that 2017 was a "unlucky year." Of course, as someone who wants to help people (but also feels weird about overstepping my bounds), my heart hurts. What is going on with my friends that they are having so many bad years?

I’m not without empathy. This time last year, I was that person. In my head, I refer to 2018 as “the year of disappointment” in a loud, booming voice. I began that year in my dream job, which quickly turned to a nightmare filled with car accidents, fights with my husband, sexual harassment, job burnout, tears, blood, anxiety, and depression. Sweat is absent from this equation as I quickly fell back into old habits of inactivity and unhealthy binging. I ended that year mentally broken, counting the days until 2019 would begin.

The New Year affronted me a level of lucidity, which in turn brought along healing. I knew in my heart

of hearts that I was in a bad place and didn't want to be there any more. So, I reviewed, reflected, and reset. I started the year with some Resolutions that would help me to get back to where I was before. I wanted to get back to running seriously, so signed up for a half marathon. I grew up as the most voracious reader ever (Seriously, I taught myself to read at 3). Somehow, I had not read a book in all of 2018! So, I challenged myself to read at least 12 new books, which I did, by March (told you I was voracious). 2019 turned into the "Year of Renewal," in large, friendly letters. I don't tell you these things to brag (although, it is pretty cool), but to inspire. If you are someone who has seen the last few years pass by with dread and despair, I challenge you to make 2020 the "Year of Clarity" (get it, 20/20, like vision. I lol'd, I hope you did too). 

If you are someone praying for 2019 to end so you can get a fresh start in 2020, I ask, what are you doing to change the pattern? Here are some things that can help:
- Make two lists, one of things that were GREAT in 2019 and another of things that weren't so great. Is there a pattern? What did you do to bring about these things, good or bad, and what do you need to do different next year.
- What is your vision of a perfect year? Do you have a fancy new job? A cool new house that is clean all the time? Do you have a group of awesome new friends that lift you up? What are the steps that you need to take to reach these goals?
- What are some small steps that you can take now that will have major impact for you next year? Mine was the half marathon. Training consistently for this was hard and I was ready for it to be done with at the end, but it was the catalyst I needed to create a healthy habit of working out regularly.
- Is there a cool hobby that you can start that will help you to reach your goal? eg, if your goal is to eat 3 healthy meals a week and save $100 extra dollars a month, can you combine those goals by learning how to cook awesome gourmet healthy meals that taste as good as a meal at a restaurant?

What am I missing here? What are you going to do to make

(empowering voice of your choosing)? 

TL:DR - 2018 Sara lacked the confidence to know she was more than her job and thought that stress was a way of life. 2019 Sara became learned how to make the changes needed to get a better life. 2020 Sara is going to rule the f-ing world and you are too!