I will be happy to see 2009 go for the most part. I’m sure I won’t be the only one. I’ve had lots of things happen this year that I’d just like to let go of and forget, never to be dealt with again. I weathered a tax audit, had to put my dog to sleep and had my salary “right-sized” according to our CEO. Right-sizing our salaries meant cutting them. Ah well. I’m one of the lucky ones, right? I have a job. However, 2009 has been a tough year.
For me though, 2009 has also been a year of triumph and surprises.
In 2009, I right-sized my body. I shed another 30 pounds on top of the 33 I’d lost in 2008. I’m a size 10-12 when I was a size 18-20…22.
In 2009, I completed a duathlon and two sprint triathlons, each one a little longer than the race before it. I can run 5 miles and I can swim a mile. In fact, I learned in 2009 that I can swim a quarter mile, bike 9 miles and then run 3.1 miles, all at the same time. I have some stamina. I have some determination. I have some muscle tone. I probably have a few screws loose.
In 2009, I was able to ditch my blood pressure medication. The exercise and eating right regulated my arrythmia and lowered my blood pressure.
In 2009, I discovered that I actually enjoy exercise. That I like the accomplishment of finishing a race, however long it takes me. That that crazy nervous feeling for the days leading up to the race make me feel more alive than I had in a long time.
In 2009, I learned that an apple tastes just as good if not better than a piece of chocolate sometimes. Especially if it’s a Honeycrisp.
In 2009, I spent more time outdoors than I probably had in the last 5 years. I love the sun. I love a cool, crisp morning. I even didn’t mind an occasional light breeze or light rain as long as I wasn’t out biking. I still don’t like humidity though. Or the cold. But I’ve learned to be much more tolerant of those.
In 2009, I found that I love my sneakers and sp0rts bras and wicking t-shirts and socks. I’m more interested in shopping at Dick’s and Modell’s than I am in shopping a department store (although that’s more fun now too since I’m in regular sizes).
In 2009, I learned that I don’t really have ridiculously wide feet. They were really just fat before. I can wear normal shoes now…and sneakers.
In 2009, I discovered that the best medicine for stress– and there was plenty of it– was exercise, not cake.
2009 was a tough year. There’s no getting around that. I don’t think that too many people would disagree with me.
But I learned in 2009, that however tough the year was? I’m tougher.
And I’m ready to go for it in 2010.
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I need to meet this quick because there is a house to decorate and a snow storm to enjoy, but I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished.
I plan on right-sizing my body in 2010 and I will look to you for inspiration.
Merry Christmas!
elizabeth
Your a rockstar