2016 to Re-Discover Me

It took me a few weeks into the new year to really figure out where I want to focus my time and energy in 2016. But after a retreat with my sister, I know where my journey will take me this year.

At the end of last year, I nominated my sister, Joy, for a retreat to Canyon Ranch in Tucson. The nomination was for a contest for women who inspire us. My nephew went through cancer treatment about five years ago and I was in awe of how my sister handled it. She and her husband were able to maintain full-time jobs, a household and take care of their other child while their son spent nine months in and out of the hospital for treatment. She is definitely an inspiration to me and so many people around her.

I heard about Canyon Ranch in college and when this contest came up, I knew I had to try to get my sister there. Well, she won and was able to bring a guest. I was honored to join her.

The retreat was one that allowed us to focus on ourselves. You choose what experiences you want to have and make the trip your own. Joy and I planned our schedules independently, and ended up overlapping on quite a few things.

Both of us decided to try new things while we were there. Our trip included credit for services at the resort, so we did things like Watsu (water massage) and spiritual meetings. We could choose from fitness and food activities to spa services and integrative care. More than 200 available services and activities gave us a lot to choose from.

2016: Honoring Myself

During my meeting with a spiritual teacher, we had a discussion about honoring my body. It brought an awareness that I need to be better at self-care. It’s true that I work out and take care of myself, but that doesn’t mean I’m caring for my body and spirit.

I’m always searching for the next “thing” in my life, whether it be in my business, fitness or nutrition. I’m a high achiever and high performer, but then I’m still longing for something more. I want to exceed expectations for approval and recognition. I want to know what it is that will bring me contentment.

What I learned is that this has to come within. I don’t always experience contentment because I’m not thinking about what is nourishing my soul. So, in 2016, I plan to focus on myself and discover myself. To find out who I am and what makes me happy. Not in a selfish way, but to rejuvenate myself daily and live in the present more.

I think this new focus is an opportunity for me to achieve other goals. It will help me get to know myself better. I am results-oriented and this mentality has gotten me to where I am. I don’t want to lose that, but I want to work on some other things to make me whole.

Putting this into practice is going to be challenging. So stay tuned to my Facebook page and this blog. I’ll be posting my successes and my challenges to help stay accountable to this year of my soul.