While I’ve gotten fewer than normal Christmas cards this year, I
think social media makes it less of a thing because we can so easily keep up
with people. However, as a 32 years young single professional, who has lived
through a milestone year- I thought I would give it an electronic go.
Each year, I pick theme words that I hope will encompass and
guide the year. For 2019 my words were becoming free (more on that in my
previous post). Basically, this year was a lot of peeling the layers back on my
habits, my health, and where I find my identity and purpose.
It was a year of mountains
and valleys (quite literally- as I hiked most of the Snoqualmie Alpine lakes hiking
trails over the summer with my dear friend Lis, with other friends joining us
at times). I learned physical my limits and pushed past them- our longest hike
was 11.4 miles in a day, and also learned to respect and love my body and
emotions—listening to them as indicators of what I needed to grow and heal. Including continued chiropractic care-- I have officially regained 10 decibels of hearing!
This year was also one of prioritizing my health—physically,
spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. As
I look back I can see how switching up my workouts at the gym, reading new empowering
books that have strengthened and stretched my faith, making time for painting, writing and
counseling- have all worked to help me heal and become free.
Other highlights of the year include going to several Taproot Theatre
plays, meeting one of my favorite authors-Ruth Reichl, visiting family, playing on my church’s rec. volleyball team, and taking a solo trip to
New York City in October.
No life is lived in a vacuum, and I am so grateful for my friends
and family. I could not have made it through this summer, and this year of
healing and addressing trauma without the support and encouragement of so many.
From listening to me process, walking with me-literally and figuratively, and simply
spending time with me or sending an encouraging word—often right when I thought
I couldn’t keep going—I’m eternally grateful.
One aspect of becoming free is acknowledging that I have been in
the “helper” role most of my life—especially the last 12 years in my career in
special education and as an applied behavior analyst. I am so grateful to be
equipped to work with these families and their amazing children. But the old
adage is true—you can’t pour from an empty cup. And my cup was nearly dry for a
lot of this year. While I derive so much joy and meaning from my career—there
are seasons for stepping back, resting, and refocusing—and mine has arrived.
As
I look to the new decade, my new theme words for 2020 are “Abundant rest”. I pray this next year is one of rest and hope for each of you.
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