I know everyone has been inundated with posts about some blogger’s year in review. This one will be no different. But this post is more for me than anything or anyone else. I felt the need to go back and see how far I’d come from 2014 to help me set new goals for 2016.
I’d worked on a vision board in 2014 and 2015.
So here’s what I’m proud of in 2015:
- I survived separation from my husband of 9 years. (I’d like to be divorced by February 2016.)
- Not only did I survive but I’m better than before.
- I reached my goal weight of 137 lbs, beat it by 4 lbs at the peak of my fitness routine and then roughly stayed at it the majority of the year (until the holidays hit!) I’d lost almost 30 lbs since I started in August 2014. (My goal is to lose again those darn stubborn 5 lbs!)
- I blogged on a regular basis and have gained a number of great friends, garnered outstanding support from said friends and allowed myself to use it as a therapeutic and positive outlet.
- I saw my therapist, DD, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Don’t know what I would’ve done without her. Her advice has been golden.
- I online dated. I spoke to a number of guys, enjoyed the flattering not attention and went on dates with two different men. Both were wonderful but one particularly stood out. My Captain.
- I found amazing love with Captain. Go figure. Sounds so incredibly sappy. If you’d asked me if it was possible after being with the same man since I was 21 yrs old (I’m now 35), I would’ve laughed at you. But Captain was too incredible to ignore and was everything I could ask for. I didn’t think it was possible to find someone so good hearted and fall so deeply for that person.
- I ran a half marathon and just completed another one January 2016.
- I did my 10 mile race in Paris!
- I did two mud races! The Rugged Maniac and just recently did a Spartan (sprint) race!
- I traveled a good bit. This has always been my passion. I just kind of let it flounder once I had kids. I went to Disney three times, Austin, TX, Key West, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich and the Romantic Road in Germany, Steamboat Springs, CO.
- I went snorkeling and fishing!
- We sold our house in Virginia and did well. I put that money towards paying off all my debt. I’m broke now but am debt free.
- I began budgeting myself and am in control of my own money. (Grayheart handled all finances when I became a stay at home mom.)
- I did laser hair removal for my legs, bikini and underarms. I figured that was my treat to myself rather than going the typical get-your-boobs-done route.
- I re-arranged furniture and changed decor in my house. Out with Grayheart and in with things that represent me.
- I started substitute teaching and really enjoy it. I might consider teaching as a new profession. (I’ve been offered a few jobs since I’ve been here but I’m waiting til next fall to start anything serious.)
My 2015 focus was about finding myself because I really felt lost when my husband left me. I made it a goal to figure out what made me happy – besides motherhood – and make more time for myself.
I don’t know who exactly I am yet but I know that I’ve determined I’m stronger than I ever thought. There are sad moments but I think I am overall a happier person. I don’t feel as if I’m being weighed down by another person.
As a result of this me time and healthier living and a more interesting life, I think I’ve become a better mother. I have more energy and appreciation for my time with my kids. I cherish every second with them since I’m not with them 24/7.
My journey will continue since I feel like the investment is paying off. I hope to have an even better 2016 and am excited about completing my next vision board!
Thank you all again for helping me through this year. There aren’t enough words to describe how instrumental the WordPress community has been to my healing.
In peace and love,
Athena
XO
Reading this post, one can feel the liberation in your words. Happy to hear of your outlook, and your photo exemplifies your words. Great photo, Athena!
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Thanks, Rob! That’s a very thoughtful comment. I feel like a different person. And listing it actually made me feel like I can be proud of my changes. As always, thank you for your support. You are definitely one of the people I had in mind when I thought of new and wonderful friends I made here. Xo
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πππππ I’m honored (and humbled) to be called your friend.
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The pleasure has been all mine. Seriously. π
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Well…looks like it ended up being an awesome year for you after all. With all the positivity from this post,it is bound to be an even more joyous 2016!
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Thanks, Deb! I didn’t realize how much I had changed until I wrote it down. Thanks for the love! 2016 has started out great so far! Xo
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Love this post. Beautiful, positive and uplifting. This year will only get better! And beautiful picture.
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Thanks, KC! 2016 has been good so far so I think you’re right. π And thanks on the pic. It’s one of my faves from my trip. It was on a lake in the Bavarian Alps. I felt so free and my brother just happened to capture me at that moment. π
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You look free and happy, and so good that your brother was able to capture that moment π
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Thx! π
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What a great positive post. Enjoyed reading every word. Good for you! Looooooove it with a capital L.
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Thank you!!! I hope when I look back at 2016 it’s even better than last year! lol! And thank you for the endless support. Xo
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Oh for sure it will be :)))))
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Well, I’m exhausted just reading that! Busy year. Sounds like you’re in a great place now. From the ashes, right? And, not to be too forward, but from that last pic, I’m going to go out on a limb and say Greyheart is quite the fool. Just sayin’! π
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Lol! Thanks! Exciting and busy year. Definitely a better place now. π
And thank you for the compliment! He’s a fool for a number of reasons, lol! But seriously, thanks. Totally makes me blush. π
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I’m a man, have been for 47 …well, for roughly 30 of those at least, and I have many male friends, of course. And in all my years, and likely all the ones I have left, I will never get why we do the stupid shit we do. π
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Lol! The world’s biggest mystery!
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You got that right! Of course, women are their own brand of mysterious too. π
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Broke but debt free is rich, honey! LOL!!!! So very happy for you! And now I have to piggyback off of your adventures and ask for some references on where to stay in Key West. I decided that’s where I’m taking my gremlins while waiting on the judge’s decision for that pesky passport problem I’m having with the ex…lol. 2016 is gonna be better and bigger!
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Thanks, doll! Love that! I sure am rich with love in my life! My grandparents always say “te sacaste la loteria sin billetes” (aka you hit the lotto without money). π
I’d love to give you ideas on places throughout the keys. Is your email address on your site? Xo
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I don’t think my email is on there. I will have to add it, DUH, Phoenix! LOL!!!!
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Lol! π
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okay, I think I successfully added my email address in the About section on my page. Lemme know if you see it.
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It worked π
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I love this! Congrats on reaching so many of your goals so far! That’s awesome and inspiring. I don’t know if there’s something in the air but I feel like more and more people are making very major changes to improve their quality of life. Have you noticed that? Or is it just me?
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Thanks, Tunisia! I certainly feel like there’s lots of people making positing and uplifting changes to their lives. Or maybe we are surrounding ourselves with people that want to always improve. π
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Great post – so positive and happy! To have found yourself and what you can actually achieve must be a wonderful feeling. Well done!
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Thanks, Millie! It’s been a much better ride than I could’ve expected. Very kind of you to comment. xo
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See Gary reaching for another tissue….ok eyes are now dry. Isn’t it great once you get through the bullshit and shock of separation/divorce. It’s like a new lease on life, plus you meet people that are way cooler and more attractive than those grotesque beings that left us in the first place.
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Lmao! It’s nice to see the improvement in myself. It has been a new lease on life. Good description. Not always easy but certainly has gone better than I thought when I first went through the devastation.
Thank you for all the help you’ve given me along the way. You’ve been a huge part of the process for me. I really value your friendship and positive spirit. Xo
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((((Athena))), psst that’s online hug π
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Yippee! π
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This is a victory ! So many good things happened to you ! And you look FABULOUS !
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Thanks! π I’m grateful I was well supported to make good choices and decide to prosper than fail. π xo
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WOW what a WONDERFUL year. Well deserved. I look forward to reading the post when the divorce is final, and you are finally free! Cheers Athena! xoxo
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Thank you! Can’t wait til that post is ready either! lol! π xo
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β€
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Every single time I see a vision board, I’m all, “Oh I want to do one too!” I even have the board but I just never get around to picking the pictures. Clearly your vision board did its job in manifesting for you. I love this post…and I’m in awe at your accomplishments. I haven’t even travelled to the next town and you travelled the world. You go girl! I love the last picture of you. You are gorgeous and clearly are doing fantastic things with your life.
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Lol! I wouldn’t have done it had I not gone to my bff’s house for a vision party. I laughed at her and then did it… And now I’m on my 3rd year of it! I hope you find time to make one as I’d love to see what’d be on it!
Thank you for the support and sweet words. Means a lot. *Big hug to you!*
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That’s some pretty fantastic stuff to happen all within one year. There must be a big smile on your face … as there is on mine as I read it. Long may it continue π
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Aw, thanks! π I appreciate the good vibes and support! Xoxo
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That has been a rollercoaster year but check you. π
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Thanks girl! I’m trying!!
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its been a journey watching from the sidelines but you rock π
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Bashful thanks!!! πππ
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well I could of said you smelt, if that takes the bashfulness off :-p
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LMAO! πππ well then… I’ll take the compliment! Lol!!
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great π Although I am still going to say you smell (my three year old is teaching me insults)
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Lmao! Well… You are smellier! * sticks out tongue and points and then cries* lol! (That’s is what my three year old would respond with!)
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LOL you smell of cheese (he came out with this one today)
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LMAO! Damn. That’s a good one! I have been defeated! Hahahaha!
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I shall inform the intelligence and lets hope they dont come and get you
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So it’s Feb 2016. How’s the divorce coming along?
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Ummmmm… Have a call today with my attorney! Lol!
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Progress
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if there’s one thing i do greatly wish to hold unto from this post, it’s this,”don’t just live, reflect on each step you cross, and don’t just reflect, write it down!” Just as u commented, writting it down really helps to realize how much more there is to be thankful for. Thanks for this
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I like this… I like your interpretation of it and wholeheartedly agree. π thx!
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you’re more than welcome. thank u even more for posting and sending inspiration my way
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Wow you totally kicked some ass this year. You are such a cool girl and an amazing example to your children. I love your vision board, I think I’d really like to start one. β€οΈ
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Thanks, C! Appreciate the love! Let’s do one together!! You getting ready for your fabo trip?!
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I am indeed, I leave Friday. I’m going to gain so much weight lol π·π·π·
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Woohoo! How exciting! Weight gain doesn’t count when on vacay! π π π½
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Absolutely π
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Love this post and reminding yourself and others that we do grow and accomplish things even when times are rough!
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Aw, thanks! We are stronger than we ever thought, right? Xoxo
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Those were some awesome goals you accomplished in the past year. Much more power and love your way to have an incredible year ahead too Athena! π
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Thanks, my friend. I appreciate the support and love!
(How’s school going for you? )
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Ah, Well I have a one week break, then the new semesters starts π¦
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Good luck! π
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