How to find joy in the year that wasn’t
In lots of ways, 2020 has been a year that many of us have wanted to forget. Mine started with putting my 15-year old cat to sleep in January. He had a mass on his kidney, and although he was a trooper right until the end, he stopped eating and going to the bathroom. As sad as it was, it was time. I am grateful for the time we had with him. He was with us through some very challenging times, and when he would snuggle with me at night, I always felt a bit more peace. To have him for 15 years was truly special. Bill, Tiki-his adopted sister-and I miss him and remember how lucky we are to have known him.
“Everything negative-pressure, challenges-is a chance for me to rise.” Kobe Bryant
There were some big celebrity deaths that really hit home, for the loss of their youth; the talent that was left behind; the legacies that they built. Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Chadwick Bosman. Helen Reddy. Eddie Veddar. Ruth Badar Ginsberg. Sean Connery. Kenny Rodgers. Alex Trebek. All left messages of work ethic, standing up for what is right, music that makes us remember and celebrate life. Mostly they remind us how important it is to say I love you to those we care about and to never take our relationships and life for granted. For the impact they all made in my life, I am grateful.
I generally don’t spend days binge watching TV, but this year has made me grateful for some really fun shows. I’m also really thankful for the time at home watching these with my husband. Things we’ve enjoyed this year: Schitt’s Creek; Ozark; Outer Banks; Homeland; Billions; Dead to Me; The Liberator; Judy; Hamilton; Star Wars-The Rise of Skywalker; Shameless; Emily in Paris. We also enjoyed watching our regular programming once sports resumed. It was a tough year for both the Bruins, who were on a tear in March, and the Patriots who had major shakeups yet still keep us on the edge of our seats each week. Living in MA has me truly appreciating our sports history.
“I am Woman” Helen Reddy
My in person treating for physical therapy significantly changed this year, and because of that, I learned how to do telehealth visits. More I learned how much I enjoy doing those telehealth visits. Not only is it 1:1 uninterupted time with my clients, but I find I can actually focus on watching someone move better. I’m having to refine how I communicate and I’m getting better at it. I’ve been able to dive deeper into learning more about what the body does in each plane of movement, with each step of gait. I started yoga certification program, called Applied Yoga Integration. The principles are in line with my own belief, that we need to own our mobility with stability. It’s not enough to only stretch our muscles. We need to be able to train them to move thru normal range of motion too.
I’m very grateful for the online learning I’ve done this year. I challenged my brain to learn digital marketing skills such as web design and video editing (work in progress with this one lol). I started a podcast called Move Better at Home and a new YouTube channel The Cheer PT MoveBetter. With that came 2 Facebook groups LT’s Unique Movement Beauties, and Healthy Cheerleading where I can have conversations with people about how to move well, prevent injuries and keep active for life. I’ve created an online course and a new 3-month coaching program where I’m blessed to be able to help people who want to commit to investing in their health and fitness. I’ve met a ton of like-minded people who encourage and push me to be a better than yesterday. If we don’t keep growing and moving forward, are we actually moving backwards? I wouldn’t have done all of this if it weren’t for the dreaded Covid-19, and my ability to be home more.
I’ve been able to dedicate more time on my own fitness and am more comfortable working out at home now. I even started working with a coach who is giving me great feedback on how I move. As much as we preach what we know to be true, we also can benefit from having a coach to help us thru our own sticking points.
I’ve enjoyed reading more books than I can remember. They’ve helped me really recognize why I do what I do. That I truly want to help people love being in their body again. That they have it within them to do whatever it is they desire. It may take work, but just taking a step is a step in the right direction. I remembered that I like to listen and to help others learn to listen to themselves too.
“Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” Ruth Badar Ginsburg
I’ve had a lot of moments of anger this year. There is a lot in the world to make us angry. I think a year of shut down helped bring it to a head. If we hold in things we are angry about we eventually blow. This is never effective. For me, learning to speak up in the moment and not keeping quiet when I am upset is work in progress. And it’s progress. While I wish that I had done better at it, I’m grateful that I am starting to be able to express it. I’m even more grateful that I can recognize that I areas to improve and that I’m finding ways to do just that.
2020 has me facetiming with friends, and my mom too. I was able to spend more time with my dad when he needed it. My siblings and I find new ways to laugh at life each day. I’ve been talking to my mother-in-law more regularly. My nephews and nieces and I continue to connect. My husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage in October. Although mundane day to day activities can seem boring at times, I look back at how amazing our life has been together. Reflecting on our life and the love we have for each other and for our family has been my biggest gift this year.
I take time each morning to write 3 things I’m grateful for, but I don’t usually look back at the whole year. This has been a heartfelt and joyous process for me. I hope you can find some joy in looking back at your year. If you get a chance, leave me a message. I’d love to hear what your favorite moments were.
Cheers to living a life that fuels your vaulues. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021.
