I admire my friend Jenny in a lot of ways for a lot of reasons. Mainly, she’s one of the most positive people I know. She’s not just one of those annoyingly upbeat people who repeats things like “it’ll all be ok!!!” over and over. She’s talked to me about her own challenges and the steps she’s taken to overcome them, and then finds the silver lining.
Her post on Facebook this morning was a good one. Amidst all of the resolution setting, mimosa pics, and Mariah Carey memes, she wrote this:
Instead of resolutions I’m doing a series of challenges this year. The first one, first day is about posting something you are proud of. And there is so much in 2016 that I accomplished in a crackpot year. It was a bad year for many but if you’re reading this…. well, like me, you survived! Now it’s time to thrive. Cheers to 2017….. ?!!
It got me thinking…. because who doesn’t love a good challenge?
What did I do in 2016 that I’m proud of?
1. I walked away from a friendship where I wasn’t happy. 2. I went through the roughest point I’ve had in my marriage. 3. I got a new position at work that seems custom made for me and my personality. 4. Hank’s Hope is growing. 5. My daughter. 6. I lost close to 50lbs and am so much healthier, physically. 7. I absorbed world tragedies and tried to do my part to raise awareness, spend time, or make a donation. 8. I made some great new friendships. 9. I explored new cities on my own. 10. I felt confident for the first time in a very long time.
The last time Jenny and I were together, she suggested we all take a picture of each other. My friend V and I (and Jenny) had just rolled out out of bed and walked a few miles. Think no makeup, rough hair, you get the idea. We had just talked, though, about how we need to accept who we are and celebrate it, instead of waiting for the perfect moment with the perfect picture to show everyone the finished product. The real shot is often the best one.
Jenny, can’t wait for your next challenge!