Striving for Better

2016 has been a year of working on being healthier. That's meant making some changes - some big, some small, but all important in the big picture. It started last winter when I couldn't shake throat issues, but it highlighted the importance of taking care of myself.

I started listening to my body more when I needed to rest. Having chronic throat issues and fevers really wore me out, and teaching's tiring enough without that. I learned that some nights the best thing I could do for myself was put school work on the back burner and rest.

I began facing my stress and dealing with it rather than shoving it aside. No, it's not always pretty or fun to figure out what's worth thinking about and what I need to let go of, but it's worth the effort to become less frazzled. I've learned to pick my battles in that regard.

I've learned to embrace my limitations. This means saying no sometimes, but it also means asking for help. I used to think it was a weakness not to be able to do it all on my own, but it actually takes a certain measure of strength to lean on others.

I got my tonsils out a few weeks after school got out, and that was a major lesson in leaning on others. When they say it's rough for adults, they aren't exaggerating. So far I haven't been sick at all since school started: a new record. I'd say it was worth it.

Similarly, I've learned that sometimes I have to push my limitations in order to grow. I used to be my own obstacle at taking on new things by thinking I just couldn't do it, and it's been a process to get to see that it's okay to fail. It's okay to have to learn in a process rather than in a snap.

I've also started working out regularly again, and that's been so helpful. I am loving yoga, and I'm loving Zumba. I don't know that I'll ever get brave enough to do an actual class for either one, but there's nothing wrong with YouTube or Pinterest workouts.

I'm also spending more time on hobbies, something I know I've touched on a few times on the blog this year. I can't emphasize enough how valuable this has been to me. I feel like I am more than my career again, and I love being multifaceted.

I'm thankful for the support I've had each step of the way in this journey, and I'm thankful to be able to have it as I continue to strive for better in my life.