Sometimes it's okay to...

Sometimes it’s okay to…

Take some time.

Reflect.

Be.

Coast?

Purposefully.

I’m okay. I’m not fine (in the English sense meaning usually not fine- however, my new chocolate is fine). I’m well. I’m here. I have been all year. It’s been a good year, and although I haven’t been blogging you through my journey, I’m pleased to say I’ve still grown.

I am still me. I haven’t slammed on the breaks. I’ve had different challenges this year that have stretched me. What I haven’t done is overdone it. What I have done is recuperated.

Year on year for the past who knows how many years, I have actively pursued endeavors and achievements, both academically and physically. Goals, milestones, timelines, end-points. This year my pursuit has been in re-setting my routine. Learning how to be. Learning how to be with a different +1. It’s been about re-settling my mind and body; about growing in the ambiguous; about refreshing my inner drive.

And you know what, it’s okay to do that. Or at least, that’s what I have learned.

I guiltily feel a bit like I’ve been coasting in areas of my life that I have traditionally pushed: hobbies, job, physical challenges, and perhaps I have to an extent. However in reflection, and if I was to write a list of what I have done this year, it would still be well populated.

I know (or am justifying that) it’s not been coasting, because to me coasting implies a level of laziness, or passivity. I’ve still been engaged. I’ve still done my best. I suppose what I haven’t done is over-achieve or over-exert, which is new to me. Instead as I mentioned, I’ve been learning (active, therefore positive).

What can I/ should I say about this year? What have I actually learned?

Keep your focus. Keep moving forward. Invite new experiences (and people!) into your life (says the Introvert). Reflect and learn from your past and your present. Don’t get hung up on what you can’t change. Make small changes if you feel stuck. Be thankful. Be open. Stay purposeful. Experience the moment.

I now feel recharged and up for the next challenge. I’m ready to get back into it- whatever that might be. I feel clear, supported, motivated, and dare I say, comfortable (uh oh! That’s a dangerous word!).

Finally as I write this, I realize that what I have in fact done, is “slow down to go faster” or however the adage goes.