If you know me, you may be aware that I enjoy listening to podcasts while I walk in the mornings. My current podcast obsession has me listening to MOVE YOUR DNA with Katy Bowman. I just can’t get enough! There is so much to learn about the human body, movement, and how to marry the two for a better life…, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
An episode topic that Katy Bowman repeats every year is a yearly review. During these episodes, she answers a list of questions created by Robin Blanc Mascari about the previous year and the year ahead. Should you choose to listen to any of these episodes, you’ll notice that KaBo adjusts the questions and answers to circle around the themes of health and movement.
I enjoy listening to the incredible accomplishments and intentions being discussed so much that I decided I wanted to give it a go myself. Unfortunately, 178 days is a long time to wait for the new year. But…why wait?!?! Today, I embark on a new year of life. On this the first day of the 29th rotation my mortal body will make around the sun, I have decided to review, reflect, and resolve. In case that was too confusing an introduction: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me.
This year, I will answer the questions as intended…maybe in January when resolution making really is the reason for the season I’ll answer them with a health/movement focused twist, but for now…
Robin Blanc Mascari Questions
Completing and Remembering The Previous Year
What was your biggest triumph this past year?
I finally made it back to the dentist for a teeth cleaning. YAY! no cavities. (Ps. It’s been 7 years.)
I have also meditated almost consistently since April. (I only remember missing two days when I was driving across the country to visit family.)
What was the smartest decision you made this past year?
I started working with a therapist again. Though I feel like I’m at my healthiest mentally/emotionally I’ve been in a long time, having a third party to work things through with has been helpful and enlightening.
I did four other noteworthy things too. I started journaling daily; I began keeping a gratitude journal; I began meditating daily, and I started emphasizing morning and evening personal prayers.
What one word best sums up and describes this past year's experiences?
Change. But if I were to give a word that describes how the experiences have affected my personal growth I would say some iteration of Strong. Strength. etc.
What was the greatest lesson you learned in the past year?
Don’t forget the basics, the bare necessities, the essentials, the primary answers aka if it’s the simplest answer or action it’s probably the best one.
What was the most loving service you performed this past year?
I think this year and probably every year, it is listening instead of responding.
What is your biggest piece of unfinished business this past year?
Picking up trash in the neighborhood where I live.
What are you most happy about completing this past year?
I am most happy about completing my first ever mud run obstacle 5k.
Who were the three people that had the greatest impact on your life this past year?
My husband - always #1! He makes me want to be a better person.
A pair of co-workers who made work so much better - RTH sisters for life.
My sister. She made impressive strides in adulting this past year that inspire me to do hard things too. She’s also the best advice giver because she’s not afraid to tell me how it is even if I’m not interested.
What was the biggest risk you took this past year?
I decided to leave my job.
What was the biggest surprise this past year?
There are two and they live on opposite ends of the emotion spectrum. The first belongs to the death of my Grandma. It was expected, but I didn’t think I wouldn’t have the chance to say goodbye. The second was a hasty, last minute decision to do a boudoir photo shoot.
What important relationship improved the most in the past year?
The relationship between my husband and I. We are navigating our communication strengths and weaknesses better than before.
What compliment would you have liked to have received this past year?
*This question is hard…*
What compliment would you have liked to have given in the past year?
*Same answer as the above question…* I can see why KaBo answered these two questions the way she did in her 2017 episode. So in like fashion….BYE FELICIA!
What else do you need to do or say to be complete with the results of the past year?
Thank you! 28’s been great.
Creating A New Year
What would you like to be your greatest triumph in the coming year
Open my business Uplyft Wellness. That would be cool!
What advice would you like to give yourself this coming year?
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” - Babe Ruth: as quoted in Disney’s A Cinderella Story.
&
“You try; you sit. This is about doing.” - Forever Strong
What is the major effort you are planning to improve your [life] in the coming year?
(Ummm… So I told you I was gonna answer these questions as they were originally written… I lied. This question is originally about finances, and although I strongly believe in the importance of financial stability, I decided to change it because money isn’t that important to me as long as my needs are met and bills are paid on time.)
Consume Less - Create More! #justdoit
What would you be most happy about completing this new year?
Lots of things: home improvement/renovation projects, a half marathon, a marathon (o.O), reading some of the books I’ve collected during my thrift store raids, etc.
What major indulgence are you willing to experience this coming year?
Pay for regular yoga classes (2-4x/month) and monthly massages.
What would you like to change about yourself in the coming year?
Grow hair grow!!! Mermaid hair here I come.
I would also like to overcome my fear of starting/beginning.
What are you looking forward to learning this new year?
I think it would be cool to join a climbing gym - like rock climbing. I think it would make for a neato couples goal.
What do you think will be your greatest risk in this coming year?
Mmmm…maybe getting a second doggo.
What are you most committed to changing about your work and improving during this year?
My time management skills.
What is one undeveloped talent you are willing to explore in the coming year?
Blogging. Social media I can get behind.
What brings you the most joy and how are you going to do or have more of that in your life this year?
Spending time with my husband/family. Plan regular vacations, go on fun date outings even if it’s just a people watching date walk through the mall.
Who or what, other than yourself, are you most committed to loving and serving this new year?
Yes. There isn’t any one person or group in mind, but if I think hard enough maybe the answer would be my community.
What one word would you like to have as your theme in the new year?
It took me a while to come up with the right word to convey the opposite of “a fear or starting or beginning” which is a major obstacle I want to overcome. Words like: Brave and Fearlessly Forward came to mind, but they didn’t convey the right thing. Finally the word “optimistic” came to mind, and when I looked up the definition: “hopeful and confident about the future;” I decided that was the one. So my one word theme is: Optimistic.
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