2013 has been a funny old year. A lot has changed. I've gained and lost classes and clients. I've changed my focus on a whole load of things. And I've learnt some valuable lessons....
1. Care less about what people think.
Some people love my classes. Some people, well, don't. And sometimes in gyms there's weird old politics that means people do or don't come, no matter what you do or don't do. I know why I do the stuff I do. I know why I don't do the stuff I don't. If you like it, fab! And if you don't like it, then that's fine. Rather than beat myself up about it, I now just move on happily and know that there's someone out there that loves what I do. Same logic in my personal life too - as I get older I care a lot less what people think of me. Take me or leave me, your choice!
2. Appreciate what you have.
Various friends have been through tough times this year. I am relatively healthy (surprisingly considering my last few years ailments!), have a good relationship, a nice house, good friends and a job that keeps me out of trouble and pays the mortgage. Whatever we may moan about, generally someone out there has it far worse than us. So quit whining, suck it up and get on with it.
3. Trust your instincts.
I know if I can trust someone. I always have. And vice versa. But I sometimes doubt this, which means I either miss out, or sometimes I get stabbed in the back. 2013 has been a year of missing out and backstabbing (hmm, must remember 'quit whining'....).
4. Be open to serendipity.
Those that know me will appreciate that stuff happens to me that doesn't happen to other people. I don't know why. My boyfriend always looks worried when he's greeted by 'guess what happened to me today' as usually there's a long tale peppered with randomness, lucky chances and odd coincidence. But this also leads to interesting stuff happening. More of this would be lovely...
5. Know when to chatter.
In 2013 I've met some great people. Strangers, after all, are just friends you've not made yet.
6. Know when to keep your gob shut.
I've also landed myself in hot water. I'm fab with other peoples' secrets, but can't keep my own stuff from just popping out randomly. I get over-excited and just need to tell the world about my latest plans/mad ventures. Which usually is fine, but has slightly back-fired this year. New strategy: Tell the cats (they don't blab).
7. Nothing is impossible.
In 2012, someone from RunEngland told me that there was 'no point' in attempting to affiliate a new club to UKAthletics because it was 'impossible' to set a new club up locally. So, in 2013 (after a LOT of effort on my part) Fen Edge Runners was born and we finished the year with our first official race in our new colours. She also told me that it was impossible to do mixed ability running training sessions (the fast ones always got bored, or the slower ones couldn't keep up). We continue to provide genuinely mixed ability training groups... I look forward to meeting her again sometime soon....
8. Possibilities are endless.
I hope that some of the stuff I've been plotting in 2013 will happen in 2014. If so, it will be a hugely exciting year. Life is full of infinite possibilities. We just need to be brave enough to grab them.
1. Care less about what people think.
Some people love my classes. Some people, well, don't. And sometimes in gyms there's weird old politics that means people do or don't come, no matter what you do or don't do. I know why I do the stuff I do. I know why I don't do the stuff I don't. If you like it, fab! And if you don't like it, then that's fine. Rather than beat myself up about it, I now just move on happily and know that there's someone out there that loves what I do. Same logic in my personal life too - as I get older I care a lot less what people think of me. Take me or leave me, your choice!
2. Appreciate what you have.
Various friends have been through tough times this year. I am relatively healthy (surprisingly considering my last few years ailments!), have a good relationship, a nice house, good friends and a job that keeps me out of trouble and pays the mortgage. Whatever we may moan about, generally someone out there has it far worse than us. So quit whining, suck it up and get on with it.
3. Trust your instincts.
I know if I can trust someone. I always have. And vice versa. But I sometimes doubt this, which means I either miss out, or sometimes I get stabbed in the back. 2013 has been a year of missing out and backstabbing (hmm, must remember 'quit whining'....).
4. Be open to serendipity.
Those that know me will appreciate that stuff happens to me that doesn't happen to other people. I don't know why. My boyfriend always looks worried when he's greeted by 'guess what happened to me today' as usually there's a long tale peppered with randomness, lucky chances and odd coincidence. But this also leads to interesting stuff happening. More of this would be lovely...
5. Know when to chatter.
In 2013 I've met some great people. Strangers, after all, are just friends you've not made yet.
6. Know when to keep your gob shut.
I've also landed myself in hot water. I'm fab with other peoples' secrets, but can't keep my own stuff from just popping out randomly. I get over-excited and just need to tell the world about my latest plans/mad ventures. Which usually is fine, but has slightly back-fired this year. New strategy: Tell the cats (they don't blab).
7. Nothing is impossible.
In 2012, someone from RunEngland told me that there was 'no point' in attempting to affiliate a new club to UKAthletics because it was 'impossible' to set a new club up locally. So, in 2013 (after a LOT of effort on my part) Fen Edge Runners was born and we finished the year with our first official race in our new colours. She also told me that it was impossible to do mixed ability running training sessions (the fast ones always got bored, or the slower ones couldn't keep up). We continue to provide genuinely mixed ability training groups... I look forward to meeting her again sometime soon....
8. Possibilities are endless.
I hope that some of the stuff I've been plotting in 2013 will happen in 2014. If so, it will be a hugely exciting year. Life is full of infinite possibilities. We just need to be brave enough to grab them.