The Friend Zone Podcast recently posed a few questions to their listeners charging them to put their 2018 in review and forecast their 2019. I remember jotting down a similar set of questions from 2017, but I never answered them. New year, new ways right? Here are the questions for this year, and my answers. How did 2018 treat you, and what is 2019 feeling like so far?
What challenging truth have you learned about yourself?
I have learned that I am bad at communicating. As someone who once wanted to major in Mass Communications and eventually be an on-air reporter or anchor, it’s ironic that I am a terrible communicator. But I don’t think it’s totally my fault. As a mom, I learned to figure out the needs and wants of tiny people that only knew how to communicate by crying and screaming. I can always pick up on energy and vibes, and I know how to convey emotion with my eyes. I have become a mind reader, and I assumed others could read my mind as well. Since this is not the case, I have become more cognizant of speaking my mind – and speaking with purpose so that there is no room for confusion or misinterpretation.
What pleasant surprise have you learned about yourself?
This year has taught me that I am capable. Capable of changing my body and eating habits. Growing up, I didn’t play sports or belong to an athletic team outside of being the manager of the boys basketball team. I never had the discipline required to train, or maintain a certain level of health. I was also able to maintain my weight and eat whatever I wanted up through grad school. Once I got into the real world, my life became more sedentary and the love chub came with it. Since my youngest is two years-old, I can no longer say, “I just had a baby.” I was honestly tired of my clothes being too tight, and who doesn’t want to look like the JET Beauty of the Week? I was able to push myself to places I never dreamed of. I ran the Shamrock Shuffle, and I just registered to run again this year. I have also been able to run at 10 mph speed on the treadmill at a 2.5 incline, and I reached 270 lbs. on the seated leg press machine. As a vain perfectionist, I still have goals for my body, but 2018 has shown me that I am capable of achieving and exceeding those goals.
Are you happy with the people you are surrounded by?
I can answer this question with a smile on my face. After having my first son, I felt like I was forced into the, “You’re a Mom now. You must hang out with other Moms” circle. Which is fine, but I needed balance. I felt like everything was centered on me being a new Mom, and the life I had before that was gone. It’s not like I used to run the streets every night of the week, but I missed having a night out, without it instantly being labeled as “Mom’s night out.” 2018 has brought restoration to friendships that faded due to life changes, and I no longer immediately decline invitations putting myself on the back burner. Now, the only reason I decline an invitation is because my husband is out of town and I don’t have a sitter readily available. I’m all about a responsible turn-up when my kids like to wake up before seven o’clock am every day of the week.
What does 2019 feel like for you already?
2019 feels prosperous. I’m focusing on a healthy mind and body as well as healthy finances.
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