Reflections on 2016

2016 certainly had it's ups and downs.  I suppose part of being a well adjusted grown up is coming to the realization that all years have their ups and downs and that no stretch of time will be blissfully relaxing and perfect.

I had some really broad overarching goals for 2016 and I have more room to grow in them but did make some headway...I thought before jumping into thoughts about the coming year it would be nice to take a trip down memory lane and look back at my goals from this time last year.  Here are some highlights...

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In 2016...

I'll work on being a healthy version of me. 

Reflection: I haven't quite mastered this one yet.  I did manage to get better about taking some maintenance medications regularly instead of just when I managed to remember and surprise surprise - it helps :-) Also after a rough winter of foot issues I'm much more aware of taking care of the tootsies.  Good shoes are now a must - gone are the days where my feet were young enough to wear whatever was cute and on sale.  Now to just get on the eat better and exercise bandwagon!

Give myself time to read. 

Reflection: It was a pretty low number for me this year of books completed.  I read 29 books and I had a goal of 48.  I did read a good mix of fiction and nonfiction and a variety of genres and age levels so at least my reading was well rounded :-)  I also did a bit of blogging about books so that counts for something.  Mostly I just want to read things that I find interesting and enjoyable and that expand my knowledge and understanding of the world. I set a more reasonable goal of 36 books for 2017.  We'll see how it goes.  Part of the issue is that I used to be able to stay awake very late at night and read (mostly because I had insomnia).  I sleep better now and often feel myself falling after just a few pages... darn sleep is getting in the way of my reading.

Write more. 

Reflection: I need to figure this out because I enjoy writing, I find it good for the soul but I didn't manage to make it happen very much in 2016.

Be in touch with my creative side. 

Reflection: I've been steady working on this one (well playing at this one is more like it).  I've done some painting, some yarn crafts, lots of coloring, and some jewelry making.  I've also started taking a few days here and there as stay-cations without any plans and find those to be great times to let myself play.

Settle into my family. 

Reflection: I must say I think we are settling in quite nicely :-) We have our moments but our moments are just like any family, not because we are new or a blended family.  We are a normal family that has ups and downs but loves each other through the tricky times. We also added a new puppy to the family in December and as crazy as he is, Hank makes our family feel complete.

Here are a few photo highlights from the year :-)