Is it really 2017? How are we here already? My brain is still operating in 2016 which is why I'm just now getting around to sharing Five Things That Changed Me In 2016. I've been so busy launching my new program Eat To Lose Weight I forgot it was a new year.
By the way if you didn't make it into the program before registration closed, I'll be launching it again for Spring Coaching first week of March and I hope to see you there! Some of you emailed me asking for an accountability group separate from the program which you can sign up for HERE (it's super affordable!). Lots of options for you to get healthy here!
Rewinding to 2016...
One tradition I have is reflecting on five milestones every year. Sometimes with the hustle of life and being in fast forward mode I don't absorb experiences. This helps me appreciate them more! It also gives you a personal insight into me because I'm actually a real person not just a foodie, Instagram obsessed, fitness loving, nutrition nerd. So let's see the five things changed me in 2016!
Becoming A Fitness & Swim Instructor
Last year I became not only cycle certified, but also swim instructor certified. I wanted to get cycle certified for a very long time and getting swim instructor certified was a bonus! Not only did it give me an excuse to get out of the house but also an opportunity to motivate people in my community. The most unexpected bonus I got from this though is that it really helped me feel much more comfortable talking to strangers. I've always had massive anxiety around people I don't know. Now I've found myself talking to people at the gym I never would've talked to a year ago.
Going To Nutrition School & Starting My Own Practice
When I think back to last year, I was very nervous about embarking on a second degree in nutrition. I had always been that person who followed the rules playing it safe in a stable full time job, with a cozy 401k and health care plan.
Starting a business and going back to school, was completely outside my comfort zone. I had a vision of what I wanted to do, but wasn't sure how or when I'd make it happen or if it would even work. Now I have 1:1 clients, wrote a 2nd eBook, launched my first online program and graduated from my health coaching certification program! Some days I wake up and can't believe this is my life.
I won't say it's perfect. I do a variety of things to make money to make it work. I will admit I work harder now than ever in my life. Only six months to graduation and it couldn't come sooner. I'm excited about not having to do homework every weekend. Just a research paper, two NASM certifications (included with my nutrition degree) and board exams to pass until I'm a licensed practitioner. Once I'm board certified, I can work in a medical setting but I haven't decided whether that's a route I'll explore or not.
Having A Hip Replacement
Coming to terms with having a hip replacement at 38, wasn't easy. I think back to three months ago when I would've rather died than go through with major surgery. Now I couldn't be happier I did it because I have zero pain. I still have days where my leg swells for no reason (this is normal), but I can deal with swelling better than chronic pain.
Really the most difficult part of coming out of joint replacement surgery has been holding myself back from running and jumping. Since writing about my surgery, I've had so many young people reach out to me. Part of me wonders if this is why it happened to me, to help others.
Becoming A Freelancer & Full Time Blogger
Last year I had no idea how I was going to make money while going to school. Fortunately, a couple freelance opportunities landed in my lap that have become a steady stream of income along with the blog. Since I was able to dedicate more time to blogging, I focused heavily on improving my content and tuning into my readers more. This strategy proved to pay off because this place has grown threefold. It's insane!
But if I were being honest, I'm really having a love-hate relationship with blogging right now. I'll talk more about it in a post next week, but I hope this year I begin to feel more connected to it rather than feeling like it's something I have to do.
Meeting Kelli
It's really hard to meet good friends when you're older especially when you're single and everyone you know has a family and kids. It's just not the same. When I met Kelli this year, we immediately hit it off and she has been an amazing friend and ally in this sometimes confusing space of nutrition and blogging! I'm very blessed to have her in my life. She's also an RD so we're always talking nerdy nutrition. I have a feeling more good stuff is in store for both of us!
And that's it! The Five Things That Changed Me In 2016. Crazy how much you can accomplish in one year if you're just willing to take the first step and have faith.
Jenny says
By wrapping up a year with full of ups & down you showed a real spirit of a true Woman. I must say you truly deserve a wonderful year which is waiting for your dedication whole heartily. Have a wonderful 2017 Megan & Thank you so much for this article 🙂
Megan says
Thank you so much for those sweet words Jenny! You have no idea how much I needed to hear them. Board exams in my near future have me a little scared.
jill conyers says
This is awesome. 2016 was an amazing year for you Megan and I'm sure 2017 will be more of the same.
Have a great weekend!
Megan says
Thanks Jill! I hope 2017 will be awesome for you too.
Ashley @ Whiskers and Weights says
Wow, what a year! Although 2016 seemed a little rough, it sounds like there are some things that also helped you grow!
Megan says
Thanks! I'm hoping the second half of the year is less exciting.
Jamie@TheMomGene says
You had a BIG year. Let's hope this next one continues to grow all the good things that are now working for you! My one big thing from 2016 I think would be returning to writing...blog, articles, etc. It's been a decade (insert: spouse and kids) since I had the brain/creative energy to really devote to it and now I feel like I'm coming around to myself again.
Megan says
Wow a decade! Welcome back to writing.
Runwright says
Great post. Becoming a blogger changed my life too. I never thought I would get to the point where I would share details of my life on the internet.
I found you via the linkup. I'll be following you now.
Megan says
Welcome here and welcome to blogging! Blogging will definitely change your life, just don't let it take over your life.
Jennifer @ Fit Nana says
Wow! That's quite a busy year! Good luck on your final paper and board exams!
Megan says
Thank you, I will need that luck! I get overwhelmed about all tests.
Kelli @Hungry Hobby says
Dude your amazing! I can't believe I made it to your top five list! Finding friends as you get older is really really hard and now most days I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you to talk too! Think of all the fun we will
Have this year!!!!
Megan says
I don't know what I did before you either. 😉
lindsay Cotter says
you did so much in 2016! and all for AMAZING things. I'm excited for you in 2017. Just more coming your way. Keep inspiring us! and yay for nutrition!
Megan says
I hope you're right. I'm nervous!
Emily says
Wow Megan, you literally grew and expanded in so many ways that it makes my head go, 'WOW!' I am not nearly as energetic, but I love how much you stepped out of your comfort zone and grew in leaps and bounds.
Probably one of the things that changed me in 2016 was realizing the power of God's grace over guilt.
Megan says
Not sure if it's energetic as much out of necessity that I had to make a lot of changes. Either way, you have to embrace the path put in front of you sometimes. You sound like you had a big year too lady. I know guilt was something you struggled with so I'm very proud of you!