Now that 2014 is behind us, I've been reflecting on the last twelve months. What things happened to me last year and what I can take with me into 2015. I started last year broken hearted, with a chip on my shoulder and in a very unhealthy place. I ended a bad relationship, was under weight, under nourished and a stressed mess. Looking back, this has been a big year in overcoming challenges. Today I'm sharing five things that changed me in 2014.
My Mom's heart surgery. I still can't believe this happened. One day my Mom was in Arizona with me helping me get through my foot injury, a few days later she was having emergency surgery. Then she became critically ill post surgery from a bacteria in her blood. Suddenly I was responsible for her care and making decisions. My Dad was there, but overwhelmed by the number of doctors and information. It was hard for him to keep everything straight. From this, I learned that sometimes people need me. That's a responsibility I'm not used to. Being single and having no kids, I'm not accustomed to someone else needing me. I'm not good at being open to people organically either unless I'm at the gym where I can bench press them if needed. But is event made me realize that although I may not need people, they need me. Life is precious and I'm thankful someone was watching out for her because I wasn't ready for her to go yet. Not sure I ever will be either.
Breaking free of a high-stress job. Leaving my old job, was the best decision for me. I won't discuss details of my profession on the blog, but I will say the performance expectations were unreasonable and that's putting it mild. I'm lucky to have found a company with amazing co-workers and friends. The previous experience changed my view on work-life balance and my entire career outlook too. Do what you love, not what you hate.
Blogging. When I started blogging in 2013, I never imagined how hard blogging would be nor did I anticipate the growth spurt my blog would have. It took me by surprise and suddenly I felt I had this expectation to live up to. I've realized no one's placing those expectations on me except myself. The biggest most unexpected thing that wow'd my world last year was the blogging community. The friendships and connections I've made span the world. I've met some truly incredible and inspriational people. This and the relationships I've built with my readers have made the hard work very rewarding. This has made me see that relationships aren't a scary thing. They fuel your success and desire to be your best.
My foot injury and ankle injury. The first stress fracture was mentally difficult for me to accept. I was freaked out not being able to workout the way I wanted to & having so many new obstacles in life. I'm a control freak. It felt like death to not be in control of my life or body anymore. I was convinced I'd gain a zillion pounds, reverse my weight loss and lose all my fitness. I put stress on my body cycling every day. Looking back, I wish I'd given my body the time-out it craved. I'm not sure what that high impact workout did for me besides grow my booty, which thankfully has now returned to it pre-injury size.
With all the physical and emotional struggles from being injured last year, I learned some amazing things. First, I'm not going to gain a zillion pounds resting. My eating habits are so good it's impossible for that to happen which is why with my ankle injury I'm gladly accepting down time. That brings me to lesson number two. I can't lose weight when I do start training again. In 2013, I was under immense stress & my weight plummeted. Third, I don't have to worry about losing my fitness. It's really good and comes back within 2-3 wks post injury. Honestly I have no idea why I ever worried about this. I'm into fitness for life so I don't need to be in a rush. Last but not least. I'm a swimmer. Say what??? Yes, I love swimming and am grateful my injuries forced me to get in the pool, teach myself to swim again and get over my fear of putting my head in the water. Just keeping swimming....
Becoming a foodie & photographer. I've always loved cooking, but never in my wildest dreams did I dream I'd be creating recipes for brands or this blog. I never thought readers would email me asking for recipes, asking for weight loss meal plans or when I would have a cookbook out (who's life am I living?). I definitely never thought I'd be a food photographer either. Creativity is not a gene I knew I possessed, but I absolutely love it. This has been by far the most exciting change for me this past year and I cannot wait to see where it leads me in 2015.
What changed your life in 2015 and what will you take with you in 2015?
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Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Before I moved to Milwaukee from Scottsdale I quit my job that was sucking the absolute life out of me! I can completely relate to the incredible feeling of finally letting go and moving on! So exciting to hear that your blog has grown quickly! Keep it up, I am still so happy we connected!
Megan says
That is awesome Christina and good for you for taking the leap! You're brave & confident to do that. I am so glad we connected too! It amazes me that our paths have crossed in real life and we met blogging in the virtual life!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says
I am hoping 2015 treats you well. 2014 was not a good one for me so I am beyond happy to see what this year brings. I learned a lot about myself too. Thank you for sharing...I look forward to reading more of your 2015.
Megan says
Thanks, Daisy! Wishing you all the best & lots of happiness this year!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles says
Quite a year! Glad your mom is okay now, I can only imagine how difficult that was to go through. Ugh...All I can say is yes to saying goodbye to those awful stressful not worth it jobs. I did the same thing over two years ago - I didn't want to have to quit but my goodness, what was being asked of me and how much of myself i was giving for what i was getting in return was just not worth my sanity, time or mental health. Hope your ankle is feeling even better today than yesterday.
Megan says
I'm so happy to hear you got out of a stressful job & have more balance now. Did you make a career change or switch companies? I've been contemplating a career remodel, but it feels a bit scary. My ankle is aching a lot today. That's another reason why I'm sticking to what I'm doing for now. My #1 goal is to get healthy right now.
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
So much positive change for you in the last 12 months! Isn't it crazy how much one year can make such a big difference? I'm so glad you're in a more positive place now :). Here's to a great 2015!
Megan says
You are so right about how much change can happen in just a year. I'm thankful I have this blog to document it & look back on it too. Happy 2015 lady!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Megan! Wow, you had quite the year. Isn't it amazing how hard situations make us so much stronger? In 2014, I left the corporate world behind and left behind the safety of a regular job. I've never looked back, although it hasn't been easy. Thank you for sharing your real thoughts and reflections on some significant life events. We love to be a part of your life here!
Megan says
You are so brave Ashley for switching careers! I envy you for taking the leap. It makes me happy to hear too that you guys want to hear about the personal side of me.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Thanks for sharing the personal side to your 2014. Although I'm a parent of 3 now, my parents are in good health and I can't picture them needing me the way you describe. Not sure I'll ever be ready to face that, though I will have to.
I relate to all the blogging stuff as well. I had no idea what I was getting into!
Megan says
I definitely wasn't ready & my parents are too young. In some ways, I'm glad I had a taste of it & know I have the ability to get through it even if I am alone. And blogging...is so much work. Some days I wonder why I'm doing it. It doesn't take me long to remember though. 😉
Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness says
Thank you for sharing your 2014 journey! I definitely have seen great changes and I can tell you are entering 2015 with a whole new and fresh mind! 🙂
Megan says
Thank you sweet lady! Your support means the world to me. I hope you know that!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
A lot happened for me this past year too. I was let go from my job, started my blog, moved to Austin and have really shifted when it comes to what I want to make into a career. All good changes, but it can be overwhelming at times. Cheers to a good 2015!
Megan says
Wow, that IS a lot of change! Good for you re-inventing yourself & your career. Change is good, but it can be overwhelming. You will get there. One step at a time! I'm sure!!!
Brooke @ wreckingroutine says
Love hearing about this wonderful place you are in as 2014 ends and 2015 begins. Here's to ending 2015 the same way!
Megan says
Thanks so very much Brooke and same to you! 🙂