For the first time in many years, I’m not ending a year with should of, would of, could of and approaching the new year with unrealistic expectations involving a fixed mindset of all or nothing.

I’m closing out the decade and the year of 2019 with a growth mindset and no regrets. I wasn’t on the sidelines wishing. I was in the game, participating.

I reflect on everything I’ve accomplished with a big smile on my face of pure satisfaction. I feel like I’ve lived more life this year than ever before and it all stems from my 54 Before 54. https://lifewithlisa.blog/2019/02/11/54-before-54/

Here are a few of my highlights:

Board Game night: Five Crowns has now become a family tradition when all of are together. The first time our family played it was in March of this year while on family vacation in Crested Butte. The first night went slow as we were trying to figure out the rules of the game. With every round, as we got the hang of it, it became more competitive. Five Crowns is now a MUST when we are all together.

Confession monthly: I feel like a relationship has been established with each priest in my parish from this commitment. While I did not go every month as planned, I did six out of the 11 months. Without this goal, I would have probably gone one time this year – maybe. This commitment has been eye opening on many levels.

Finish 4 books that I started: the more I read, the less time I have for TV, which was mostly junk TV. Focusing on reading has been both an educational experience and a lesson on time management.

Learning how to make a digital photo album and hosting a dinner party at home have both taught me how to push through fear and come out on the other side fearless and more confident.

Try 4 new fitness classes & Yoga: participate in 5 classes: This has been a big one for me. Throughout my health & fitness journey, I’m always looking for ways to challenge my fitness. I tried practically every class my health club had to offer to see what else was out there and had fun along the way. My feet finally landed on Orangetheory, and it is a staple in my fitness. Each workout is different and continues to challenge me. The same goes for yoga. Steven & I joined yoga as part of a 21-day challenge offered by the studio, and it quickly became a part of my routine. I absolutely love it and can’t imagine life without it!!! Mind ~ Body ~ Soul

54-days caffeine free & Vegan lifestyle for 5 days: These two taught me about options. Instead of focusing on what I “could not have” (i.e. caffeine or meat/dairy), I shifted the focus to the countless other options out there for me to discover and experience for the first time. One Day Two of going vegan, Steven & I went to a restaurant and I didn’t see any vegan options on the menu. Steven communicated this to the waitress and the chef created a vegan dish for me!!! All you have to do is ask.

Watch the sunrise & watch the sunset: I now have a greater appreciation of God’s artwork. Each sunrise and sunset are unique with indescribable beauty.

In addition to everything I accomplished through my 54 Before 54, here are some more highlights, lessons learned and blessings along the way during the wonderful year of 2019.

Highlights of 2019:

• Climbing the Summit
• Rock Climbing
• Cooking: Trying vegan dishes, soups and various other new recipes

Life Lessons Learned in 2019:

• Relationships change. Some need more nurturing than others. Some strengthen. Some weaken. Some dissolve. New ones develop.
• When one door closes, many more open
• The more I read, the less idle time I have
• I’m much stronger than I think – spiritually, emotionally AND physically
• Facing fears gives me strength and courage
• Surround yourself with supportive people
• There are always options
• Just because I’m interested in something, love something, passionate about something, doesn’t mean that others will share that with me, and thats OK!!!
• I’m much more competitive than I realized
• I can, I will and I DID!!!

Unexpected Blessings:

• AA Conference in Crested Butte
• WW Job Offer
• Quit drinking Diet Coke

It is with great joy that I close out this year and decade, and bring everything I’ve learned with me into the next. I’ve built a solid foundation of living my best life, and I will use that moving forward into the new year. I will not be doing a 55 Before 55, but will continue my pursuit to live my best life using the foundation laid during this adventurous year of 2019.

Happy New Year my friends!!!

Imagine with all your mind ~ Believe with all your heart ~ Achieve with all your might

Life With Lisa 💕