I went on a five-mile run last week with my little sister. She considers five miles a “short” run. I consider it long, but that’s not what made our little excursion remarkable.
What made it remarkable was that this run came at the end of the year. I even felt pretty good afterward. I’ve been in better shape, and I’ve run longer distances, but never in December. I’m usually exhausted due to stress and out-of-shape due to inactivity. I’m ending this year feeling strong, healthy, and rested.
This was a transition year for me. I wanted to take the time to reset and reflect. I wanted to rethink what I wanted to accomplish over the next few years. I also wanted to re-engineer my life, rediscovering balance that I hold near and dear.
It’s been hard, and it’s been gratifying. It started by unpacking and letting go of many things, giving myself a chance to mourn, to celebrate, and to heal. I had to create lots of space for something new to emerge, and I had to relearn and relive the ups and downs of that creation process.
None of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of many, many friends. Maybe there are people out there who are stronger or grittier than me, but there is no way that I could have gotten through this past year without the people in my life. I am beyond thankful for this, and I feel very, very blessed.
I don’t feel like this transition process is done, but I do feel like I’m entering a new stage, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. For the first time since 2006, I am entering the new year with professional certainty. I know what I’ll be working on, and I know where most of my income will be coming from.
For the first time since 1999, my life is also feeling spacious. I feel like I have room to explore and to let things emerge, and I’m excited for those things to happen.
If 2013 was about resting, then 2014 is about testing. Was I successful in creating new, healthy habits? Will I be successful in letting go of old, toxic ones? Will I be successful both in maintaining balance, but also in having greater impact?
We shall see. Slow the pace, stay in the race. Happy New Year!
Nice! Thanks for your insights. Always valuable.
Thanks, Gail. You're one of those people to whom I alluded. Thank you so much for everything! Talk to you in the New Year!
Happy new year Eugene! I am excited to see what results from your testing!
Thanks, Dana! You participated in both ends of my transition — from supporting me and Rebecca at the ImpactRising workshop in March to participating in Changemaker Bootcamp (which I designed for people like you) and facilitating the Code for America workshop. That was special to me. Thank you for being part of my world this past year. Looking forward to next!
Eugene you are always an inspiration!
Happy New Year, my friend! As with all of your posts, this is filled with equal parts inspiration, introspection, wisdom, and boldness. Thanks for the authentic and reflective path you are walking.
Stephanie and Odin, you are both very kind. Looking forward to seeing both of you in the New Year!