Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? I feel like it was just yesterday that I was writing my post on 2015. Now we have two days left until the New Year and I feel like I am running around with my hair on fire, trying to figure out what the heck happened. In an effort to gather my thoughts, and prepare for a fresh start, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite moments and lessons from 2016.

I have to admit – I love this process and it is one of my favorite things about this time of year. If you haven’t already tried it yourself, I highly recommend you do!

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So here they are, my highlights from 2016:

Getting married to the love of my life

photo cred: @shafferphoto

I mean, c’mon, there isn’t a moment from this year that could really beat this one. Pure happiness!

All of the amazing wedding festivities before and after the big day couldn’t be topped either – a bachelorette weekend filled with mimosas, yoga outside, mexican food and a day on the lake? Pretty darn incredible. And our mini moon in Michigan was kind of my favorite. Gotta love a year filled with bridal showers, pre-wedding week floats, and most importantly, all your favorite people!

Completing JillFit’s Total Training Experience

Jill’s TTE had me falling for weightlifting extra hard. And I was super psyched and extremely proud (albeit sad) to finish this year-long training program!

Celebrating my brother-in-law’s marriage in Hawaii

This picture was taken on their rehearsal dinner night – like something straight out of a magazine. Jake & Eddie’s wedding was just as beautiful, and the trip in its entirety was one for the books.

The 2016 Radiance Retreat

My first ever solo vacation, and the trip of a lifetime. Not sure where I would be without these beautiful ladies!

Launching the MKE Sweat Series

There aren’t many words to describe what the MKE Sweat Series meant to me. Over the course of 12 weeks I was welcomed into 12 different Milwaukee gyms and studios, promoting variety in your workouts and getting out of your comfort zone. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I am incredibly thankful I was lucky enough to work with everyone I did. I learned something everywhere I went, and the entire series was a complete joy. Thanks again to each of you who made the series the success it was!

Signing up for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer Exam

I’m not gonna lie. This one is still a little intimidating (test to come in April…). Eek!

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Of course, my recap of 2016 wouldn’t be complete without reflecting on what I have learned over the past 12 months. So without further adieu:

Sometimes, you just need to go for it.

The MKE Sweat Series really burned this lesson into my brain. In case you need the reminder, too: You don’t need anyone else’s approval to try something new. If you believe in it and want to make it happen, just go for it! It may be a little messy, it may not completely end up the way you pictured it would, but I guarantee you will not be sorry that you tried. Do what you need to do, and jump on in!

Hey! You can cook!

This may sound a little weird, but hear me out. For years I thought being a “good cook” was only meant for a select few. I thought that although I attempted to cook, there was no way I would actually be considered “good” at it.

Here’s the thing… You can be a good cook. I promise.

When I first starting cooking, I decided to pull a Julia & Julia and committed myself to working my way through Ali Larter‘s cookbook Kitchen Revelry. Some recipes turned out perfectly. Others were a bit of a disaster. But what I learned from it all is that everyone can cook – you just have to do it every once in a while. Before you know it, you will be mastering recipes and have a ton of great food options to fall back on. Now cooking is something that I absolutely enjoy. Who knows – you may love it, too!

Assume others are doing their best.

This concept was taken from Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly and is one I absolutely love and share with others often. What happens when you assume others are doing their best (even when their best doesn’t match up to your expectations)? You know your friend that is being a jack wad? If you give them the benefit of the doubt, and you accept that they truly are trying their best, then maybe (just maybe) that changes how you respond to them. I think you’ll be surprised with just how much it changes your perspective on things. It can free you from a lot of that hostility and frustration you’ve been carrying around!

Smoothies and coffee are the best.

Okay, this wasn’t a new revelation. I really just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.

Perfection is over-rated.

This year I have been focusing a lot on living with intent and giving up my former quest for perfection. And I have to tell you, it has been pretty liberating! I think it’s safe to say I have gotten more done this year than ever before. And for the most part, they were accomplishments I wouldn’t have touched before because I would have been afraid they wouldn’t meet my high standards.

All I have to say about that is: Pssh! (with a flourish of hand waving). Bye, Felicia!

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So what about you? In 2016, what did you learn about yourself? What were some of your favorite moments? What are you looking forward to doing or seeing in 2017? Spill the beans already and comment below!

xoxo,

Zoe Lauryn