Sunday, January 9, 2011

2010: Lessons Learned

I feel like I've done so much reflecting in the past couple of months. As I said in an email to a dear friend today, I feel like I've just been rolling with the punches and thankfully none of them has been a knockout blow. During a follow-up visit with my GYN after my ectopic pregnancy, we were discussing how surreal the whole experience was.
Me: "I just keep telling myself there must be a lesson in all this."
Dr. A: (I'm paraphrasing) "You know, I think sometimes crappy things just happen for no good reason"

Of course that made me think a lot. What I came to realize is that maybe there isn't a lesson, but I can learn from how I respond to situations, and how I come away from them. While I don't care to repeat the last few months of 2010, I have learned some powerful lessons. Among them...

- Even after 18 years, my dear husband will drop everything to be there for me when I need him.

- Homemade soup from your Mom makes a sick day much better, even when you are 34.

- I can never take for granted time with my children, even if they are fighting.

- I am fiercely determined.

- It is ok to sometimes let others take care of you without feeling guilty.

- Never take for granted that the person who seems happiest is really happy. Sometimes that is the person who needs your help the most. I wish we had learned this lesson sooner.

- My little sister can be almost as bossy as me when it comes to planning her wedding.

- I am truly fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family, and to be a part of a team that encompasses so much more than a bunch of triathletes.

- I am also fortunate to love my job. I was reminded today that I am so fortunate to do what I do.

- I don't have a race schedule for 2011, and that is ok...I'm going with it...letting my body tell me what I can handle. I am a planner. This is new for me.

One post can't sum up what a year 2010 has been, but I'm thankful to have regained my "pep" and looking forward to getting stronger (and maybe a little faster) in 2011.

14 comments:

  1. Good words! Good lessons to learn too. I just wish sometimes the lesson didn't have to be driven home with a sledgehammer :)

    Here's to increased pep, strength, and healing :)

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  2. In the long run, it's these "lessons learned" that stay with us-the negative things seem to miraculously fade into the sunset....thank goodness :)

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  3. I am also a planner, and I don't really have a race plan either. I think it is good to go with the flow once and a while.

    I do think that everything happens for a reason. We just don't always know the reason until years later. Keep being tough :)

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  4. Keep that positive attitude and toughness. Things have a way of working out.

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  5. Here is to an awesome 2011! You deserve it Kier.

    Just take things as they come and have a blast.

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  6. I like Dr A's answer - so true and conversly don't spend the time and effort asking why because it is just as unproductive - just keep moving forward!

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  7. Very good post. Sometimes things are out of your control, but adversity tends to help us all find out the things that are most important. Looking forward to seeing you at REV3 this year.

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  8. Very authentic post. The hard parts teach us so much about ourselves and how blessed we are by our loved ones. Loved reading all that you learned... that for me is the 'silver lining' in the rough times. Take care of yourself and listen to your body and heart about what you need and when. Glad to here you're getting your pep back. :)

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  9. True true true!!! 2011 will be fabulous, you deserve it!!

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  10. I just got done reading some things about listening for the message in situations, it is amazing how hard it is to see sometimes, even though it may be so obvious in the end.

    Best wishes for 2011! I could not agree more with the soup comment!

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  11. Great post, Kier! Isn't it amazing what has to happen for us to learn some of those lessons!! Thanks for sharing with us!

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  12. Great lessons learned. I definitely agree that the crappy stuff makes us better people by teaching us things we should know! :)

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  13. Really great post Kier.....I know we all shot you messages and positive thoughts during the last few months, but I *was* really thinking of you a lot, with all that you went through with your health and sometimes you just want to say "how much can one person handle?"......I think you've managed to find the silver lining and good in what took place....sending you lots of NON-stressed vibes and good moments to start and end your 2011!!

    HUGS!

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  14. Good lessons mama. And the never taking your kids for granted , especially when they are fighting, is one I struggle with A LOT lately!

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