2013 was a phenomenal year! It was my first full calendar year clean and sober. And with all of the wonderful drunken holidays, oh hell, who am I kidding...every day used to be a good day to drink. But without alcohol, I have seen and experienced so many changes in my life...all for the better. I would have never thought or said that at the beginning of 2012. If nothing else, I truly believe I have become a more well rounded and better person in general.
It was a year filled with many emotional ups and downs, but instead of picking up a bottle of booze, I chose to face each moment head on. There have been plenty of learning experiences, such as my trip to California, where I was so overcome with emotion from simply getting on a plane, and having so much support for my endeavours, that it became impossible to perform my best in competition. But given time to reflect, the competition was only a small part of why I was on that trip in the first place. The kindness and generosity shown to me by the strongman community far outweighs bringing home a duffle bag full of free stuff...although, the duffle bag was pretty cool! And I can't even begin to explain everything I learned about myself in one blog.
The year was also full of physical changes that were not necessarily in my original game plan, but game plans have a tendency to change by halftime anyway. I really didn't have any specific goals, except to lift heavy (and never, ever squat again). After my first strongman competition in March, all of that changed. Strongman competitors are passionate about what they do; not for the all mighty dollar (with the exception of a select few), but for the love of the sport. With each contest came bigger goals, and the desire to learn anything and everything about the upcoming events; which also meant facing the challenge of changing all of my lifting techniques...starting from scratch. But hey, how hard can it be after deciding to start my life over. I will be able to answer that in 2018...if I am lucky. :)
So, on the final day of 2013, I thank everyone that has been a part of my journey. From the simple words of encouragement, they mean the absolute world to me; to those who have guided me on this windey ass road, I will never stop listening and learning; and to those who are a part of my daily routine of work, lifting, and enjoying life. It will be difficult to top this amazing year, but I will do my best. My journey is far from over. I still have a lot to learn, even more weight to lift, and definitely more writing to do!
LIVE, LOVE, & LIFT in 2014!
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