That says it all, right? Bye Felicia. 2017: You were a weird year and I’m happy to see you in the rearview mirror. There were good things, of course, and lots of bad things too. You can guess who is responsible for all the bad things. The sleepless nights. Anger. Sadness. Frustration. Shock. Disappointment. But also Resolve. Outrage. Strength. Sisterhood. Resistance. I call him Emperor Baby Fists. Hopefully, someday soon I can say Bye Felicia to him.
I actually wasn’t planning on recapping 2017 because there wasn’t much to say. But after some thought, there were a couple of highlights and a-has from the past year that I wanted to share with you. So here we go.
I Am Getting Healthier Every Day
I say this with immense pride, almost vulgar pride. And I am not ashamed. For years, I moaned and groaned about my weight. Proclaimed this would be the year that I got fit, then did nothing. Zero. Zip. Zilch. But last year I did something. I put together a doable plan, worked out six times a week, ate better and took care of myself. Most importantly — I saw results. I’ll talk more about this in a later post, but I’m down two pants sizes and my goal is in sight. This is truly something to celebrate and remember!
Viva La Resistance
Listen, I know it has been a hard year. Bone-crushing hard. And yet … I feel okay. Not great. But okay. And most definitely not defeated. We knew it would be tough but man — did we rise up to meet the challenges! I don’t think Trump intended to do this, but he woke a sleeping giant: Women. I love seeing women (and yes, men too) come together. To strategize and find solutions. And make real change occur. From #MeToo to Time’s Up to women pursuing public office in record numbers: Women will lead the way. For a long time, we’ve allowed antiquated ideas of what a women or lady is to be our guide. But no longer. Because a real lady or woman who is smart, compassionate, tough and strong is exactly what the world needs right now. And I am so proud of all the women stepping up and leading the way.
Some Much Needed Perspective
I’ve been honest about my depression and anxiety struggles. They suck. I’ve probably been less forthcoming on how they have stalled my life, personally and professionally. I feel like the hamster spinning endlessly on the wheel, hoping to go somewhere different but stuck in the same place. I used to feel a certain amount of jealously when people went on fun vacations or even how socially busy they were. It felt like I did nothing. Because I did nothing. And that’s on me. My mind was (still occasionally is) cloudy but it’s clearing up. The old me is coming back into focus. She’s a bit pissed at me, which is good. 😀 I expect 2018 to be different and know the person who will make it different … and full and satisfying … is me.
2018, Here I Come
Every year I secretly wish that this will be my year. The year everything falls perfectly into place and everything comes up roses. I recognize that this is a bit of pipe dream because life is never perfect. It’s messy and ugly at times but always wonderful too. Still, I do believe that 2018 will be a tremendous year of positive change for me and you and even the world.
Because …
It’s been dark for some time, but I can see the sun … can you?
What’s your best moment from 2017?
Tanya
Congrats on getting healthier for you! It’s tough to see EBF making a wreck of your country, but unfortunately aside from voting and taking part in some kind of civil action, there isn’t much you or I can do. I’m trying to personally let go of what I can’t control. It’s hard, but there are too many other things I CAN do that are in my control. I hope you have a great year!
Thanks, Tonya! I need to follow your lead and let go a bit too. Not stick my head in the sand, of course, but to not be so obsessive over it either because it is hard on my mental health.
You SHOULD be so proud of yourself. Getting healthier & taking care of yourself isn’t easy. Good for you making quality changes.
I’m hoping baby fists gets kicked out before he kills us all.,& i wish that was an exaggeration. Yikes
I am really proud. Sometimes it feels a little surreal because I don’t always feel healthier or thinner but I am! 😀 I sincerely hope he gets impeached before he kills us too. And I find absolutely appalling that the GOP has decided to be complicit and pretend everything is okay.
i 100% believe that mental health is tied to physical health. i, too, am also prone to depression but i dont want to be tied to meds or feel like crap so i workout like f*ck to keep those dark moods at bay. i can tell when things are starting and i always notice that it happens when i dont workout consistently (ie. on vacation etc) so i get right back on it. i know a lot of ppl in blog land think it’s because i just love exercising (and i do) but it’s more to keep my mental health in check than anything else.
I agree. It has definitely helped me as well. I still don’t love exercising but I see it as necessary and less of a burden or pain the way I did previously. It is still easy for me to not workout (I came back sick from MN and have skipped too many workouts and some I could have done) but then I start to see the cost and it makes it easier to start up again. And to me, that’s what matters most. Previously when I quit, I quit. Now I get back up and start again.
WOMEN! YES!
Hurrah for healthier all around.
After Oprah’s speech, I don’t think anyone doubts the ferociousness and power of women. If they do, they will soon regret it! 😀
Your blog title though… Ha, ha, ha 🙂
Congrats on getting healthier Tanya! I am super proud of you my friend, because I know that this has been such a struggle for you in the past. Keep up the good work!!!
As for the shenanigans that is he who must not be named (that is how I am referring to him now), I still can’t believe this man is in office. I hope Mueller is getting close to getting him on some charges before he decides to play a game of Battleship with N. Korea.
Thanks, Mackenzie! It feels really good to finally be on the path to good health. To really feel that I can do it. You’ve been an inspiration to me, so thank you for sharing your story too! LOL! I think of Emperor Baby Fists that way too. I cannot refer to him as well, you know, because he has not earned that title. All I can say is godspeed Mueller.
You had a great year, Tanya! GO YOU for getting healthy and fit, and working toward a goal! That’s awesome and wonderful and totally pat-on-the-back worthy!!
And HELL YES to women rising up and beating back the disgusting, gluttonous, abusive patriarchy. The ladies (and men who love & respect us) are only getting stronger in 2018!
Thanks, Audrey! It does feel good. Sometimes a little fragile but I keep pushing forward because I want it. And I know I can do it. And we are getting stronger and stronger and 2018 is going to be our year!
I feel like I had a pretty stagnant year myself and am all about changing that this year myself. You have done an amazing job at getting healthy and exercising and I am hoping to follow in your footsteps this year! Here’s to a great 2018!
It’s been a few stagnant year for me and no more! I know it’s up to me, which is both exciting and scary! You can do it, Nancy! I doubted myself but I am doing it and you can too. 2018 is going to be a great year for the both of us!