srettig24 At the beginning of 2023, I made 4 New Year resolutions. I’ll admit, that it took all year to accomplish these goals, and some took a little more time and effort than others. I am very proud to say that I was able to find a way to accomplish them all. Being able to track my progress and get to the end of the year having done what I set out to do, was an amazing feeling. I feel so empowered to see what I can do in 2024!
Resolution 1. Finding my Definition of Freedom
After being nudged several times I decided to define freedom for myself. What does it mean to be Free? After talking to friends, and reading some internet posts, like you do- I was still stuck. When I went to my yoga instructing course I had the opportunity to learn more about Yoga Philosophy and it gave me the words to articulate how I felt about freedom- and what I came to understand as my idea of freedom.
Freedom is knowing you have no limits, but making choices that align with a specific goal.
Resolution 2. Learn to Surf
Surfing 🏄♀️
After several failed attempts at planning a surfing trip early in 2023, I got on board. I surfed for the first time on the East Coast of the USA over the summer. While, this isn’t exactly where I thought I would be learning- I had daydreams of Costa Rica or South Africa- It was actually a decent place to learn. The waves were not impressive, but good enough for a beginner to start learning how to get up on the board. The board I was learning on was a bit small and advanced for me, but it was so fun to practice and eventually stand up for a second.
I got my best opportunity all year to learn to surf in Morocco for about a week+ in December. Each day I would trot into the cold Atlantic water and try to get up on my board as many times as possible before my feet and hands were so numb and painful I would race back up the shore to warm in the winter sun. I rode a few waves… so I feel as though I can say I ‘learned’ to surf but I’ve got a ways to go before being completely comfortable and in control. While I had hoped when I made this new years resolution I would had made a bit more progress in becoming a “surfer girl”, I see this as just the start and hope to have more fun in the future trying to catch some waves!
Resolution 3. Get My Yoga Instructing License
This one was one of the hardest ones to accomplish. I saved up some money to travel to India and in September I took part in a one-month training program. In the end, I am happy to report that I finished my training and now am a certified yoga instructor! Through this program, I began to realize just how much I didn’t know. I was able to learn and experience so many new things I can’t emphasize that enough. I made friends who have been been so inspiring and encouraging to me to continue my practice- my yoga asana practice but also other parts of yoga, meditation breath work etc. Just as with surfing, I know this is just the start to my commitment to yoga! After the program I started sharing my love and the new knowledge I gained from my training with others and it has been amazing.
Flower petals decorating the floor during the ceremony where we received our certificates
Resolution 4: Find a Place to… Live?
Vermont: The Green Mountain State
I had already written off this resolution as a failure by early January. I didn’t see how I was going to find myself a place to live that felt right- let alone a place that “felt like home”. Turns out that it was staring right in front of me the whole time. I realized what a sense of calm and relaxation I was able to find here, sanctuary and comfort.
I have been disenchanted with the US for a long time and was a bit surprised when I really found a sense of deeper peace here. Who knows what the future holds-I might pack my bags and head out into the world again at some point- but for now I am excited to find a place to call home, and look forward to returning after traveling.
I love the wide open space, the forest, and the seclusion. This little pocket of paradise is (mostly, it is America after all) void of big box stores. Mom and Pop stores are rule supreme and typically selling fresh veggies, fruit, and everything handmade you can think of. Skiing one of the joys of my life, and being so accessible is amazing. I love being able to see every sunset every sunrise and take a little hike in my backyard whenever I want.
Thank you to everyone who helped me this year reach my dreams, encouraged me, and aided me in my journey this year I couldn’t have done it without you. D and L that’s you I couldn’t have made it to get my yoga certification without you, J+B thanks for all the background work and always supporting my dreams, E for silently cheering me on and having zero doubts that I can do whatever I put my mind to.
