New Year, Same Me, New Goals

Well 2014 has come and gone. It has been a great year for me. Many exciting things have happened but I am even more excited for the things that are coming up in 2015. This post I am going to reflect on the past year and focus on my future endeavors!

Cheers to finishing PT school
work! (or Kevin's birthday)

1. Probably one of the most exciting things in this past year is that I officially finished all of my classroom work for Physical Therapy school. The past summer and fall semesters I really started to relax when it came to studying and somewhat enjoy the process. Surprisingly this led to great grades and a confidence instilled in me that I know more than I think I do. I took a practice board exam in December and did relatively well on it so now I have to make the tough decision if I want to take boards in April or July. April means studying and clinicals, but July means a lot of studying after I officially graduate.

Oh on that topic! Hopefully I will be graduating in May of this year with my Doctorate of Phyiscal Therapy! I say hopefully because I still have to pass my clinical rotations in order to get there. But this shouldn't be a problem because SLU has prepared me so well! After graduation I will be on a job hunt! Hopefully I will be able to find somewhere that I can pursue my passion of being a physical therapist in a great environment.

12 Days of Christmas WOD

2. I found a deeper love for CrossFit. I was lucky enough to compete on CrossFit St. Louis's regionals team where we placed 4th in the North Central. This coming year we have a new focus on our team and we are hoping for bigger and better things. We know that it will take a lot of hard work and a little luck to get there though but we are ready to go to battle.

Also I have improved a lot as a competitive CrossFit athlete. I competed in many team competitions and had a blast doing so. Each one I walked away with a new lesson learned and something to work on. Probably the most beneficial competition I competed in was my first individual one in November and it left me hungry to compete in more. It is crazy how much you learn in these and how they can make you a better athlete. I met a lot of my goals in the gym this past year, which have led to some great rewards for myself... Giordano's pizza, a JUNK headband, and Pastaria in Clayton! Today I have been setting new goals for myself this coming year while thinking ahead of everything I want to accomplish. Just wait. There is always room for improvement in the sport of CrossFit so you can never rest on your laurels. First thing to work on... legless rope climbs.

My CrossFit goals for 2014

3. I have gained many new friends and "family" members in St. Louis. The beauty of CrossFit is the community atmosphere that exists in my gym. I have met so many new people over the past year and half of CrossFit and I have become close with many. Without the bonds that I have established this past year I am not sure where I would be right now! I am so grateful that I found such a great community in St. Louis and look forward to continuing to meet people in my gym. This coming semester I will be meeting a lot of new people as well because I will be traveling for my clinical experiences to Champaign and Kansas City. I am excited to live these journeys as well because you never know what may be in store for you! Of course keep you updated on all of my adventures!

A few of my new family memebers

4. I have completely revamped my diet this past year and have noticed significant changes in how I recover and feel throughout the day. While I have my ups and downs with what I eat, I can say about 70% of the time I eat pretty darn healthy. I am proud of myself for the hard work I put into this and the results I get out of this physically and mentally. Even while home for Christmas this year I felt I finally accomplished eating pretty darn well, something that is a challenge when no one else around you eats the same way.

Looking sexy before the
Christmas Party!

5. This year I have grown to become a more strong, independent young woman. I finally feel like I have some direction in my life and I am proud of the decisions I make, what I can do on my own, and who I am becoming. I feel like I am coming out of my shell and I feel like it is only taking me to new and exciting places.

6. The best thing about 2015 has been the changes I have made mentally more than anything. I finally feel comfortable in my own skin. I used to hate looking at myself in the mirror because my body wasn't just right in my mind, but this past year I have finally begun to see myself in a positive life. I know a lot of girls have self confidence problems because of the crazy images society puts out there for us. I feel like CrossFit is helping to change that image for the better and I am growing with that image as well. Having muscles, being able to lift heavy weight, and being strong is something to be proud of and not ashamed of anymore. I am finally able to look in the mirror and see myself as beautiful, because I am. I am hoping that society continues to move into the mindset that "strength is beautiful," but even if they don't, I now know that I can be proud of who I am. The hard work I put into the gym everyday, into my diet, and into life are things to be proud of and they help shape my body and mind in a positive way.

Overall 2014 has been a great year, but I know 2015 has a lot more in store for me. I can't wait to see what adventures life will take me on but I approaching them with open arms! Cheers!

Cheers!!!

My amazing brothers!