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35th Year: The Year of Me

Tomorrow begins my 36th year of life.

My 35th year of life has been nothing short of amazing.

One year ago on my birthday, my husband and I sat at our favorite little sushi and Korean restaurant in Nairobi and we together declared this year as the "year of me".

Ha.

Sounds a bit narcissistic, eh?

Selfish?

At first I was like…this is silly.

But it wasn't.

Not even in the slightest.

In my 35th year of life, I decided it was time to take care of me and learn how to be healthy.

I am beyond thankful for my husband who has supported EVERY SINGLE DAY of this past year.  He has encouraged me beyond measure.  Only uplifting and positive words have come from his mouth this entire year.  He pushes me.  Motivates me.  Challenges me.  Tells me how proud he is of me and how much he loves me.

I am blessed.

Learning about nutrition and how to properly fuel my body has been life-giving.  I am forever indebted to Stephanie Martin (check out her new business with her husband here!) and all she has taught me about eating real, wholesome food (not to mention how to build muscle and workout)!

I'll say this once.  Friends, you don't need all those extra things like shakes, supplements, etc (are you going to take those for the rest of your life?)…you can eat well and be healthy using just real, whole foods that you can purchase anywhere.  It's a lifestyle.  Do something that you can do for the long haul…for your entire life!  (Ok, off my soapbox.)

There are countless people that I could thank for this past year.  It has been incredibly sweet.

A few I want to mention though…

My mom and my sisters.  Weekly emails sharing our hearts, workouts, nutrition..and just plain lifting one another up.  That's what we have done over the past year.  I couldn't have done this without them.  They have made this journey so fun and motivating!  They too, have changed their lifestyles with all 3 of them becoming healthy and more fit!  #runners #fitfam (I have to throw in some hashtags for you, Rachel.)

Hannah Covert.  My soul sister in Kenya.  I just love you, girl.  You have not only cheered me on in this new lifestyle but encouraged me in my walk with the Lord by holding me accountable for so many areas in my life.  And my walk with the Lord is even more valuable than this healthy one.  I can't wait to hang out with you again and share some coffee or tea together and laugh and laugh and laugh.  Ok, and probably cry.  Cheering you on as you run the Chicago marathon soon.  #yousogotthis

Dana Brown.  Last Christmas, this gal, gifted me with some motivational mini cards to put up in my house to view on a regular basis and keep me on track.  I don't think she knows this but I have carried those cards with me everywhere and each of the 14 houses we have stayed in since she gave me those cards - I have put up to view and see on a regular basis.  Daily motivation to keep going.  Dana, I am thankful for our friendship.  You give wise counsel and ask great questions.  You keep me on my toes and thinking through things.  I really treasure you.

Ladies in my Bible study.  So many times these ladies prayed for me along my journey and their words of encouragement are too many to count.  I can't wait to get back home and start up in study again!

Folks that wrote me and asked how I was doing this or wrote to say I'm an inspiration.  Wow.  I love each of you.  You keep me going.  For real.  You keep me going and staying on track.  I'm inspired by so many of you that have written me and shared your heart and hurts and joys.  It's been an honor to hear your stories.  You are on my heart and I pray for each of you.

And to a certain counselor and a friend that has since gone to be with Jesus that years ago that shared the Gospel with me and what it means to be a daughter of the King and how to trust and be real…I love you both.  Too many tears here now.  You both planted some good stuff in me.

This past year is just the beginning.

I'm so happy that this year was the "year of me".  Even as funny as it is to say.

It's changed everything in my life from the physical to the spiritual.

Looking forward to this 36th year of life and on and all the sweet things that will happen.

Life is beautiful.






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