Healthy Chicks

Dear 2015,

It’s surely been quite the ride. You’ve been an adventurous one for sure — throwing twists + turns and other curveballs which ultimately helped me figure out what I truly wanted. For that I am grateful.

Some of my favorite moments came during the summer. I hosted another Girls Night Out for New Balance with a group of inspiring, kick-ass women. I traveled to San Diego for a rejuvenating soul-cleansing trip with my dad, and made my way to Saratoga to see Dave Matthews Band live with the hubby + friends. I went on several camping trips (one in which my little sis got engaged!) and fell in love with Portland Maine while vacationing with our best friends.

I also spent a lot of time simply living in the moment.

Throughout all the traveling and go-go-go, I teamed up with my friend Kelley to launch Soul Sisters, and we hosted the most beautiful kickoff party + retreat to Spectacle Island with 13 other beautiful women.  It was certainly one of the highlights of my summer, and one of the most special moments for me. I was also given the most incredible opportunity to take part in a 5-day meditation program with the Art of Living Foundation, where I was forced to look within and get real with my feelings.

In the fall, I competed in my first ever Reach the Beach relay on New Balance’s PR team where I ran many miles (15.1!) and made many memories. I also attended W.E.L.L. Summit, where I had the pleasure of spending two days learning + growing among other inspiring leaders in the wellness industry. It was pure bliss.

But it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies.

In the spring, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life to leave a company I loved due to a job that wasn’t right for me. (Little did I know at the time, that I’d be back with the company for a job I loved come mid-September). I also struggled with money, ‘finding myself,’ and understanding what I wanted to do on this wild ride that is life.

My mother in law who has early onset Alzheimer’s disease moved into a nursing home earlier in the year, which at first was tough on the family, but we now know is best for her wellbeing. During these times, I learned that family always comes first even if that means putting your other sh*t on the back burner for a bit. I learned to let go a little, to give a little more.

Overall, I’d say it was a big year for soul-searching, clarity + confidence.

In fact, I even went to see the amazing Katie of Kindred Spirits for several Spiritual Readings. They were truly mind blowing, and helped me connect with my inner self + the universe on such a deep level. They gave me the gentle nudge of, “Hey, all is going to be OK.”

So as the year comes to an end, I’d like to say goodbye to self-doubt, the “work hard, play small” mentality, and letting others make me feel small; and a big hello to self-confidence, owning it, and maintaining a healthy balance between work + play.

2015, you’ve been swell but I’m ready to welcome the magic that 2016 may bring.

xo xo,

Rachel