Strength! It's my word for 2016. Most would interrupt the word as in the physical sense that I'm strengthening my physical body. Lots of truth in that, but I'm stretching tit o mean my mind, and my relationships. I'd say in the last six months or so I have let my body go and some of my friendships. I have turned inward for too long and now I feel stagnated. As an introvert this can happen as it more comfortable to draw inward than extend ourselves in social situations. And in doing so I have lost contact with women who fulfill me. It's one thing to see them in larger group settings but another in same gender settings or even one on one.
It took for a friend of mine to go through a divorce to make me realize I had been neglecting our friendship. Over the Winter holidays I went to visit her in her new place and she mentioned that her divorce made her see who her real friends are. I made the cut, but I felt I could have spent more time with her. Her comment also made me think about how many weak ties I have with some people who mean quite a bit to me. In 2016 I want to strengthen bonds with a core group of women than spread myself thin with multitudes of friends. Stronger is better.
Other relationships I want to strengthen are with my nieces and my parents on both sides. I feel I don't spend enough time with them. My nieces it's tough as they live in a different province, but technology can help with that. And I want to see my parents and in-laws, who all live close by, more often. Who knows when their circumstances might change.
My other focus is my physical strength. For years I have been caught in the never ending losing weight gaining weight cycle. So concerned about the size of my stomach or thighs that I never realized the physical strength and beauty of my body. And since I have sciatica it makes it nearly impossible to lift weights, but I have learned that yoga can be my strengthening tool for both my body and mind. I'm excited to challenge myself with some new classes and instructors, and keep the ones who serve me best to help me take my practise to a new level.
Here's to a strong 2016.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
2015 Reflection
Last night we rang the new year in with vigorous and zealous delight. 2016 could not have begun soon enough for Scott and I. Though there were some tremendously joyous times with friends and family they flickered swiftly and we were left with rancorous periods of time that dragged like molasses. Here were some of the highs and lows of 2015 for us.
#1 In Sickness and In Health
From January to May all our energy focused on trying to get Scott hernia surgery. Between dealing with BC's underfunded medical system and pain management we nearly lost or minds. I felt helpless in the whole situation; just watching the love of my life go through so much pain with no certainty that it would ever end. Finally after months of waiting Scott ended up with near emergency surgery thanks to a friend of ours who called in a favor.
We let ourselves have a break in March with our annual long weekend trip to Sechelt. Massages, a stroll on the beach, eating at The Lighthouse pub and one fine dinner, at the place we said our vows- Rockwater Lodge, fit the bill. This reprieve helped us solider on until surgery.
#2 Traveling
By the summer we needed to recharge our batteries. July kicked off with a trip with our friends to Shuswap lake for sun, fun and lots of laughs. And of course an enormous amount of scrumptious food.
Then Scott and I embarked on our Icelandic adventure; a 10 day road trip that reignited a spark in us. We saw things we could never imagine seeing, ate some of the best food in the world, and fell in love with this awe inspiring country and its people. My four part blog series certainly captured the passion for Iceland.
Once home I ventured off again to visit with my family back in Shuswap. Went tubing with my nieces, which was something I haven't done in years.
In November the Brookswood crew vacationed in Whistler for Cornucopia Wine
and Food festival. An epic first vacation together. Thinking this will happen again in 2016. Then I visited my sister and her lovely family in Drayton Valley. It was what I needed as the chaos at home was a brewing.
#3 Bittersweet Renovations
One hot summer night, over a bottle of wine we entertained the notion of a kitchen and flooring renovation. Even though it was exciting to start this house transformation it did not happen easily. Delays on the kitchen cabinets pushed time lines out and before we knew it the time Scott had off to do the renovation disappeared. So we had to work on the renovations during the weekends. Thank goodness for a few helping hands along the way. I learned a lot about large renovations, like they never go as planned, though the mess and chaos seem endless it is worth it when it's done, and that you need to be organized. People joke that the fine renovation dust that covers your house is called divorce dust. We didn't come close to that during the renovation but there were some tense moments, and in true Margo fashion a few tears.
While the renovations took place life continued to move along. I started my 10th year at Sullivan Heights, Triggs had surgery on his neck, and Scott had to entertain new clients as his main one went belly up. And sadly one of my aunts passed away.
There we have it. 2015 all wrapped up. Here is hoping 2016 is even more magical, with lots of love and health. Happy New Year my dear friends and family.
#1 In Sickness and In Health
From January to May all our energy focused on trying to get Scott hernia surgery. Between dealing with BC's underfunded medical system and pain management we nearly lost or minds. I felt helpless in the whole situation; just watching the love of my life go through so much pain with no certainty that it would ever end. Finally after months of waiting Scott ended up with near emergency surgery thanks to a friend of ours who called in a favor.
#2 Traveling
By the summer we needed to recharge our batteries. July kicked off with a trip with our friends to Shuswap lake for sun, fun and lots of laughs. And of course an enormous amount of scrumptious food.
Then Scott and I embarked on our Icelandic adventure; a 10 day road trip that reignited a spark in us. We saw things we could never imagine seeing, ate some of the best food in the world, and fell in love with this awe inspiring country and its people. My four part blog series certainly captured the passion for Iceland.
Once home I ventured off again to visit with my family back in Shuswap. Went tubing with my nieces, which was something I haven't done in years.
In November the Brookswood crew vacationed in Whistler for Cornucopia Wine
and Food festival. An epic first vacation together. Thinking this will happen again in 2016. Then I visited my sister and her lovely family in Drayton Valley. It was what I needed as the chaos at home was a brewing.
#3 Bittersweet Renovations
One hot summer night, over a bottle of wine we entertained the notion of a kitchen and flooring renovation. Even though it was exciting to start this house transformation it did not happen easily. Delays on the kitchen cabinets pushed time lines out and before we knew it the time Scott had off to do the renovation disappeared. So we had to work on the renovations during the weekends. Thank goodness for a few helping hands along the way. I learned a lot about large renovations, like they never go as planned, though the mess and chaos seem endless it is worth it when it's done, and that you need to be organized. People joke that the fine renovation dust that covers your house is called divorce dust. We didn't come close to that during the renovation but there were some tense moments, and in true Margo fashion a few tears.
While the renovations took place life continued to move along. I started my 10th year at Sullivan Heights, Triggs had surgery on his neck, and Scott had to entertain new clients as his main one went belly up. And sadly one of my aunts passed away.
There we have it. 2015 all wrapped up. Here is hoping 2016 is even more magical, with lots of love and health. Happy New Year my dear friends and family.
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