Forget the Resolution: What did you LEARN?

[three]

I'm making a few resolutions myself - for the first time ever. But, my previous practice for the new year is one that I think everyone can grow from (I'm still deciding on my answer). I look forward to seeing everyone's responses.

In 2007, what was the greatest lesson you learned?

[melissam]

In 2007, what was the greatest lesson you learned?

Spinswebs,

Great question! I think the greatest lesson I learned in '07 was that I need to stop underestimating myself.

I'm looking forward to a kick a$$ 2008! :)

-- Melissa

[makbike]

On my bike I learned I'm a lot stronger than I gave myself credit for. I can climb hills!

In my personal life I learned I'm surrounded by a wonderful group of friends (including you guys here at TE!) and family. Without them this year would have been far more difficult than it was. They held me up when I needed the support, have laughed with me and cried with me and never once turned their backs on me or said they did not have time to talk or listen. I'm so blessed!

[mtbdarby]

I also learned I am capable of more than I give myself credit for. I completed my first metric century, imperial century and duathlon! I have made some decisions in my life that will head me in a different direction soon and I can't wait to enjoy the ride!

I have learned that "perfect" and "successful" are different for each person.

I have learned to love myself so that others may too.

I have learned that it's ok to let go of loved ones that have left this world and for the first time in 6 years, I didn't cry tears of pain on Christmas Eve.

I lost my first furbaby and relished all that I have been taught by my dogs.

I turned 40 and embraced it!

Happy New Year All!

[wannaduacentury]

I have to harmonize and agree on what others have said.

I am capable of more than I give myself credit for. Riding a very hilly 30 miles route last july for club sponsored ride. (still working on those "blessed" hills LOL

I have wonderful friends here and IRL who've carried me along way this year.

My beloved golden/collie(age 12 1/2) going to the bridge 1/7/07
My dad passing on from pancreatic cancer 5/29/2007
My daughters weeklong hospital visit for a bacterial infection (week of) 6/25/07
I couldn't have done it without your friendship and prayers. Thankyou TE

Jennifer (hearts)

[Tuckervill]

I learned that 60 minutes of a hard workout goes by just as fast as sitting on the couch watching 60 Minutes. :)

Karen

[salsabike]

Keep doing hills...keep doing hills...keep doing hills...

[bikerchic]

I learned a long time ago to "Love them hills." MikeT

This year I have faced some pretty tough times, I would have to say probably more tough times than I have ever faced in my 55 years of life and just today it hit me how strong I've been through it all. Yeah sure I've had my moments but hell who wouldn't.....even in my moments I've found that I gather strength and come out of them with new resolve.

Well this year has gone out with a bang for us I posted about it here:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=20323&page=2

The month has ended on an up note, hubby got a job! We are healthy, our family is healthy and 2008 looks to be a great year!

Wishing you all a great '08!

http://agrowknow.org/Documents/Image/Parker/111923_Happy%20New%20Year.jpg

[Kitsune06]

I've learned that wonderful things are possible if one can have faith. Not necessarily religious or spiritual faith per se, (though those can help if they're your thing) but faith in yourself and that things can work out.

I've learned that patience is a virtue, but so is hard work. All the patience in the world will do nothing if you can't work for what you long for.
...and all the work in the world is wasted if you can't be patient in receiving its rewards.

I've learned that to truly love someone, you do need to love yourself... but sometimes the springboard you need in that direction is the knowledge that someone loves you.

I've learned that stuff and a roof make a house... but love makes a real home.

oh, and I've learned MLA format and re-learned Algebra... the ins and outs of school crap and how much textbooks can cost. ;) But those are things I treasure as well... in their own way.

[three]

My biggest lesson for 2007:

Take someone for who they are in the now. Even if I see their potential, or how off-track they are from their true self - I need to take them for where they are in the present. If that means letting go of someone because their 'now' isn't healthy for me - than so be it. Waiting for someone to be their best self doesn't do me any good.

Also, I finally learned to follow my own purpose and stop fighting so hard to stick to the path that I think I'm 'supposed' to be on, based on society's standards. It means that I won't be where I thought I was going to be at age 32 - but it will mean a more fulfilled and happy life.

Lastly, I learned that life is too short to skip the things that bring me joy...even if that means counting my pennies in order to do them.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Wishing you all a 2008 that's filled with lessons of love, joy, and laughter - and miles and miles of pedaling along the way.

[luv2ride94]

Never ever quit, trying and failing and is better than never trying.

[OakLeaf]

Mmmmmm. Tough one. But a great way to wind up the year.

I think I learned that if I let my parents use their physical infirmities to suck me into their mental craziness, it will cost my self, my marriage and my life.

Hopefully DH and the Silvers will learn that lesson too before it's too late.

[crazycanuck]

I learnt & am still in the process of learning patience. My season ended on Oct 26th but i'm working my way towards getting back on the bike.

Patience grasshopper..patience..

I hate being off my bike but if i'm impatient with my knee...:(

:)

[lph]

I learned that time does temper all pain, and that good things happen when you least expect them. Bad things happen when you least expect them too, though. Friends can be let loose but still be there, and new friends can be found in the most unlikely places. Life is flexible, and changing, even when it looks completely static.

[roadie gal]

I learned to let myself enjoy my nice little life. It's not spectacular or flashy, but it's mine, and it's comfortable. And it's what I really want. What a weight off of my shoulders!

[ummbnb]

I learned a lot about professional politics. Basically...if I know I'm right, just speak up and good will come.

[RoadRaven]

From this forum I learned tenaciousness and humility... the community here who strives for their goals and reach them... who get knocked back (sometimes to the point of broken bodies) but don't let that stop their resolve...
I am in awe of the abilities within people and I thank you

From my family I re-learned that I am worthy, and that the love I have for them is rewarding in its own right

From work I learned that I can leave things, and I learned to prioritise family over work and that urgent things will still be there tomorrow - or will no longer be urgent. I learned this and still achieved 100% satisfaction from my students and no recommmendations from the Head of School in my evaluation.

From myself, I surprised myself yet again. I learned that I am fit, that its ok to be pleased with that, that I can push myself beyond pain and achieve things I had never even considered. If somone had told me in 2004 that by the end of 2007 I would have clocked up over 11000kms, or been placed in a Club Championship... well... I would have said something like "yeah riiiight" and rolled my eyes.

Like MtDarby, I love being in my 40s - and although it isn't learned, I am surprised.

And like Salsa - I have learned that doing hills, doing hills, doing hills... truly means you can "do" hills better

[trickytiger]

2007 was quite a learning year for me, in fact it was probably the first year of my life that I really had big decisions to face. To sum it up, I:

1.) Realized I was not happy with my first career. No, I guess I already knew that in 2006! I mean, I actually took action to change my direction instead of just moaning about it. For me, this was monumental. Risk is scary.

2.) Realized I should not accept a marriage proposal that was pending. Again, I already KNEW I shouldn't accept (wonderful guy, just not for me), and again, this year I dealt with it. In the same month I quit my job and went back to school, actually. Sad, painful, and scary all around.

3.) Went back to school, learned to be single again, moved in with my folks. Good thing they love and support me, for this wasn't what I thought I'd be doing at 28. Was supposed to be married with a career!

4.) Am now: applying to physical therapy school, eyeing a really cool job doing some work on climate change issues in the meantime (related to my first grad degree), and dating again. Slowly, and happily.

What I've learned: I didn't starve, the sky didn't fall, the world didn't end, and although I still have no idea what I will be doing in a year's time, I'm a happier and more centered person because I listened to myself about what I really wanted, even though it was directly opposite to what I was "supposed" to be doing. I am thankful every day for the friends and family that are my unfailing support system, and thankful that I have the opportunity to make these changes.

[redrhodie]

I learned I can do anything I set my mind to, except climb certain hills.

I learned to say no, but I still need to work on it.

I learned to trust my instinct.

[Wahine]

Building a house is a huge undertaking.

It is not good for your knees to climb hills in the Gorge on gears you had in the praries.

Hills do make you stronger.

That it is possible to turn 3 miles running into 26.2 even when you are beat to hell.

That TE is an invaluable resource.

[tulip]

I learned that IT'S OKAY TO BE HAPPY!:)

[Brandi]

Let's see i learned that life is sometimes really scary but somehow we manage to make it through almost everything it throws at us.

[northstar]

I've learned a lot about my body's ability to adapt and change. I started riding and running this year, and I never imagined I would be as active as I've become. I also learned how terribly important physical activity is to my emotional health.

I've learned that athleticism is not something that I left back in high school! I have a feeling the best times are to come!

[RoadRaven]

I've learned a lot about my body's ability to adapt and change.

Me too

Isn't it incredible?
We ask for a complete metabolic change (this is what I asked - never been "fit" in my life and I'm in my 40s) and our bodies respond.
Just amazing!

[jeannierides]

...to be grateful...

So simplistic after this terrible year, and it's at the top of a very long list of lessons.

[LBTC]

Oh, Jeannie, you just nailed it! Yes! Grateful! (and I hope you're doing really well these days!)

I've got a long list of lessons, too, but that's what it all comes down to.

Hugs and butterflies to all of us!
~T~

[roadie gal]

...to be grateful...

So simplistic after this terrible year, and it's at the top of a very long list of lessons.

Perfect!