A lot can change in 365 days.  As I close the chapter on year 30 and turn the first pages of 31, I can’t help but take time to reflect on the past year.  There is a quote that says “never give up on your dreams or goals because of the time it will take to get there, the time will pass regardless.”  If I were to offer you one bit of inspiration today it would be just that, never give up.  When I think back to where I was a year ago, “today” seemed impossible, it seemed out of reach and far too overwhelming.  All I could see were mountains in front of me with no guarantee of what was on the other side.  I knew what I wanted, but how could I be sure that if I started climbing, I would make it to the other side and find what I was seeking?

I decided that taking the risk of climbing was better than staying put and wondering what could have been.  Everyone has his or her own version of a mountain.  For some it can be weight loss, finishing that college degree, for others it can be finding their purpose.  For me, it was being brave enough to follow my heart and let go of old comforts.

A word of caution to those who decide the mountain is worth climbing: Not many will understand why you set out on your journey, hence why it’s your journey.  I warn you that you will question yourself when others question you, you will want to quit when you haven’t made it a half a mile into the trip, 3 miles, 5 miles….  So how do you make it over?

Put on your blinders and your earmuffs!  Write down where you want to be when you get to the other side.  Do you want to get to a certain size or weight?  Do you want to land a sweet job with your shiny new degree?  Is it finding fulfillment in knowing your purpose?  Whatever you want to accomplish, put it somewhere in writing and share it with someone who will encourage you and support you.  On the flip side, seriously think about where you would be if you stopped climbing and went back to the bottom of the mountain, back where you started.  Back to where it was perhaps comfortable, tolerable or at the very least, familiar.  Be actively conscious of your growth, keep track of where you’ve been and be aware of where you’re headed.

The journey is not an easy one, the wind will come, storms will blow in, and people will try to make you to quit.  I can tell you this, if you stick to your path, if you don’t let the naysayers and the temporary pain hold you back, IT WILL BE WORTH IT.   I have yet to hear anyone say “I regret losing all that weight and bringing sexy back” or “jeeze I wish I didn’t find my purpose it life, this is far too fulfilling for me”.

When I look back on my 30^th year, I see a lot of pain and a lot of struggles.  But, the whole year, I knew I was digging for the diamond in the rough, that there was going to be that moment when things started going my way.  In the past year, among my many journeys, the biggest and scariest was my divorce.  When we decided to go through with it, my goal was to come out stronger, more confident and to grow in positive ways.  Many people come out of a divorce beat up, angry, full of resentment and hurt.  I didn’t want anything to do with that and so I didn’t.  I am fortunate that we were able to peacefully take separate paths, which allows us to be our authentic selves.  I can also say that I still truly love and care about my wasband (was my husband… because that sounds so much better than ex) as a dear friend and a wonderful, loving father to our son.

Within the last 365 days I grew, I became stronger and climbing that mountain has given me a refreshed confidence, topped with happiness knowing I accomplished what I set out to do.

Time will pass with or without you; will you take the first step to climb your mountain?