Remember in this post when I told you what my 9 in 2009 were?
Things I have never done but want to in ‘09:
- RACE! [my first half marathon (May 10th 2009), etc]
- Run 1,000 miles in 2009
- Visit a new country (we are thinking Ireland this year)
- Start an online bakery
- Raise over $2,500 for Cancer research
- Renovate our new house (e.g., learn how to install hardwood, do basic repairs, etc)
- Start working on my first book
- Secure a BIG contest giveaway on Oh She Glows
- Learn and practice yoga
I thought it would be fun to reflect on the last year to find out how I really did with my 2009 goals and see what I have learned.
Let’s begin…
1. RACE: I not only ran my first race, but I bounced back from an injury running my first 10k, 10 miler, and two half marathons in a span of just 5 months. Goal accomplished!
What did I learn?
- Listen to my body and don’t run when injured/tired/sore
- The thought ‘I’m not a good runner’ only applies if you SAY/THINK it. Once I stopped thinking it I started running 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 13 miles…
- Races are FUN
- Races are expensive (which is why I have put them off for a few months!)
- I ran all of my races running <3 times a week. You don’t have to follow a 5-6 day a week plan to race!
2. Run 1,000 miles: This type of goal is what got me injured from Jan 13-March 2nd 2009! I learned a big lesson this year- don’t push myself too hard and to listen to my body! I have logged every workout this year (pretty crazy- see for yourself!). I am guessing I ran about 300 miles this year and did a TON of cross-training!
What did I learn?
- Don’t set too high of a goal. Aim lower and surprise yourself ;)
- Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing. Set exercise goals for ME and me only!
3. Visit a new country: Sadly, this didn’t happen this year as money was extra tight with me starting my own business. I hope we are able to do this next year!
What did I learn?
- Looking at honeymoon and other travel pictures takes me on a mini-vacation even when I can’t get away!
4. Start an online bakery: This is the goal I was most proud of this year. I started Glo Bakery in the spring and the rest was history. Goal accomplished!
What did I learn?
- With hard work, discipline, and perseverance I can do anything I set my mind to!
- Baking all day is very hard & exhausting work
- My creativity was trapped for years working in uninspiring environments
- Work can be exciting
5. Raise $2,500 for cancer: I ended up raising over $3300 for cancer with my Shop 4 A Cause Charity Auction! Goal accomplished!
What did I learn?
- People get sooo pumped about silent auctions ;)
- There are so many awesome people will to help out in any way they can
- Running for a cause is very rewarding and makes it more special
6. Renovate our house: We have completed a lot of renovations on our house this year, but I give all of the credit to Eric. He has done most of it as I have been so busy with the business. He has renovated our family room, front entry, did a ton of wiring/behind the scenes stuffed, scraped popcorn off ceiling, painted, etc etc. We didn’t get to hardwood floors but that will be 2010. Go hubby! Goal accomplished!
What did I learn?
- Buy Non-VOC paint!!!
- Appreciate my husband for the work he does every single day
- Don’t expect a complete transformation of the house in 1 year
- Renos are SO expensive
- Prepare for unexpected renos (non-cosmetic). We had an unexpected roof repair that cost us $3,500 and set us back on our cosmetic renos
7. Start working on my first book: One of my goals is to write a book but I have not had the time this year to pursue this goal. I definitely want to at some point!
What did I learn?
- I can’t expect to do everything at once!
- I can still explore my love for writing on OSG for the time being
8. Secure a big giveaway on OSG: I had the biggest giveaway I have ever hosted on OSG this summer with Summer Glow Boot Camp. We gave away a photoshoot worth over $500, Amazing Grass prizes, Glo Bars, among other great products! Goal accomplished!
What did I learn?
- Organizing big giveaways takes hours and hours of time!!!
- Giving away cool stuff is very fun
9. Learn and practice yoga: I have definitely given yoga a chance in my life this year. I have used it for relaxation and I am loving how centered it makes me feel. Goal accomplished!
What did I learn?
- I love yoga for the stress release it gives me, but I can’t see myself becoming a hard-core yogi anytime soon. I will use it for relaxation, stretching, and stress release when needed.
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What did you learn in 2009?
Did you meet any resolutions that you set for yourself?
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A quick note about my CTV interview- I am told it won’t be airing until this weekend but I don’t have a day and time yet! Will keep you updated…
Stay tuned for my 10 in 2010 coming up!!!
ahh great post! You have accomplished so much this year I am sure you will remember it forever!!
I learned about blogging, and that my ultimate passion is writing!
Ange,
You are just awesome and inspiring. Keep up the good work. always stay positive my dear.
Vangie
Your resolutions are so positive!
My resolution was to eat at a restaurant by myself. Not that I wouldn’t before, but I wanted to make an effort and do it! I picked one Friday night and purposely went when everyone would be on their dates (the most awkward of times). I ended up absolutely loving it and went several times by myself again throughout the year. The best was when I sat at the bar at the sushi restaurant and chit chatted with the sushi chefs. They kept bringing me the weirdest foods to try and were so happy when I immediately shoveled it all in my mouth! :)
love that!
Fabulous year you had! :)
I’m still working on my resolutions.
I learned that I can last 2 weeks without chocolate and I won’t die! I learned to be more patient with my 4-year-old. I learned to appreciate all that I have!
wow! you did awesome with your goals!! way to go!!
my hubby and i set goals last year and we just read through them…we did pretty well and almost accomlished all of them. I’m excited to do my own goal setting this year…I think its so important to set goals and am a big fan of doing so!!
Congratulations on all your goals that you’ve been able to accomplish!! That’s a fantastic result that you should be incredibly proud of :)
I love this idea and I think I’ll use this idea to create my New Years Resolutions.
Well done!
How fun, I need to write some goals down that I can reflect on for the new year.
I learned how to live with a man (my boyfriend) without having any fights or breaking up :) I also learned that I love him more than anything and am so happy to be done with our long distance relationship!
That’s awesome! Nice job, you certainly accomplished a lot!
I always forget my yearly goals/resolutions.
I didn’t really have anything in particular for 2009. I usually just have a general goal:
Challenge myself.
I’ve definitely done that on a lot of levels. This year in particular, I took a large leadership position in my residence area, and I’ve never considered myself a leader! Wow, I’ve learned so much about myself as a person doing this. I never knew I could be so decesive. lol. Or so bossy. :p
I need to think of something big for this year. I feel myself needing a fitness goal. Mind if I steal your 10 in 2010? ;)
And by steal your 10 in 2010, I meant the idea, not your actual goals. :p
Congrats on your accomplishments!
haha be my guest re: using 10 in 2010!
Um, I might do this too…
Sounds like you had an amazing year! I hope 2010 is even better for you. :)
In 2009 I learned that I need to put myself and my happiness first. If I’m not happy how can I focus on making friends and family happy? I’m looking forward to following my heart in 2010 and not letting myself be pressured into anything that I don’t think is right for me.
I’m loving that you’re loving yoga! Work on your form in the coming year to bring you even more in synch with the wonderful benefits of your practice. Be protective of your back as your muscles loosen and allow you to go even deeper into each asana. In your triangle pose photo, you are leaning forward too much. Make your goal finding what’s right for your body. Touching your feet in this asana can wait. Place your hand on your shin instead and rotate your left hip back. Have Eric take a photo of your before and after triangle pose. Slight shifts refocus the stretch and energy. Angela, seeking perfection in each pose doesn’t mean becoming a hardcore yogi; it just means keeping it safe and creating a mindful practice. Thank you for all of your sharing this past year. You’ve definitely increased my own mindfulness and have inspired me to appreciate how even the simplest of shifts in form and thought can transform my attitude toward myself and others. You are a treasure.
Carla-this is a fabulous comment. I think you must be a yoga teacher ;-) If not, you should be!
Congratulations on all you’ve achieved! :)
Well Done!!! Those are amazing things to have achieved!!!
I’ve learned to listen to my gut. I’ve learned people appreciate when you TRY. I’ve learned that if I want my life to be better it has to be me who makes it happen.
I’ve also learned that I can speak another language when I put my mind to it. And that I like reading and writing blogs!
Well done again.
Angela, I have sincerely enjoyed following your life in 2010. You are such an inspiration for following one’s dreams.
I’ve learned that plans can change and that I shouldn’t work towards a career that isn’t actually my passion!
I’ve also learned a lot about my beliefs surrounding food, health, and life in general.
I keep seeing all these bloggers who have scored book deals and honestly, I think you deserve one more than any of them! lol
What a lovely post :) It sure is wonderful to be able to reflect on the past year and realise what has been accomplished and learned. I have to start thinking of my 10 in 2010 :)
Thats wonderful! You’ve really accomplished alot this year. I think I’d like to make goals for next year so that I can look back on them the same way. You’ve really come a long way in many aspects!
This is a fantastic post — way to make resolutions and stick to them! 2009 was an incredible year during which I became so much more independent, visited 3 continents and felt more confident than ever. :D :D :D
OH MY GOSH what a year you’ve had….
Since about August I have been amazed also with my year. It was a very “roll up my sleeves” and get busy kinda year and I am very very proud of myself.
I think I should do a re-cap too…and set new goals for 2010!
Thanks for sharing!
Setting goals is extremely important to me. Congratulations on reaching so many of your goals! I’m excited to start reformulating my goals for the upcoming year (NOT resolutions)
Great post!
Wow you must be uber proud of yourself. Such great achievements. It is always important (I think) to not only stop and congratulate yourself for achieving your goals, but stop for a moment before you move on to your next achievements. You go girl. Very inspiring :)
I don’t think I followed your blog and the beginning of the year, but WOW!! great job on accomplishing so many of them and learning about yourself along the way! I love your 10 in 2010 idea, too!
Wow- go you!! It’s been quite the year for you.
You accomplished so much in 2009!
Running a half marathon in 2010 is one of my goals.
You probably have a link to your half marathon training but I was curious when you had mentioned that you didn’t train 5 and 6 days. What was your running/workout schedule while training and how much time did you give yourself to train?
Wow!!! That’s amazing – congrats!! I feel like the year has just flown by and can’t remember half of where it went! :) But I have had to deal with athletic challenges (aimed to run my first 1/2 and had to pull out 2 weeks before with injury) and learning how to slow down and listen when my body needs a break. I got into the habit of making GM’s and even got my husband to like them (he really notices a difference if he doesn’t have one)!
10 in 2010 sounds like a very good idea – excited to see what’s on the agenda! :)
that’s so great that you accomplished so much!!! this is a great idea, and one i think i’m going to get my husband in on for 10 in 2010!!! :) great idea!!!
my year started off well…. was on track with losing weight, got married and went on our honeymoon, ran a half marathon in september…. but the last few months have been rough, i’ve relapsed into my emotional/binge eating, and i’m struggling to find myself. hopefully 2010 i can get on the right track. thanks for your daily inspiration!! :)
So many exciting things for you Angela! And I truly think the most beautiful part of this post is not what you actually accomplished (which is awesome!) but the things you learned along the way! It’s a great reminder that those are the things we should be paying attention to in life! Thanks :)
Wow, you really did accomplish A LOT this year. Way to go, girl!
I learned to ride a bicycle this year!!! :)
In 2009 I have already accomplished so much!! I obtained my second degree, I got a permanent position at work – something I have been waiting 5 years for – and my hubby and I finished our (previously cement and nasty) basement.
I also started blogging, and bought a new car!
It has been a fabulous year!
hey great post.
u’ve done so much.
cant wait to hear ur goals for 2010.
my biggest goal is to run my first marathon! im excited and scared.
oh and i have a question for you.
recently, i heard that coconut oil is very good for your skin. any ideas on this? and where can i buy some in canada? the other blog that i read, it mentioned only US stores.
Any ideas where i can buy some in toronto?
Congratulations on your achievements! What a great year for you! I’m interested as to what kind of book you’re planning to write – fiction/non fiction?
2009 has been an amazing year for me – I’ve started a new career, I got back into regular running and converted (back) to being vegetarian as well as a whole host of other things. I’m planning to do a bit of a reflection on what I’ve achieved and learnt this year at some stage as well as I’m in a completely different place to where I was last year.
Boy, they are leaving you hanging on the interview aren’t they?
I love this list, it’s great to see that we should set goals and make sure they are reasonable and not to push ourselves! I am running my first half next year and training smart is so important. Thank you for this! :)
Really enjoyed this post – “Don’t set too high of a goal. Aim lower and surprise yourself” – Absolutly Love It!
Try deflating your stability ball and bring along a pump. That way you can WYM!
I learned that speaking intelligently and personally about mental illness is the easiest way to both connect with and educate others. I also learned that my students will always end up teaching me much more than I could ever hope to teach them.
I learned that I’m stronger than I or anyone else gave me credit for. I bounced back from so many things this year and I am so happy I did. I learned a lot.
I love your list! I can’t remember what I set out to do this year, but I’m going to make a list of 10 for next year too :)
What an inspiring post! My resolution for 2009 was to beat Lyme Disease, put my health back together again, begin studying nutrition, and share with others all the amazing things I’ve learned while getting well. I’m *almost* there with beating Lyme Disease, but I still have a few months to go. I’ve always been an incredibly ambitious person, but this year I learned to take things one step at a time – focus on getting well and sharing my experience with others, then focus on going back to school and pursuing a career that can help others. I just started reading your blog this summer, so I had no idea you’d accomplished all of this in just one year! Congrats on all the big wins and thanks for showing us that it can be done! Here’s to leaving my corporate job in 2010 and setting out on my new course! :)