That was hard!

Year End Reflections + Lessons

I know a lot of you are in vacation mode this week or taking things slow. I have a lighter work schedule and am leaning into plenty of stillness. As always, I share my perspective, and encourage you to stick with what you truly need in these final few days of the year.

Last week I accidentally participated in and completed three really hard workouts. The mental shifts I experienced felt full circle in many ways and I wonder if these reflections might resonate with you too.

The first “workout” was a hike at my usual neighborhood trail. I typically do a 2.5ish mile loop a few times a week. This trail is my “happy place” if you will - a spot where I feel at ease, supported by nature, and where I’ve processed the wide range of emotions I’ve experienced in the past year.

When I got to the lookout point where I usually stop, I realized an entire year had passed, and I had (for the most part) not gone further. A part of me felt bad about myself in that moment, knowing that the trails extend for miles. But then I realized I could change that story by continuing on: I knew I had time, enough water, and the energy to keep going. So I did.

I kept walking, with wonder of what was around each new corner of the earth. I had many many opportunities to turn back. Continuing uphill and out of breath, I thought about how many hard things happened to me in 2024 that were out of my control. Choosing to extend this hike - to challenge myself - was something challenging within my control.

Eventually, questioning turning around stopped because adrenaline kicked in. When I reached what I assumed was the top of the trail, another hiker arrived and confirmed, “This is the highest peak.” I soaked in the view and the pride of unintentionally taking ownership over what “hard” could mean.

The second workout was a Pilates reformer class at a studio I frequent often with a teacher I have moved with before. I knew that I signed up for a workout class but it felt particularly difficult. I kept thinking to myself, “I think this is the hardest class I have taken all year.” I took breaks when needed, and as you can imagine, felt really satisfied with myself when class ended. I laughed to myself after the class, reflecting on how unexpectedly exhausting it was and how I once again, made it through.

And then came the third workout: hot yoga with a teacher whose class I had wanted to try. I entered the packed room and noticed resistance bands next to everyone’s mats. Within seconds of class starting, I realized the intensity of what was happening. I was in the room (which oftentimes is half the battle) and it became my choice to give it my all. Afterwards, the teacher congratulated me multiple times for making it through her class. Hours later, 100% certain this was the most arduous workout class I took all year, I looked at the schedule to realize that I had signed up for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Pilates, not hot yoga. I laughed out loud - no wonder it was so demanding!

Looking back on the past year, I can now chuckle at some of the situations that felt so heavy. And as human as I am, some tough things I am still grappling with.

In the month of December I have leaned into what I feel proud of myself for. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t also at times feel the pressure of the end of the year. But doing three grueling workouts helped me reframe the hard things that happened “to me” in 2024. It reminded me of my capacity to push through life with resilience and find pride in the process.

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EOY Challenge: Do Something Hard

Don’t do something rigorous as a punishment, but as a way to tap into your strength and build self-trust.

It might be a workout class that feels intimidating, tackling a task you’ve been putting off, or initiating a difficult but meaningful conversation. Whatever it is, approach it with curiosity, not perfection. The goal isn’t to do it flawlessly -it’s to show yourself that you can.

Take a moment after completing your “hard thing” to reflect on how it felt. Notice what comes along with stretching beyond what’s comfortable and give yourself credit for taking that step.

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EOY Journaling Prompts to Reflect On:

1. What’s one moment this year where you surprised yourself by doing and getting through something demanding? How did it feel to push through?

2. Is “hard” always a bad thing? Reflect on a recent experience that felt difficult- what did it teach you or show you about yourself?

3. Think about a place or activity that feels like your “happy place.” How has it supported you emotionally this year?

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EOY ACTIVITY:

1. List as many things as you can think of that you feel proud of yourself for in 2024. Big or small, they all mater.

2. Read that list out loud to yourself, revel in all that you are. Bonus points if you share what you are proud of with a loved one.

xoxo,

Amanda

PS In case no one told you today, I love you

PPS These reflections - on strength, resilience, and reframing what’s hard - are the types of topics we explore in my online We All Feel support circles. While I obviously don’t share about my personal experiences in the groups, I hold space for group members to beautifully and powerfully do so. I am so grateful for the women who show up for themselves each week, who lean into connection and growth in such inspiring ways. If you or someone you know is seeking this type of empowering environment, schedule a call with me.