As we head towards Christmas, I like to reflect on the year that was.
For those readers who have followed me for awhile, they will know that my New Year's Resolutions this year were themed-based (see the blog Who do you want to be in 2023? (wellspringpilates.com.au) . I wanted to focus on being:
strong - in body and mind
kind - to my family, friends and volunteer my time to help others
healthy - physically and mentally.
I am tracking well with "Strong". I have added personal training sessions to my weekly exercise regime on top of 2x Pilates classes (plus whatever I do myself in my studio). I also walk every Wednesday with a friend and fellow Wellspringer which is both physical movement and good for my soul spending quality time with a special friend.
The best thing for my mind this year was going to Seattle to celebrate one of my best friend's 40th birthdays. This was the trip that helped re-establish me as a person, not just a Mum. It was my first overseas trip since I had my daughter in 2017 (my last trip was Europe in 2015) and it felt freeing to be alone, do what I wanted, meet new people and see amazing sights. I encourage you to do something to find yourself again if you are feeling a bit lost. It doesn't have to be an overseas trip, it could be a new hobby, making a new friend as an adult or something else!
"Kind" was a new challenge for me this year. I tend to give myself to people a lot and forget about setting boundaries and protecting my own feelings/needs. This year I feel I have nailed this one! It only took me turning 40 to figure this out. I love volunteering my time with my daughter doing readers in her classroom every Tuesday. It's one reason I don't offer a 9.30am Tuesday class because this is important to me whilst my girls are young. Also running Kids Pilates at Kindy and school, this has brought me so much joy. I have volunteered less this year but it's been quality, not quantity. So find what boundary works for you, it is different for every person.
With your help, the Wellspring community has been so kind and generous. We raised $542 for women's mental health through the Liptember fundraiser. And in May this year collectively we donated over 300 items (12 shopping bags!) to the Homeless Connect event run by Brisbane City Council. These are only small gestures but I like to think it makes a difference to those less fortunate.
My goal of "Healthy" has been a little bumpy. It's been a year of festive celebrations turning 40 - delicious food, lots of alcohol and less sleep than normal at times. But that's ok, this was a special year and I feel like I will get back on track. I know what my body needs and I listen to the cues when something doesn't feel right.
What I will try hard to do in the lead up to Christmas is to stick with my exercise routine. I know how easy it is to let exercise slip at this time of the year. Unless you are headed overseas or somewhere else fabulous, you might get some gentle email reminders from me to "book your class!" I want you to feel amazing, energised and strong going into Christmas. I am here to keep you motivated, brainstorm Christmas ideas, share my Christmas day recipes and more!
It can be easy to write off the last month of the year and not exercise but think about how that will make you feel. And think about how far you've come this year with your body getting strong. For me, I couldn't last a month without moving my body. My back would start to hurt and I know mentally I wouldn't be at my best.
One of my clients told me this quote recently:
“If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won't have to hear it scream.”
So LISTEN. Stop and pay attention to your body. Tight upper back - then check out how your desk is set up. Sore neck - is it your pillow? Too much computer work? There is pretty much always something that can be done to make improvements.
And I say it's never too late to make a difference. Welcoming a new Wellspringer last month who is 94 and never done Pilates before, brought me such joy. It's definitely one of the highlights of my year meeting this incredible woman who is ready to embrace a new challenge at this age.
And lastly, being a nominated finalist for one of the best Pilates studios in Brisbane in the Courier Mail Best of Brisbane awards bought a tear to my eye. For a boutique studio that is only two years old and quite small to have made this list, was amazing. The Wellspring community know what we have - we are the lucky ones!
So jump right in, book your Pilates session, let me help you move better! I'm ready for you. Here in the studio till 22 December.
Till next year Wellspringers,
Love Holly
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