my 2016 intention.

01/11/2016
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Ah, 2015. You were a pretty good year. A happier gig, two ironman races, a Kona qualifier(!), a road trip west with one of my best gal pals, a vacation in the mountains with my main man, an incredible Hawaiian adventure, three trips home-home, more fun times and laughter than I can count with my sis and niece. 

And, the lessons learned. Two of the biggest: that I’m capable of more than I thought I was – thanks, IMCdA! – and that’s it’s ok to say no (because it opens up the yes doors). 

As I look forward to this year – a blank page I *get* to write – I couldn’t be more excited. This year’s about showing up… about living big and bold and giving my best in everything I do. 

With that, my 2016 intention… 

stretch

This year is all about stretching. Stretching myself outside of familiar routines and my comfort zone, whether that’s in the pool (hello, hypoxic sets!) or pushing myself to speak up when I’d rather quietly sit back. Stretching myself to embrace more white space, to stay present, rather than reaching for my iPhone to fill it. Stretching myself to be more mindful and intentional about where my time and energy go. Stretching myself to reach for other big non-triathlon related goals… because I really need to figure out what I want to be when I grow up (I’m getting closer!). Stretching myself to say no to make way for really big yeses. Stretching myself to create more – to be more vulnerable, to show up – when it’s often easier and more comfortable to continue status quo. And, obviously, stretching in the literal sense, too (because we triathletes could benefit, right?!). 

With that, here we go… jumping full force and all in to 2016!

Have a wonderful and intentional year, friends.

2015 intentions
2014 intentions
2013 intentions

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20 Comments

  • Reply Kecia 01/11/2016 at 8:01 am

    I too need to stretch more…both in the literal sense and the figurative sense. Cheers to stretching in 2016!!

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:09 am

      Stretching is so good for both the mind and the body! Here’s to loads of it this year 🙂

  • Reply Amy 01/11/2016 at 8:05 am

    Great intentions!! You had a lot of changes and some pressure last year-this year you can train hard simply for the JOY of it 🙂 I’ve been getting in the habit of shutting down the computer and phone after dinner every evening. I do get the itch to check it, but am doing my best to leave it be. Good luck this year-I’ll enjoy following along.

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:08 am

      Thank you, Amy! Definitely lots of joy again this year – and, pushing myself to be my best every single day 🙂 Good for you for putting down the screens after dinner… so hard, but such a good practice! I’m still working on it 🙂 Hope you’re well and enjoying your training! Gonna be a great year for you, too!

  • Reply Their Fit Life 01/11/2016 at 10:02 am

    I love this word! It’s unique and I love how you talked about putting your phone down. I’m really good at using my phone as a security blanket when I’m alone or the least bit uncomfortable. I’m trying to be okay with the discomfort and enjoy time solo 🙂

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:06 am

      Yes! That’s when I use mine, too! Such a good distraction when you’re uncomfortable and don’t want to engage, right? Working on that to really dig into those moments – because that’s where the magic + connection happens. Here’s to stretching in 2016! 🙂

  • Reply amikoch 01/11/2016 at 11:20 am

    love this in all the ways, sis! It pretty much sums up how my year needs to be as well! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your thoughtful words of wisdom!! 2016 is going to be one of your best, I think! 🙂 <3 xoxoxo

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:05 am

      Thank you, Sista! Let’s push each other all year to stretch more 🙂 And, I know this is gonna be one of your best years yet, too! So happy to be a part of it. xo.

  • Reply Danielle @ Eat Primal, Run Hard 01/12/2016 at 2:19 pm

    Awesome. Stretching yourself in new ways, because we find out who we really are when we are tested, when we are more (most) vulnerable.

    I am that person that could probably sit back more and listen though…. my new job is doing that to me. It’ll change once I’ve settled in more 😉

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:03 am

      How IS your new job going?! You’re shining, no doubt about it 🙂 And, you’re exactly right… it’s when we’re stretching out of our comfort zone when we find out who we are and what we’re capable of. Here’s to stretching lots in 2016! xo.

  • Reply jruff81 01/12/2016 at 4:22 pm

    Oh, I LOVE this! Such a great intention for the next 12 months. The iPhone part particularly struck a chord, as it’s been something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: putting down the phone and using those moments as ‘me’ time, even if it’s just for daydreaming 🙂 Let’s bring on the stretching for 2016!

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:02 am

      Thanks so much, dear! Yes! We all need to daydream more, let our minds wander more… and, be ok with our thoughts! Putting my phone down is a definite work-in-progress, but I’m conscious of it, and that’s the first step 🙂 Here’s to big stretching this year!

  • Reply Beth 01/12/2016 at 7:17 pm

    I have a feeling that 2016 is going to be even better than 2015, I hope you have a wonderful mind-blowingly amazing year!!

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:01 am

      Thank you so much, Beth! And, same for YOU 🙂

  • Reply Laura 01/13/2016 at 7:26 pm

    This is a great intention! Especially the idea of knowing what you want to be when you grow up…I relate to that so hard. I switched careers 18 months ago and it wasn’t the right thing to do. Now comes the time to adjust that.
    As for you, I know you’re going to have a great 2016. 🙂

    • Reply erin 01/18/2016 at 10:00 am

      Thanks so much, Laura! Good for you for taking a leap… that takes courage to change it up! What’s next for you?! Big things ahead for you, too!

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 01/19/2016 at 11:13 pm

    Love it!!! Great way to start the year!!!

    • Reply erin 02/03/2016 at 2:39 pm

      Thank you, Leslie! Hope your year is off to a great start!

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