I have sat on this post for days, unsure of how to formally close off 2016. Then this morning, I opened up my laptop to a perfectly articulated post by the amazing Rene Unser:
“2016 started out as one of my toughest years, by far. I struggled with how much to share about it and truthfully, I didn’t know how to write about it without sounding negative or drawing unwanted attention to it…in retrospect, I regret not being more open about all the events that took place throughout the year. I am actually really proud of how strong I was, how positive I remained and in the end, 2016 turned out to be one of the best of my life…this is life’s way of teaching us sometimes and I “woulda, shoulda, coulda” can become a great motivator for the future. After all…a strong mind looks forward, not back.”
2016 taught me Grit. Perseverance. Vulnerability. Authenticity. But the greatest lesson and gift was the unwavering strength and support through tribe – our allies on life’s journey:
“Our tribe members are those people who accept us as we are without reservation and gladly accompany us on our journeys of evolution. Among them, we feel free to be our imperfect selves, to engage unabashedly in the activities we enjoy, and to express our vulnerabilities by relying on our tribe for support. We feel comfortable investing our time and energy in the members of our tribe, and are equally comfortable allowing them to invest their resources in our development.” – MT
When my life exploded, it was my immediate and ultra/trail family that executed the muskox circle defence when others chose to look the other way. They reached out to keep me moving forward and keeping the faith. Without my trail tribe I wouldn’t be staring down 2017 with the same hope, stoke, determination, and gratitude. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Find. Your. Tribe. Because they may just one day save your life.
So here is to kicking 2016 out the door and to going big in 2017!
“Fear will be there, that’s just part of the deal. Keep going anyway.” – Travis Macy