Navigating the Waves: Lessons from My Year in Review

Every December, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, I immerse myself in a yearly reflection practice. Looking back on the past year, the magnitude of 2023 hits me – oh, so BIG! This year has been a tapestry woven with milestones and growth, the result of powerful lessons, facing my truth, taking responsibility, and bravely moving forward despite uncertainties. Above all, it required trusting myself and embracing compassion, grace, and love.

Here are the highlights

• Created a Home: Settled into a house I manifested and purchased at the end of 2022.

• Portugal Sojourn: Spent nearly a month in Portugal – a lifelong dream fulfilled. Explored Porto alone, shared it with a dear friend, and ventured through Lisbon and the magical Algarve with my love.

• Empty Nester Status: Officially became an empty nester, witnessing my kids embark on their life journeys.

• Fifty and Fabulous: Celebrated the monumental milestone of turning 50 with pride.

• Career Pivot: Resigned from a job I held for three years, taking a giant leap to invest in myself.

Amidst life's hurdles and hardships, especially in recent years, I wouldn't be a self-development coach if I didn't practice what I preach. I embody the concepts I share with clients, a living example of the transformative power of life coaching.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Many say home is where the heart is, but for me, it’s more than that. A home brings me comfort, stability, and a sanctuary from the world. It’s a place for refuge and helps center me back to myself. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced some unexpected mishaps and rash choices that have required me to move six times in the last five years. With each move, I was able to get settled and make a home wherever I was living. This was not the issue. The issue was knowing that I needed to move again or consider yet another move.

What’s the lesson I’ve learned? To take credit and focus on what I know to be true.

No matter where I was living, I really did create a home. They were all styled just the way I wanted, always cozy, and provided me all the things I needed at that time. Yes, I needed to move again and again. And yes, there may be yet another move coming up in my near future. But the common theme is that wherever my physical location has been, I’ve had a beautiful home, a place to call home and feel at home.

I realized that I had been critical and judgmental about the length of time I lived in a specific location and the reason behind the moves. I was in comparison to my past and how others lived instead of putting the focus and gratitude towards what is present and more importantly, that all of it was of my own choosing.

Each home I’ve had over these past few years has brought me so much joy and abundance. And each time, I was able to step into my ability to take care of myself and my children for our best interest. How beautiful is that?

Portugal: A Trip of a Lifetime

I spent almost a month in Portugal during the summer of 2023, a trip I had been dreaming of for most of my life. It required considerable effort not only to save for the expenses but also to develop the confidence and belief that I was worthy of such an experience. I believed I deserved this journey—to be alone, to spend time with friends, and to savor moments with my love.

The Trip had three distinct parts

First, in Porto, Portugal, I immersed myself in solitary exploration, relishing the luxury of my remote job that allowed me to work from almost anywhere in the world. I took long walks, absorbed the breathtaking views, and indulged in the local cuisine. I concluded this leg of the trip by sharing the city for a couple of days with one of my closest friends, coincidentally visiting Portugal at the same time.

Second, in Lisbon, Portugal, I stayed with my dear friend Linda Perry, who had moved to the area earlier that year and graciously opened her home to me. We spent hours discussing business development and strategy—perhaps sounding mundane to most, but for us, it was a magical way to spend our time. My love joined us, flying in to conclude my Portugal adventure. Marc and I explored the city with our friends, indulging in incredible drinks and, once again, exquisite food. The highlight was a tuk-tuk tour of Lisbon, delving into its rich history and culture.

The third and final part of our trip unfolded in the Algarve, the southern coast of Portugal, with its mesmerizing sunsets, cliffs, and coves. We stayed in an adorable condo overlooking the water, listening to live music from our private balcony, and relishing long walks along the shore. To say it was magical would be an understatement.

Working and vacationing in Portugal was a beautiful experience, and I eagerly anticipate doing it again. What I learned, however, was that I had genuinely achieved what I had always set out to do and believed was possible. I've worked diligently to craft a life that I genuinely love and don't need a vacation from.

While vacations are delightful and sweet, I've come to realize that I have similar moments of laughter, connection, and enjoyment in my everyday life, whether in the picturesque settings of a vacation or right at home in Colorado, even just sitting on my couch. I don't need a vacation from my life to truly live and love. This, my dear friends, is the ultimate goal—to lead a life you don't need a vacation from.

Mid-Life Adulting

My Gen-Z adult children introduced me to a term—Adulting—that encapsulates the journey of growing up and becoming an adult. I playfully joke that, yes, even as a 50-year-old middle-aged woman, I am still "adulting." Often, this elicits perplexed reactions, but allow me to elaborate. Adulting, as I see it, is way harder when you're taking care of yourself than when you're taking care of others. Can you tell I'm a recovering people-pleaser and codependent?

I've spent my entire life looking out for others. Being an immigrant is no walk in the park, and it brought a heap of responsibilities and challenges my way. Growing up, I had to take on more than was age-appropriate just to make it through. This pattern became the norm and persisted into my adulthood.

The wake-up call came when my then-husband left me and our marriage over a phone call, just a week before celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. It was a shock, triggering an even more significant realization that I needed to change not just to survive but to thrive. This marked the moment I fully embarked on my self-development journey—focusing on setting boundaries, recognizing my worth, and unapologetically embracing who I am. Nearly six years have passed since that pivotal moment, and the personal, professional, and financial strides I've made have been tremendous.

Nancy Levin played a crucial role as a guiding force during these transformative years. Her books, coaching, training, mentorship, and guidance transformed me, enabling me to make powerful changes and take actions that have had a massively positive impact on me, my life, and my kids.

This month, I turned 50! Reaching this half-century milestone presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the beautiful lessons and experiences accumulated throughout my lifetime. Currently savoring an empty nest and observing my two children chart their own paths brings me great comfort. Adjusting to an empty nest is a fascinating parenting transition, affirming that there is life after kids.

I take pride in accomplishing my primary goal as a parent—raising humans who know themselves and live life to the fullest on their terms. Their belief in themselves and pursuit of happiness inspire me! With this inspiration, I took a giant leap, stepping away from my position as COO and Director of the Levin Life Coach Academy with Nancy Levin—a dream job I've cherished for the last three years. A role that allowed me to do what lights me up, run a successful business, and be a life coach.

Becoming an empty nester and turning 50 prompted a shift—an acknowledgment that it was the right moment to invest fully in myself and the dreams I hold. Now, more than ever, I can take giant leaps, trust the process, and go all in on me.

Yes, I'm scared, and the fear is real.

Yes, I'm ready!

Yes, if not now, when?

Reflecting on the year 2023, I do so with gratitude and appreciation, recognizing that it led me to where I'm meant to be. As I look forward to 2024, I do so with the knowledge that it will be a year filled with new experiences, adventures, and further expansion in this journey I call life.