My brave year.

Note: This prompt is from a neat blog challenge called Reverb, which is basically a way for bloggers/writers to reflect on their year. I'm late joining the challenge, and the prompt I am using is from a few days ago...I hope to join in and the future prompts.

Prompt: My Brave Year

I thought this prompt was perfect for me, seeing as 2014 was one of my bravest years ever. I never in a million years thought that my life would take the track that it has today, but here I stand. Taller, stronger, and better than ever before.

Step one: set the timer for 5 minutes and write down as many answers as you can think of to the question: 'When and how was I brave in 2014?' Note: remember the private, intimate and small ways in which you were brave as well as the big public ways.

• Started a new job with the American Cancer Society
• Bought my first car
• Spoke in front of hundreds of people
• Ran a 5k by myself
• Took initiative to set up meetings
• Signed up for, and participated in, a kickboxing class for the first time
• Held my dad's hand as he was having hallucinations, periods of unresponsiveness, and seizures for a month straight
• Said "no" and "goodbye" to toxic relationships
• Continued on my weight loss journey and lost a total of 90 lbs
• Found that happiness lives within me

Step two: Choose one of more of those moments of bravery and write a letter yourself back at the beginning of 2014, letting you know how brave you are going to be that year.

Dear Megan,
You don't know it yet, but things are about to change drastically- mostly for the better. Have confidence in yourself and your ability because a door is going to open for you and the next journey is about to begin. It's going to be a little scary at first, and you are going to have to leave your comfort zone, but it's going to be worth it. You've already accomplished so much with your weight loss, and you're going to keep going. 

The new journey I speak of is one you had not imagined you would be on. And it's going to take you on a ride- it will require you to be a little more outspoken and bold, but you can do that...it's inside of you. 2014 will challenge you and push you. But by the end of it, hundreds of people will know your name and will have been impacted by the work you did.

There is going to be a big challenge that will test your strength harder than you've ever been tested: you will watch a dear loved one suffer. You will get through it. You will rely on your faith, your family, and your support system. Take it one, tiny tip toe at a time. You're going to be braver than you ever imagined possible during this challenging time. It's a blessing that you've become so healthy, because you are going to need your health and strength to get through it. But you WILL get through it, and you will be amazed at the way you handled it.

A spotlight will be on you for a while- things you have worked so hard on will finally come to be and eyes are on you to see how you pulled it off. I know that sounds terrifying, but it's rewarding. Be you, work hard, push yourself, and enjoy it.

At the end of 2014, you'll feel proud. You just climbed over every mountain that was in front of you. You conquered it. Through all the challenges and the worries and the late nights and early mornings, you did it. 

Step three: Write yourself a short reminder to tuck into your wallet or post above your desk of just how brave you can and will be in 2015.

In 2014, you thought you couldn't, but you did.
In 2015, you know you can, and you will.