2014…I Ain’t Settlin’ because 2013 was “the MOST!”

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i had high hopes of putting together some of my favorite pictures and stories from 2013 (and i still may because i’m the boss of me…just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean i cannot reflect visually later! i am not sure why i’m getting defensive). i dubbed 2013 as ‘the most’ because as my dad put it “you have done more things this year than most people do in a lifetime.”

the most traveling, the most excitement, the most challenging, the most moving (both literally and figuratively), the most stressful, the most happiness, the most anxiety-provoking, the most opportunities taken, the most smiling, probably the most crying, the most intimidating, the most risks taken, the most rewarding and most importantly…the most love.

2013 turned out very differently than what i imagined exactly a year ago. upon reflection, i am realizing that i had to let go of how i used to define myself and the world. this included:

 

* finding the balance between being a wife and a business partner with my husband

* learning how to be an entrepreneur, which meant releasing the notion that’s been engrained in me from social work land that i must work for some sort of organization and make no money

* finding comfort and happiness while on the road for months at a time

* you can’t depend on situations, environments or people to make you happy-you are in charge of that

* be stuck to ‘why’ you are doing what you are doing (if you’ve heard my husband speak before…you know what i’m talking about). you will have amazing days and you will have rough days but being grounded in your ‘why’ -those won’t shake you

* we are capable of way more than we let our selves believe

* taking risks is terribly uncomfortable and scary but the payoff when you succeed (and yes even fail) is well worth it because at least it means you’re in the game and willing to try

* i used to hate tomatoes. now i like them on my sandwiches pretty well. see…i’m chaaanging

 

so 2014, “i ain’t settlin’ for just getting by, i’ve had enough so-so for the rest of my life. tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high, just enough ain’t enough this time and i ain’t settling for anything less than everything!” this song randomly popped into my head this morning and i’ve successfully sang (and danced to it) 7 times in a row.

i am no longer settlin’ to say i can’t run my own business, or to let anxiety or negativity be the front seat driver of my life, or to hear that couples that work together can’t have a happy and healthy marriage, or to let opportunities pass me because i’m too scared or to waste my time on things that don’t make me feel happy or successful. i ain’t settlin’.

if you are wanting to make a change in your life, then you cannot continue thinking or acting in the same way you do now (thanks for that revelation Einstein because that is the definition of insanity). this past year has been challenging in many ways but the lessons i’ve learned, the people i’ve met, the places i’ve seen have been outstanding.

i am in the process of putting together a coaching program that focuses on ways to build a better relationship with yourself and/or with you partner. if this is something you might be interested in, leave a comment below or email me at chelsea@theNewWifestyle.com!

the new wifestyle: you do not have to be the same person you were 10 years ago, 5 years ago, 1 year ago or even yesterday. aim to be better and live a life you love.

questions:
1) what are you no longer settlin’ for in 2014?
2) most likely stemming from your above statement, what are some goals you have for yourself?
3) some of your proudest accomplishments from 2013?

4 Comments

  1. Paula Howley

    January 3, 2014 at 5:42 pm

    You have a lot to be proud of Chelsea- you have pushed yourself pretty hard and know that you have new, unlimited limits!
    1. this year I’m not settling for mediocre health. I’m committing to getting enough sleep every night (and this has been a battle but I’m winning!), eating less crap and less emotional eating, more exercise and daily spiritual practices. I know that pulling this off will transform me. I’m excited.
    2. Goals- bed by 11:00, prayer and spiritual reading daily, exercise daily (with my daughter!), expand my business, see my family. I’m leaving everything open this year because I know that opportunities will be presenting themselves.
    3. Holy cow, it was a big year for me. soem of my proudest accomplishments were:
    a- the speech I produced with Rich Hopkins’ help
    b- the spiritual work I did with Micaela Pennell
    c- becoming closer with my dad
    d- my blog
    e- MCing my first major Toastmasters event (with you and Ryan as the stars!)
    f- my fall speech
    g- declining competing at the Area level so I could go to a spiritual retreat- a great decision in retrospect but very tough!
    h- deciding that my daughter’s and my health is worth fighting for
    i- starting my own business!

    Off the top of my head. lol
    Can’t wait to see you guys in a few weeks! I’m bringing Meaghan and one of my other students too!

    • chelsea

      January 4, 2014 at 8:52 pm

      oh paula! i always love when your comments appear on here because you always have good things to say so thank you! love that you are taking control and not settling for mediocre health and you are already winning your sleep battle! well done. i am excited for what 2014 holds for you!! your 2013 highlights are UBER impressive and very inspiring, well done lady!

      super excited to meet meaghan in the real life and some of your other students (and giggle with you of course)!

  2. Marc Gabris

    January 3, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    It’s fascinating to hear the lessons you learned and the ways you grew this year! Thanks for sharing. I’d love the opportunity to talk with you and Ryan about these experiences sometime. I’m interested in your coaching program.

    • chelsea

      January 4, 2014 at 9:01 pm

      thanks for reading and commenting marc! thank you also for letting me know you’re interested in my coaching program-i will reach out with more details as they come! happy 2014 to you!