New Beginnings

When I think about a new year I consider all the opportunities we have to reinvent ourselves. It has been many years since I associated the New Year with some regimen of a weight loss program or joining a gym, but I certainly have bought into that philosophy in the past. Today it is about how I can improve myself or embark upon a new beginning. It is an opportunity to let go, forgive, apologize, start over and sometimes to reconnect.
Today I live a lifestyle of fitness that I truly enjoy. This was a revelation 13 years ago when I relocated from New York to Florida. I equated exercise to indoor gym classes that I never wanted to attend. Fitness wasn’t particularly enjoyable until I began riding my bike more consistently and challenging myself to go farther. Typically, I start my day on my bike and ride over the Belleair Causeway to what I call “my spot”. I generally listen to business podcasts on the way and after some meditation at “my spot” I switch it out to more uplifting podcasts that encourage me to work out my insides. Sometimes I feel it is even more beneficial to work on the internal versus the external. Since stress already leads to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression and more, working toward improving our mindset has great advantages. By nurturing positive emotions you can manage stress levels, lessen depression, and strengthen your coping skills.

We are so fortunate to live in Tampa Bay, a place that offers a FREE outdoor gym! I have explored the Pinellas Trail, the Courtney Campbell Causeway bike path and countless parks that have since fueled a passion and love for nature. This new beginning of seeking has led to many internal treasures.

Since I have worked in the medical industry for many years now, I have been introduced to alternative paths of healing. The best introduction came from a practice in South Tampa, Evolve Personal Health. I have known for years the benefits of meditation but couldn’t seem to quiet my mind long enough to practice this method. It was through this practice in 2017 that I was able to quiet the noise and invite much welcomed creativity. I now realize these methods of newly introduced beginnings can only happen when the student is ready. It is my belief that my path was divinely inspired, when all other blocks to the sunlight of the spirit were removed. There was also a time when I would not have written that last sentence in an article, but working out my insides has taught me to live a life without fear of judgment.

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be about what we can give up, but what we can add to our lives for enrichment. I recently found a love for paddle boarding and plan to make it more of a regular practice this upcoming year. It is yet another free outdoors activity that our beautiful Tampa Bay provides with its calm waters throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. It provides a place of solace that also welcomes beautiful encounters with sea life. Any day that I can witness the grace of a dolphin is a good day!

There is only one guarantee to experience internal joy this New Year and that practice is giving back and helping others. There is no better feeling than lending a hand, an ear, a shoulder or your time. Life is filled with triumphs and tragedies that are best shared with a loved one or trusted friend. When we humble ourselves and share the hurdles life has bestowed upon us, we instantly become more connected. There is opportunity to grow within when we open our hearts and show others the path of new beginnings.