Arrivederci 2013, Benvenuti 2014!

As we approach the final hours of 2013, I wanted to reflect back and express my gratitude and thankfulness for another amazing year of life.  Of course, it certainly had its ups and downs, but that's life.  As I look back on the year, I thought I'd share just a few of my favorite moments.  

Every day living in NYC was a favorite moment for me, and a gift.  I feel so lucky to have experienced the day-to-day amazement that the City provides - it is full of wonder and surprises around every corner, and I miss it every day.  Here are a few pictures of my favorite spots, although pictures could never due it the full justice it deserves (especially with a  Blackberry camera):  

View down Park Avenue from my block on 90th

Brooklyn Bridge

View from one of my favorite spots on the Highline

Work!

One of my favorite work trips this year was Denver, CO.  Below are a few pictures I took while out for a run before my flight back to NYC.  It was such an awesome change of pace from NYC -  open space and fresh air.

Saying goodbye to NYC and to some incredible people and my family was not one of my favorite moments of 2013. But, it also brought a new beginning, with new surroundings and new friends. I was also lucky enough to have some very special visitors since I moved to Miami.

Goodbye to my friends and colleagues in NY :( 

My brother (hasn't visited yet!)

I miss my mom!  But she came to visit!

  

My first visitors since I moved to Miami!

Every race I did was a favorite moment for me in 2013. I can say that I PR'd at every race, which I was happy with.  I was also incredibly grateful and fortunate to be selected for the X2PERFORMANCE® Triathlon Team.  I met an amazing group of people and this opportunity helped me to achieve my goal of doing an Ironman in 2013.  I was also really excited to learn that for the Ironman 2013 ranking system for IM & IM70.3 races, I earned an All-World Silver ranking which is top 5% in my age group (in the world) - I ended up 136 in the world and 65 in the US out of 4319 athletes in my age group.  

In looking forward to 2014, I definitely have my list of things I'd like to achieve.  I'm working on the race schedule for 2014 and will get that posted in a few days.  But, with any professional or athletic endeavors I might have, I don't want to lose sight of the things I really want to pay attention to - especially my family and friends, and appreciating the day-to-day miracles. I've included some of Jon Gordon's 20 Tips for a Positive New Year below, because he has some good common sense guidance:

20 Tips for a Positive New Year (from Jon Gordon)

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can trust that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

4. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

5. Instead of being disappointed about where you are, think optimistically about where you are going. 

6. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome. 

7. Don’t chase success. Instead decide to make a difference and success will find you. 

8. Get more sleep. You can’t replace sleep with a double latte.

9. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E’s. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

14. Implement the No Complaining Rule. Remember that complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick.

16. Don’t seek happiness. Instead decide to live with passion and purpose and happiness will find you. 

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished____________.
19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.
20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

My favorite is the last one.  No matter what you do or what you are into, HAVE FUN and ENJOY LIFE EVERY DAY!  Embrace the magic that's there every day.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

LET'S MAKE IT AN AMAZING 2014!!!