I get asked a lot “what’s your next trip…what’s scheduled”? This last year (and now) not a whole lot. Yet in many ways this was one of my most memorable years for the personal “adventure” I took. This year I reeeeally dug deeper, sifting through a plethora of resources and applied them to emotional patterns, learned/reinforced communication style, habits, and default behaviors. It’s been an incredible journey and one I’m continuing on, with fascination and enthusiasm.
I chose (sometimes choose, present tense) to spend a considerable amount of time alone, with intention, to really get to know Sue and the deeper self. Reducing the brain chatter and allowing myself to BE. I’ve found I can be laugh-out-loud joyous doing the most mundane things if I can get the distraction to shut the hell up.
I also stumbled on Laughter Yoga–now just a little over 100 days ago although it seems a lifetime. The “International Laughter Yoga Group” is an incredible community and I’ve made friends literally all over the world, from India to Germany to Holland. Turns out there’s a LOT to laugh about and I can do it at the most difficult times (forcing my laughter purposely) and it helps a ton.
Weight training. Ok, I’ve always hated weight training. It’s as dull as watching paint dry, and about as fun. Turns out that ALLLLL the research that says, particularly women over the age of…let’s say 40, should be weight training–well they’re on to something. I began strength training which has vastly improved the activities I love like paddling, biking, skiing, etc. My muscles have more power and balance to support those activities, hopefully with more protection to avoid injury.
And ok, there were some trips. My sis and I went to Mexico (see Bringing Dad to Baja). I did a few river trips–N Umpqua, John Day, Lower Deschutes, and weekends in White Salmon to paddle, hike and engage in some general shenanigans. That’s the beauty of Oregon–you can stay within the state borders and still have incredible experiences. Additionally, I took a trip to Missoula to visit “chosen family”–lovely as usual.
I focused on professional development and continue to grow my Happy Well coaching practice. I’m excited to soon be launching a stand-alone HW website with the help of a longtime friend and mentor. I cannot WAIT for this! I look forward to directing curious potential clients to a site that doesn’t leave them thinking “huh?!”….am I supposed to be paddleboarding or finding support to drive change? (I mean BOTH would be fantastic simultaneously but…). We completed the first workshop of 2026 this last weekend in Newport with studio host Artsea Craftsea. It was SO much fun and reminds me how much a enjoy the group dynamic–each perspective, personality and opportunity for feedback creates such an elevated experience. Just YAY!! More workshops to come in 2026!!
A recap of the year wouldn’t be complete without recognizing with the deepest gratitude, the many amazing humans that create what I would call “My Community”. Like anyone, I have a variety of interests so those people commonly don’t intersect. Paddling, dancing, reading, science nerding, yogis, clients, family, co-workers….THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Deirdre, I count you as family.
Looking forward to 2026? I’m planning on the best year yet. Continued adventure, internally and outward…
Thanks for listening…hope to see you out there on the frisky ripples!
Frisky Ripples 