I started to write this final 2024 blog post as a detailed list of my accomplishments for the year: how I completed both a 200hr yoga teacher training and 85hr prenatal yoga teacher training, coached my two athletes to PRs in both the half marathon and marathon, respectively, hosted my own Peaceful Pioneer prenatal yoga class, and ran my first international marathon in PR fashion with plenty in the tank. While all that’s definitely true and should be celebrated and applauded, the truth is for me, 2024 was far deeper than tangible milestones.

I love “what if” questions. They’re so powerful. Like a portal into a new dimension, mindset, or avenue of possibilities, “what if” has always challenged me to put stock in myself or to be bold, to be daring, and to hold courage or show up unapologetically me. It’s “what if you just give it one try” is a common question that builds momentum in my life, and led me to apply for yoga teacher training. Now, months removed from training, “what if’s” have helped me move forward in my new path as a teacher, encouraging me to propose classes, substitute, explore course development, and experiment with branding.

Writing in my log is more than just noting data and metrics to see trends and share with my coach, but capturing what I felt, thought of, and learned from my runs. It’s my post-run mental cool down and as I know now, a much needed daily practice.

What if I lived like I believed that myself and others are merely in a journey of growing? Like what if that’s what life was about—acknowledging and accepting your personalized series of opportunities to get better, learn, and grow?