Wow…did you hear that? That was another year gone by….

Is it because I’m getting older that the years seem to whiz on by at break-neck speed? Or is it just what we’re all feeling in general as the Mayans predicted – things would move faster and faster as we evolve toward enlightened beings?

I have the solution. Here it is: just slow down.

Yep. I know what you’re thinking. Why didn’t I think of that? Yes, I’m getting wiser and more alert in my old age!

OK. All kidding aside. It’s time to make drastic changes. For all of us. No more excuses (and yes, they’re all excuses, even the noble-sounding ones). It’s all a choice.

This time of year (December) is the busiest time for me. With New Years right around the corner, it’s when all my programs kick off. It’s also a time for bringing out new programs, like my Fit n Fab Stage-Ready Program for Competitors, in conjunction with IFBB Pro Michelle Krack. And it’s a time to tighten up and update my other programs, like my monthly Healthy Living Program and my 2 Best Shape of YOUR Life Challenges.

Then there’s the lecture part of my work – the part that I love the dearest but that I practice the least given the little amount of time I have left. That’s changing this year too with my McCoy Workshops offered to businesses and colleges. And the book sales…something I’ve let slip after writing my popular fitness book – One Rep at a Time – that I must get back to.

Any my charity work. This year was one of the least productive on that front, with my family’s work in my son’s foundation – the Tristan Graham Foundation – because I just couldn’t devote any real time to it.

Enough already. I’m reclaiming my life.

As I begin the process of taking down the Christmas tree (I can distinctly remember putting it up last year…wasn’t it just a few months ago?), it’s time to re-group and re-gather. I ca’t work any harder, really. That would simply be impossible. I profess this year is the year of working smarter. What does that look like? I don’t exactly know, but I know it is possible. Somehow, some way. I simply will no longer watch my precious life, and the life of my family, rush by in a blur. It’s too precious. And I’m even more starkly aware of it than most with my special needs son, who is turning 17, and who (God willing) will be moving out on his own in a few short years.

I’ll still do what I love – teaching healthy living to women all over the world – because that’s my life’s work, my passion. And I’ll still do one or two in-gym classes, my Lift n Lose, because that keeps me connected (and gets me out of my office!). And of course I’ll still train and compete, because that’s my way of moving toward constant improvement and never allowing myself to slip. But I am refocusing on my priorities and how I can best serve. And my clients deserve a well-rested, calm, rooted teacher to lead them along this journey we are on together, something that is near and dear to my heart. Lead by example, I always say.

So starting January 1st, all my HLP clients and I are doing a 7-day Body / Mind Cleanse…of body, mind and spirit. I’ll be uploading daily videos on calling back our spirit and setting our bodies on the path to wholeness, strength and grace. They think I’m doign it for them, but with all my stuff, it’s as much for me as for them, because I’m blessed to be doing work with eager, loving women who are all here to better themselves in whatever way, and who all trip over similar obstacles along the way. Yep. That’s my clan all right. And I love and respect each and every one of them!

Choose to do something different this year. Park your excuses (and they really are excuses)- you have to make more money, take care of your kids, build that retirement fund, you have to work, period. (If I’m touching a nerve in you, good. That means you’ve slipped into victimhood. Time to reclaim your life and choices!).

Be the change you want to see in the world, Gandhi said. What do you want to see? I want to be a catalyst for other women to change. I want calm productivity. I want to feel rooted, grounded, and calm. And I want to muscle into every moment with my family, to live deeply and with a sense of reward. And I want that for you too.

Let’s make 2013 the year of change. Like the Mayans talked about (they actually didn’t predict the end of the world….gotta love the media!). But they did predict this time as the time of great personal and community change.

I’m in. How about you?

karen

The 10-Week Best Shape Challenge and 12-Week Advanced Best Shape Challenge start in just 10 days! Only 20 seats! And my in-gym Lift n Lose class for women starts too! Join us! Make it YOUR YEAR!