I think it's important to give thanks and gain perspective before diving into a new year. I noted in my recent How to Create Achievable Goals for 2017 video that practicing gratitude is essential for gaining clarity about where you are and where you want to go, and signaling to the Universe what you want to receive more of.

We can appreciate what the previous 365 days brought us to transcend what no longer serves, and to carry with us what does. Here's my thank you letter to 2016; the good the bad and even the ugly.

*****

Dear 2016,

You sneaky sonofagun.

I’m finally learning to trust that you might actually know what you’re doing...

It’s amazing how you’re always finding new ways to push me, test me, toss me in the air, and then blow my mind. You are truly gifted.

There have been so many moments over the past few weeks, that I remember people who came into my life, or experiences I’ve had and I think "there’s no WAY that was within the past year?? It’s too much!"

And you look at me, with that deservedly smug expression and nod. Because of course it was. Time is just an illusion anyway.

And then I remember, I walked on fire this year; clearly anything is possible...

I thought after 2015 there was surely no more tears left in my body. But true to form, you proved me wrong.

I thought the levels of rejection and anxiety I felt in 2015 were the worst that one could ever endure. But of course, you showed me new corners of pain. And through them, a new capacity for strength.

I thought that the inspiration and fulfillment I felt in creating The Bold Life Movement was enough. But you held my hand, and led me to even more joy. And you gave me a glimpse into an even greater impact to come.

I thought that by now I’d have accomplished more in my business. But yet again, you taught me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Progress comes in many flavors, and we don’t always get to choose the lessons we learn.

You reminded me that I (we) need to step up. And, that we are all innocent. Only after I learned this CRUCIAL lesson was I able to release a year’s worth of pain, and return to my true essence.

Thank you.

Thank you for all of the times you put me in a big metal box in the sky, and somehow placed me safely in some other part of the world. Thank you for all of the amazing humans I got to meet in those places. Literally HUNDREDS of people who you brought in to remind me who I am, remind me who I’m not, and remind me what is possible in this crazy life.

Every email, every tweet, every facebook message that served as a sign I’m on the right path, thank you.

Every conference, from Mike Dooley to Tony Robbins, From Podcast Movement, to Diving Living Academy to World Domination Summit. Even when I had decided not to go, you INSISTED. In the form of gifted flights, free accommodations, and symbols of love and generosity that overwhelm me, still. Thank you.

Thank you for showing me that it is utterly ridiculous to believe that I will ever be alone.

Thank you for providing me a producer, and a platform to reach thousands of people through the podcast. And for always supplying amazing and gracious guests.

Thank you for introducing me to some of the most successful people in my industry. And then reminding me, ever so subtly that they too, are just human.

Thank you for the “coincidences” and serendipitous moments that can only be described as pure magic. And for sending me those exactly when I needed them most.

Thank you for the love making, the heart-breaking, and the moments of despair. Thank you for teaching me to be grateful even in those moments. How you managed that shift in me, is still a miracle.

Thank you for showing me what apathy feels like, so I can leave it here with you. I get the gist that 2017 isn’t interested in entertaining that sort of thing.

Thank you for Mike Dooley, for the Ippie family, and for the gifts he shares with the world. For giving me the power to teach people about THEIR power to attract whatever they want into their lives. And then letting me win 4 separate prizes at the event… very nice touch.

Thank you for all the things I’ve manifested into my life this year. Financial, emotional, tangible, experiential.

Thank you for my Tony Robbins community. For every dance, every hug, every incantation, every tear, and all the massive breakthroughs that have come both inside and outside the conference room. I am forever in awe of his impact, and the people I now call family. <3

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Thank you for the humble and generous Chris Guillebeau, and his magical World Domination Summit. On the flight home from the 2015 WDS, I wrote in my journal that I wanted to speak at the 2016 conference and you made that happen. (okay, I guess I helped too). Set the intention, take the action, believe. I’m learning!

Thank you for Emily Nolan and the #beprettybrave women. Your ability to hand pick each and every delicious woman to create the perfect recipe of lessons-learned and love-shared is pure art.