2022 A recap?

mikeybateman
Dec 31, 2022
3 min read

So I've spent most of this afternoon thinking about the year looking for the positives and thoughts for the year ahead. It's been a challenging year for sure but let's start with the goals I set almost 12 months ago....

Close the Activity Rings on my Apple Watch every day. So I did pretty well with this apart from a big blip in November and looking back my MH tanked. But I'm taking this goal as a win.
Les Mills Certification. Well, I definitely achieved this and I'm now a certified Level 2 Group Fitness Instructor and Body Attack Instructor. Definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done. I might not be any good at it but it was my challenge.
Travel More. Circumstances got in the way of this but what trips I did make were amazing, London, Edinburgh and even Cumbernauld.
Blog more frequently. Well this didn't happen. Maybe 2023 is the year?
Be Happy. Well, it's been rough.

On reflection, there's been a lot of challenges in 2022. The sale of my employer's business to a corporate has taken some adjustments. We'll not go into that, but there have been some interesting interviews at times wondering if it was an interview or a setup for candid camera.

It's been a lonely year - with the challenges of work but friendships that have shown themselves for what they really are I guess. It's strange that over the last few years the pandemic seemed to pull people together virtually. But now that virtual isn't required it's amazing how quickly loneliness and isolation have come back. As an introvert, I know I need to make a bigger effort so that's a goal for 2023. Don't get me wrong I've met some amazing people this year Elaine, Susanna, Sandra and not forgetting our Tutor Nik from Fitness Training Scotland who made all those weekends in Cumbernauld great fun. However, my trust has been broken at times and those walls are higher than ever. Maybe I need to trust less or have lower expectations. Does anyone know the answer?

I've a lot to be thankful for. I'm healthy, there are people I know I can rely on, I have a place to live and a job. I have Bailey even if he doesn't live with me and of course his little brother Barclay. My biggest change in 2022 is the closing of my Glasgow Chapter in life. Fergus & Glover Glasgow sold over a year ago so that was no longer my remit. I took the decision in the summer to sell my flat after my friends moved out. https://www.slaterhogg.co.uk/properties/15793520/sales/CAA220188#/ I thought I'd be more emotional about this than I have been - maybe once the sale completes I will - so far it's been stressful (thanks Liz Truss). But it closes the Glasgow chapter I doubt I'll ever consider moving there again (never say never). But it's the last bit in a couple of chapters - those that know, know.

Without a doubt, my biggest achievement has been completing my Level 2 Group Fitness and completing my Body Attack Certification. Both are completely out of my comfort zone but it's a challenge I set myself to complete. Hours of practicing and tantrums and endlessly forgetting things as my little brain couldn't cope. It's amazing I still have an iPad, MacBook and iPhone as they were all left at the gym at points. I had a huge amount of support from the instructors at the gym and I'll be forever grateful. I've taught a few classes covering and it's hard; much harder than I thought. It's tough finding your voice and stride and the imposter syndrome is real - Part of me wants to give up, I achieved the goal, but then I guess I'm admitting defeat and I shouldn't compare myself to others but at the same time be wary of who I trust.

Other highlights: Long postponed London trip to see Sister Act. Some great company, food and drinks. The Aberdeen Runway Run with my lovely friend Jess All the visits with B-squared Pride BodyAttack Meeting Bella

So what does 2023 hold and what are the goals - well that's still for thought but here's a start.