Today I turn 21 years old. Tomorrow is the last day of the year. Why not combine the two celebrations for one helluva year-end recap? Plus, I’m a sucker for top 10-lists and “best of” posts. Before I get to my recap, here are some fun facts for your Jeopardy/useless knowledge pleasure….
Most popular baby name: Charlotte (girl), Ezra (boy). Ezra was a surprise to me!
Most watched entertainment show: NCIS. No surprise…I love that show.
Most watched television programming: Sunday Night Football (NBC). No surprise again…I watch it every week.
Top trending hashtags: #jobs, #PrayForParis, #BlackLivesMatter, #LoveWins (see more here)
Top viral stories: “Is the dress blue and black or white and gold?” It’s blue and black. “The llama escape” and “Pizza Rat.”
Top artist: Taylor Swift
Sports champions: New England Patriots (#deflategate), Golden State Warriors, Chicago Blackhawks, Kansas City Royals
Here are more articles to check out: MSNBC, Biography.com
2015 for me? It can be summed up in a few words: change, growth and kombucha.
CHANGE
Like a lot of people, I took some personal and professional risks this year. One year ago I couldn’t have imagined the summer I had in New York. Change will never be easy for me, but is it ever for anyone? Instead of talking and thinking about things for days/weeks/months, I’m learning that I need to bite the bullet and just make the change I want. Now that I’m done with college, I have a feeling know the next few years will be filled with more changes. I’m glad I was able to “get uncomfortable” this year.
A few notable posts: Nerves are Normal, My Ego, Regret is Not Always a Bad Thing, Letting Go of My Type-A Perfection, Doing What Scares You
GROWTH
I’m going to look at growth from a few perspectives.
Unfortunately I didn’t grow in height (still that average 5’5″), but I did “grow” in a few ways. I learned I don’t need to workout to be happy (neither do you), that weight lifting isn’t awful, and that setbacks set you up for a comeback. I also learned that self-care should be a priority, especially as I continue to experiment with the ways to feel my best, physically and emotionally. More on that soon…
As for other workout-related growth: I ran 3 half marathons (all with friends and family!) and one 5k, nailed side crow, fell in love with the Megaformer, continued teaching Spinning and, most recently, went through three months of recovery for a metatarsal stress fracture.
KOMBUCHA
2015 was definitely the year of the booch. What did I use to do with the extra $3.99 I now spend per bottle? I guess could ask the same thing about the $10 I shell out per jar of almond butter. Personally, I don’t mind spending the extra money on good food (usually via Whole Foods). It makes me happy and I budget elsewhere.
Other food highlights of the year: every single meal in NYC, ZOODLES and smoothies.
TOP NINE ON INSTAGRAM
Last, but not least, I want to mention this blog. I’m so excited for 2016 but 2015 was a big year for My Healthyish Life. We broke the internet in March when we went public. Move over, Kim K. Some people might not know but I had this blog for almost a year before telling anyone outside of my immediate family. Now I’m no longer embarrassed to share this space. In fact, I’m proud of it and want it to grow. I owe a lot of my optimism and excitement to the blogging community and the friends I’ve made online and met in person (Christina, Georgie and Sarah).
In one quick, run-on sentence here is what I have in store for the blog next year: improved photography, more workouts, easy recipes (from me, the non-cook cook), a stronger social media presence, travel-related posts (hopefully) and more blogger collaborations; all as I enter the heart of life as a twenty-something finding her way. Told you it was a run on sentence…
There’s more to say so thank goodness for 366 more days (leap year!) to get it all out.
Here’s to a great 2015 and cheers to an even better 2016!
xo, Emily
What a wonderful year! Although it may not seem like it on the outside when reading the 3-months of recovery for your injury, but I’m sure that was a blessing in disguise. 2015 was a great year because I met YOU! I am so excited to see what 2016 has in store for you – I see big things!! (Just don’t leave Tampa mk)
Christina recently posted…The Blissful Balance 2015 Blog Breakdown
You’re so right. It really changed my perspective and “calmed” me, I think. I’m so excited to start our workout/coffee/cafe dates in Jan. Can you quit your job so you can play all day? JK…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!! Such an incredible year for you. I am so happy you embraced “change” this year because it certainly paid off in your time in NYC. I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for you and the blog :) xo
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…5 Things I Did This Year to Improve My Blog
Thank you, Brie! Right back at ya, friend :) xo
I loved this wrap up of the year! And happy 21st..I hope you got to enjoy it in whatever way makes you happy- whether that be toasting with some champagne or your favorite booch :) In 2016 I’m most excited about getting married..duh!! :) Also training for my third marathon and hopefully buying a house! Going to be a good year..thank goodness for the extra day!
Gretchen recently posted…FAVORITES WEEK : Beauty
Thank you, Gretchen! I’ve loved finding and following your blog this year AND I’m excited for your 2016! SO many milestones.
Looking forward to your recipes! I’m no cook but I’ll be preparing meals for families in the post-partum. This is the part of being a doula that scares me the most. Yay, change (?).
I’m excited to experiment more in the kitchen. My dad thinks I’m going to try to trick him into eating kale…he’s right.
You’ve had an amazing year! And I appreciate the recap at the beginning of all the ‘big’ stuff that happened around the world this year…I always forget to look into all of that! It’s cool to revisit the year that was! Cheers to a great New Year for you and this blog! PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! <3
[email protected]erBlog recently posted…The Ultimate Savory Breakfast Roundup
I had to really limit myself from posting a million more highlights from news/pop culture. I get sucked into that stuff. Thank you so much! Happy New Year.
Happy Birthday!! I hope you have an incredible day! You truly had a great year and I’m glad I found your blog somewhere along the way. I can only imagine how great 2016 will be for you!
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…You’ll Freeze Out There! Pt. 1: Winter Running Gear
Thank you so much, Sam! I have a feeling 2016 will be an awesome year for both of us :)
So fun! Happy Birthday and can’t wait to see what 2016 brings you! THE BGB COMMUNITY IS GONNA KILL IT <3 Cheers!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…Cherry Cashew Butter Smoothie
#BGBbreakstheinternet
Food highlight of the year was discovering how amazing almond butter is on sweet potatoes! and I’m excited to enter this blogging world in 2016 :) happy birthday, hope it is amazing!!
YES! Two of my favorite foods, and even better together. Happy New Year!
I’ve often thought about brewing my own kombucha but I don’t drink enough of it to warrant that =P I’m still working on drinking water (baby steps). The best thing that happened to me in 2015 was running with my sister. In 2016 I’m ready to tackle my first marathon!
Ellie recently posted…WIAW [12/30/2015]
I want to brew my own! Maybe that should be my resolution. What an exciting goal for 2016! Any ideas which one?
It’s amazing to be able to use your blog to look back at how you’ve grown personally and “professionally” and in so many ways. Looking forward to adventures in 2016!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…WIAW #38
It’s weird to say, but I really do go back and re-read old posts. It’s a good refresher of events, plus it shows progress. Happy New Year!
I’ve loved following along with your year! You definitely have “grown” in my eyes :) So happy for you and happy happy birthday!!! Love you friend
So sweet, thank you! I’m so glad to have met you this year…you’re something special, kiddo ;)
Happy birthday, Emily and what a year! I love love the 3 words you used to describe it and I love getting the whole picture of the growth that you’ve gone through. Your blog is amazing and so are you! *As I take a sip of my kombucha* I feel you on that one! I don’t mind spending money on food either because what I put into my body is much more important than what I put on it!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Highlights of 2015 + Maybe a Manifestation Board
I LOLed at your kombucha sipping. So glad we “met” this year and hopefully in person in 2016 :)
Fantastic year dear!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (Break our that champagne!!)
So much to reflect on and be so proud of! Keep on being you, girl, you’re a rockstar! xoxo
Happy New Year!! (And I had no idea it will be a leap year :O )
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Seckel Pear & Pistachio Scones
Thank you, thank you! I did break out the champagne ;)
What a fabulous review and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
(I think the popularity of Charlotte is due to a certain princess but i’m not complaining ;) )
It has been wonderful to find your blog this year and really become ‘internet friends’ so I am excited for what is to come in 2016 and hopefully will get the chance to meet you in person one day! Hope you have a lovely New Year xxx
Charlotte recently posted…TOL…Take two minutes to remember
Haha you’re ahead of the trend! I do love your name though…classic and beautiful. I really hope a trip to London is in my near future. Happy New Year!
I’m generally a quiet blog reader, but just wanted to say congrats on a great year!! I’m a little older (24, been out of college for 2.5 years now), but I still relate so much to all the things you write about here. I love checking your blog everyday. It’s one of my absolute favorites, and it’s one that I make sure to check out even when I’m crunched for time. Can’t wait to see what you do as a college grad in the new year! Happy birthday!!
Alexis, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment. Really one of the best notes I’ve ever received. Thank YOU for reading and I hope you have a wonderful 2016!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYY!!! I’m so so so happy you started this blog and that we got to hang out in person. And really excited to see what changes are in store for you in 2016 because it’s so fun to see you grow (because obviously you’re my soul sister and I relate to everything you go through) :)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…2015 at a glance part 2
It’s fun to see YOU grow because it gives me a heads up at what’s to come ;) Here’s to more runs and kayaking and meet-ups in 2016!
Love this recap! Also I still crack up over the llama escape, such a good viral video. Happy birthday and here’s to 2016!
Kaitlin recently posted…A Very Cali-Christmas
Right?! Some of those viral videos are still just as funny the hundredth time. Happy New Year, Kaitlin!
Happy birthday! Sounds like you had a great year. The years after college are full of growth – you’ll love it! :) Happy New Year, Emily!
I’ve heard it’s a love-hate relationship, so hopefully I’ll feel more of the love ;) Happy New Year to you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Woo legally an adult! Love watching you thrive in this transitional time of your life. Cannot wait to see what you have planned for 2016 and where life will carry you!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Christmas Eats! (WIAW) Recovery Challenges and Victories
Thanks, Jules! Same for you and your new year :)
2015 was a year of growth for me, too. I’m still feeling it….can’t wait to see what all these growing pains amount to in 2016! ;) I am so curious about trying kombucha, but I have no idea where to find it around here!! Happy New Year!
I didn’t love it at first but I just at to find a flavor I liked! They sell it at my local supermarket in the produce section. Hope everything pans out in 2016 :) Happy New Year!
Happy Birthday!
I’m looking forward to new ideas and a clean slate in 2016! Something about a fresh empty planner is exciting.
Kristin recently posted…So Long 2015
I completely agree. I just got a new planner and even though it’s an arbitrary “clean slate” it’s motivating for me!
AHHH happy birthday! Hope you have a great day! It looks like you had an awesome year, loved this post! Super excited for everything that’s to come for you in 2016 :) your blog is one of my favorites!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words, Amanda. Hope 2016 is your best year yet :)
Happy birthday!! I’m so glad I came across your blog and Instagram a few months ago because I connect with so much that you post and am inspired by you! Congrats on a great year! :)
Sami recently posted…Marathon Training Recap Week 4
Thanks, Sami! That means so much. Excited to continue following your marathon training!
Happy Birthday! Hope you had an awesome day celebrating! A college grad all before you turn 21? Dang girl! I didn’t know that you taught spin class- that is so cool! I still somehow have not tried Kombucha, and I am a little afraid that I may get hooked if I do- ha! Food highlight= Totally consumed more sweet potatoes this year than I have in my entire life- #cantstopwontstop.
Kerri Mcgrail recently posted…A Year in Review: Blogiversary
Yes! I loved teaching spin…perfect part-time gig. I was afraid of that before I tried kombucha too. It came true…but it’s worth it. I still need to try making my own. I’m with you on the sweet potato thing. I don’t see my consumption slowing down anytime soon!
Happy belated birthday! I hope you had an amazing day and I can’t wait to see what your next year brings :)
Thanks, Ellen. Happy New Year!
Great review, Emily! Happy belated Birthday! I hope you have an amazing 2016 <3
Thank you, Edye! Same to you :)
Happy FREAKIN BIRTHDAY. I love everything about this post, the growth, change and booch! I’m so happy I found your blog, I’m not just saying this but it’s one of my absolute favorites to read <3 I can't wait to see the continued growth in 2016
Georgie recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Trying to Eat Healthy(ish) on the Road
Means the world to me. So grateful to have met you and I foresee lots of good things in 2016 :)
#1 I completely forgot about the whole blue/gold dress thing until this post! Crazy.
#2 Congrats on all of the growth you’ve had in 2015. I know what you mean about sharing your blog… it can be kinda intimidating. I hope 2016 brings nothing but good things to you :)
That dress was ALL the rage for a week. But it still fires me up thinking about it haha. Thanks for the well wishes! Same for you in 2016.