I can’t believe that we are well into 2018! The last three years went by so fast, I still don’t know what day it is. This year marks my 21st year throwing the shot put. 21 years!!! That’s a long time.

2016 was the year of my life! I won Indoor Nationals, Indoor Worlds, set an Indoor American Record, won USA Outdoor Nationals, and set an Outdoor American record. Then, to top it all off, I won the ultimate athlete’s goal – the Olympic Gold Medal!

I was speaking all over the place, getting awards, and being recognized for my accomplishments. It seemed like I was spending half my time on a plane, headed to another great event. I loved every minute of it! But before I knew it, it was 2017, I had a boyfriend, and still training, made it to World Championships and won bronze on a bum knee. I had surgery, turned 32 years old, and got engaged in December.

Now it’s 2018. I’m planning a wedding, still trying to organize and unpack my house, planning my second You Throw Girl Sports Confidence Camp, still training, speaking and doing various appearances, and I still don’t know what day it is! Needless to say, my life has changed in many ways.

Watching your life change right before your eyes can be overwhelming. Being busy with my business and my track career is one thing, but to bring a whole new human into my life is a whole different bugga bear. I love my fiancé – God knows I do – but having to share everything all the time! LOL! Over the years, being a track athlete, I spent a lot of time by myself. I didn’t have a training group; it’s been just my Dad and me. Now I have this person that wants to know my life and wants to be a part of it and help. It’s different for me, because now I have to share my thoughts. I have to trust someone outside of my family with responsibilities. Talk about being stretched! I’m being stretched all the way around.

I am a creature of habit. I like to do things a certain way, and I do it the same way most of the time. Now I have to change and rearrange various parts of my life.

1) I’m older, and my body has changed. I have to change accordingly. That means change what I eat. I need more sleep. I need more recovery. I have to train smarter, not harder.

2) My career has blown up. I have to operate differently because my business has grown. I need a team, I need systems, a schedule, marketing, and an assistant. (Still working on my team)

3) I’m getting married. I can’t operate in life as an individual. I’m about to have a permanent teammate. “Me” will become “We”.

4) I have matured. I don’t think the same way. I don’t see things the same way I use to. With this new found wisdom, I’ve changed how I do things. When you know better, you do better.

There are times you have to realize you might be operating on an old system. It’s okay. That means you’re growing. You might feel stuck or feel like things aren’t working, but all it means is that it’s time for a change.

I’m finally realizing it’s time for that change. Is change always easy? No, but it is necessary. We are always changing and evolving through life experiences. Take time to notice the changes. Some are good, and some are bad. Correct the bad ones, and roll with the good ones. Be present in the now. Don’t let life be one big blur. Take time in the blessing of change.

I’m embracing my blessing of change. It’s uncomfortable, but the rewards on the other end are going to be amazing!

Remember, the caterpillar changes into a butterfly, only after it spends time in a cocoon, then fights its way out. The reward is when it escapes the cocoon that was so safe and familiar, and it flies freely into its new life.

Until next time,

Love,

Michelle