My word for 2015...

Success... My friend Stephanie Paxton Jackson, a health & wellness coach in Washington state suggested picking a word to represent your own personal 2015. I chose this word because I am planning on finding it in all aspects of my life, personal, professional, roller derby, CrossFit, relationships and in the type of friend or family member I plan to be for others. My friend and CrossFit Coach Chad Franco brought up the word "reflection." This I am considering to signify my transition from one year to the next...I say we all reflect on 2014. How have you given back to your world, family, friends, neighbors, community? Let's plan for bigger and better things in 2015, shall we? Most of all...be more present in your life by opening your heart to others in all situations. Life is so beautiful and precious, if we walk through it numb or without feeling, we'll miss many fulfilling times, experiences, feelings, emotions, relationships, friendships, loves, colors, tastes, sounds, blessings, lessons...on and on and on. Cheers to a fantastic 2015; with challenges we become stronger and more versatile, with love we become more full, with an open heart we offer the world 100% of ourselves. Be true, be successful and continue to reflect on who you are and what you want to offer the planet. I will be here walking hand in hand with you, open to hearing about your world anytime, and I assure you, I will share with you along the way as well. Happy New Year, enjoy your personal "Reflection" of 2014 & cheers to "Success" in 2015 and beyond.

Family...

Recently I traveled east to visit friends & family for Thanksgiving. I hadn't seen this side of the Silas clan in over five years, and some for more than seven. My experience was deep and oh so, meaningful. Each moment on my adventure and my interactions with family from my 11 year old cousin to my 74 year old aunt and uncle was priceless. Not only did I have a wonderful, fun, loving, hilarious, enjoyable, delicious and enchanting time, but I learned a couple important lessons. First of all, it doesn't matter how long the time is between visits, unconditional love amongst a family can last for a lifetime! You can sustain close relationships and they will grow with you into the future. You only need to honor and nurture them, keeping them present in your daily life. It's not easy, but it's possible. Secondly, I learned that a non-judgmental family is the truest form of family. It doesn't always have to be represented by blood, but that makes it extra special. I have been home a week now and I am still high with love from the time spent with my Silas roots. I laughed, I cried, I shared, I listened, I felt, I loved, I honored... We stayed up late talking, catching up, and getting to know each other again. Those moments are my true Thanksgiving! My most recent trek east is one I will treasure and be extremely grateful for FOREVER! And I know this, I'm not waiting five plus years to do it again!