“What a small world?!”

How many times have you heard someone make this exclamation upon discovering they went to preschool with a friend of a friend’s sister’s cousin. This concept is also known as the six degrees of separation. The idea that everyone is six or fewer steps, or connections, away from one another.

Reflecting back on my 2012 I realized that what stuck out most to me, alongside my accomplishments in triathlon and academics, are the many relationships I had the opportunity to create and nurture. Everyone who has passed through my life this year has touched me in some way. Their contribution may have been big or small. Regardless, the experience from that interaction is helping to shape me into the person I am today. The question that I ask myself now is how or even if I helped to shape others lives.

My resolution for 2013 is much more personal than the common “staying fit and healthy”. With a major in nutrition and the training schedule I have, those are already a huge part of my life. No, what I hope to focus on this year is giving back. It can be hard to open yourself up to others. We all feel the anxiety and fear associated with rejection and judgement. I think it’s worth the risk of feeling vulnerable or exposed if I can positively effect another persons life simply by being open and available. It is so easy to put up a front, a wall to block outsiders from ever glimpsing in. However in doing so I essentially cut off my own connections. In holding back from others, I hold myself back too.

Here is to 2013 and permanently opening all the windows and doors. Encouraging love, laughter and light to fill and strengthen my foundation so that I am better able to build others up as well.

“It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.” –Richard Braunstein

Happy New Year!

March. Giggling up the mountain with Gretchen Mt. Lemmon, Arizona

Lake Havasu 20-24 Winners with Brianna and Rosalyn, Lake Havasu, Arizona

April. Jetskiing for my birthday! Miami

April. Birthday dinner with my Mommy, Miami, FL

June. Amazing athletes! Elite Developmen Race with the USAT Collegiate Recruitment group. Dallas, TX

June. Cutest cheerleader ever! Grandma Gigi, Phladelphia, PA

June. Post Philadelphia Tri with Brandon, Philadelphia, PA

June. Scout Basset, the most amazing woman I have ever met. Philadelphia, PA

August. USAT Age Group Nationals with Alex, Vermont

August. Awards ceremony with Coach T USAT Age Group Nationals Vermont

October. Awards Ceremony US Toyota Cup Open with Coach Trista Francis, Dallas, TX

October. Halloween with Jacyln, Tucson, Arizona

November. Epic Polar Plunge at Young Life Camp, Williams, Arizona