10 Things I Did For the First Time in 2016

Everyone has been going on about how 2016 was the crappiest year ever. And I get it. But here’s the thing. A year is an arbitrary measurement of time. All it marks is that the planet was pretty much in this same spot in space 365 days ago. But the same is true of any day!! On October 25, it will be a year since the previous October 25, but who cares??? 2016, as a measurement, is not special. Things change because PEOPLE change, and people don’t change just because the calendar now has a “7” instead of a “6”. 

That’s why I’m copying fellow blogger Carolann with this post, 10 things I did for the first time in 2017. I love trying new things, and it’s a new way to look back on a pretty controversial year! So here’s a lil peek at our past 365 days….

1. Taught my first yoga class in the UK.

Does this make me an “international yoga teacher” now?

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2. Visited Africa for the first time.

Only 3 continents to go…

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3. Worked with refugees.

And found a new passion!

4. Worked in an emergency room.

And survived an ungodly commute.

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5. Introduced my boyfriend to my Grandparents.

Now that photo on their refrigerator is a real person!

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6. Watched all six seasons of Sex and the City.

No comment.

7. Dealt with a friend’s suicide.

To be honest, this has been quite difficult and I’m still dealing, but I feel it will affect my awareness of the importance of mental health issues for the rest of my life.

8. Visited the UP for the first time…

(The UP is Michigan’s upper peninsula for you non-Michiganders. I lived in Michigan for most of my life. Yup, that’s embarassing.)

Read more: Yooper For a Week

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9. Took my first solo vacation.

I (randomly) went to Norway, where I met up with and stayed with some Norwegian friends, but the actual traveling part was solo!

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10. Changed my blog name to Endless Distances.

The rebranding process wasn’t too time-consuming and so far, totally worth it! I feel much happier with the blog and ready to really invest in it in 2017.

Read more: Why I Changed My Blog Name to Endless Distances

So there you have 10 things I did for the first time ever in 2016. The good and the bad. And as a bonus, here are 5 things I’m hoping to do for the first time in 2017…

  1. Graduate from my Masters degree.
  2. Swim with manatees. #thedream
  3. Visit at least three new countries.
  4. Visit the UK Channel islands.
  5. Become proficient at ukulele.

I sincerely hope all your 2016’s were full of new-ness, and your 2017’s will be as well. Here’s to continually growing and learning!

Let me know what you did for the first time in 2016, and what you’re hoping for 2017!

Sarah xx

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14 Comments

    1. Thanks – all idea credit is due to Carolann!! I teach all types 🙂 I’m trained in vinyasa, ashtanga, power yoga, hatha, etc… I really like teaching basics classes though 🙂 I think I need to get into yin yoga though!! Have you ever done it?
      And thanks for your kind words 🙂

  1. You got to do some lovely things in 2016! Your trips to Africa & Norway look amazing!
    Very sorry about your friend, that must have been very hard.

    I’d love to visit the channel islands too! 🙂 Hope that 2017 is good to you!

  2. Wow, sounds like an awesome year for you, with fun adventures and more serious life changing events. Hope you have just as many adventures if not more in 2017!

    PS Nothing embarrassing about living in Michigan – Your Fellow Michigander 😉

  3. Wow, what a year! I think you have a lot to be proud of. I wish I could say that I found a new passion or that I plan to learn a musical instrument. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation & keep at it!!

  4. What a year. You went through a lot but you also had some beautiful moments. I love that you took a solo vacation. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do but have never had the nerve for. I’m so glad you made your own list! I’m also really loving your new blog name.

  5. Wow. Some tough times, but some wonderful things at once. Go you for working with refugees, that is commendable! And I got a ukulele in 2015 and I really must try to become proficient at it too! Best of luck with finishing the Masters!

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