2019… What can I say about it?
I would have to say that 2019 was the year of blossoming. I grew in ways that I never knew that I could. I did things that I never thought I would. I’ve had experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life (and a couple that I don’t remember at all).
I chose to take a leap and run a marathon. Not only did I run one Marathon,
I ran two!
I decided to voice a dream that I’ve held quietly for the last five years, to run the Boston Marathon in 2021. And by my stating that goal out into the air, it means I now have to work at it. The work is not done, but I’m ready for 2020’s three scheduled marathons!

I’ve had opportunities to tell my story as a runner. Who knew that running a half marathon in an Edmonton February with my guide dog would lead to being dubbed the most badass woman with the most badass dog in Edmonton? That led to an explosion of texts and messages from my friends – “Call the reporters!” – so I did! Some interviews went better than others… but getting noticed in Canadian Running Magazine was pretty awesome!
I chose to open my heart to new love. It’s always a little scary, but it didn’t feel that way… And it feels like the most organic and powerful thing, making me realize my own strength, which brings more to the table and makes us stronger, which makes me realize my own strength and…
I chose to open my home, to make it a place of gathering and refuge and good conversation. And it has reminded me how much the house actually likes having people in it. Even if it’s just a couple of people sitting over a coffee and a chat, or a small group playing games, or a bunch of people coming and going and talking and eating and drinking and playing music.
I chose to be open about key parts of my identity. I chose to take power over raising awareness of it, because it’s my choice to do so. And in doing that I have made at least one person on this planet feel less alone. I became the person I wish I knew in the early part of 2018, when I was coming to terms with my identity myself. And I was met with so much love and support from all over, it still overwhelms me – nearly bringing me to tears – all these months later.
I chose to open up to friendships, restoring ones that have been dormant for a long time, meeting new people through different avenues, realizing that right now our lives are on the same journey. I’m so grateful to every single one of those people, whether I talk to you every day or just a few times a year. if you’re around and we’ve talked, you are important in my life.
I haven’t written as much as I would’ve liked on the Life Unscripted blog. My life has been jam-packed with races and community-building and flourishing and music and loving and asking myself some pretty deep questions. I hope to carve out some more time to dedicate to you, my faithful readers, in 2020.

But people still found my little corner of the world this year! Even in San Francisco just a few weeks ago, I ran in to someone who recognized me from this blog! I had intended to do some Christmas shopping that day, but I made a connection instead. I didn’t realize until I walked out the door that that connection was what I truly needed in that small slice of space and time.

Just for fun, here are the top 5 most visited posts of 2019!
5. This little sleeper of a book review.
4. The fact that this oldie is still getting this much interest shows me that there is a very serious service dog faker problem.
3. When you meet your people, it is so seamless. “You may not know what my life feels like, but you leave me plenty of open space so that I can fill in the gaps – not because I owe you an explanation, but because you know that so few people leave their agendas at the door.”
2. My little book review that could!
1. I wrote this post last year when I got tired of addressing the inspiration question. Instead of complaining, I figured I’d speak some truth into the air… and the fact it’s gotten more views than the rest of my blog combined… might tell you that it resonates with a lot of people

There’s been so much change and growth in me. I thought I grew in 2018, and I definitely did. But that growth spurred on this place of blossoming I find myself in today. 2019 has proven to be one of the best years of my life – bring on 2020!