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Smiling my way into 2020

#SoManyReasonsToSmile2020

I would've never imagined that 2019 would go the way that it did, but hey - it did!

Over the last few weeks, I have had plenty of time to relax, reflect and reenergize. 

Furthermore, I have taken the time to look back at the last 12 months and to appreciate some of the memories I’ve made along the way.

-I began the year in Karlskrona, Sweden with my brother, his fiancée at the time (now wife) and my niece.
-In February, I went to Phuket, Thailand for a fitness holiday (@ Unit 27) and later on to Dalat, one of Vietnam's most scenic cities, for a mountain road race (@ Suffer Fest).
 
-In March, I started guiding my Grade 4 students (@ BCIS) towards the creation of their Heritage Hero projects, which turned out wonderful.


-In April, I had some friends (from Dubai) visit me in Ho Chi Minh City.

-In May, I participated in an incredibly rewarding CrossFit competition in the Philippines (@ The Fittest 2019).

-In June and July, I witnessed both of my brothers getting married and I got to spend time with lots of family members that I don't see very often.
-Between July and August, I experienced coaching and training full-time at my gym in Vietnam (@ SSC), which in return gave me the opportunity to meet lots of great people while practicing a passion of mine.

-Towards the end of August, I headed to Bali for 3 weeks, where I ate amazing food, trained at a wonderful facility (@ CrossFit Wanderlust), went on a yoga retreat (@ Gili Air) and spent time with some very special friends.

 -In September, I competed in a CrossFit competition in Jakarta, Indonesia (@ WOD OFF) taking 2nd place in my division and then went off to Maui, Hawaii for 2 weeks where I met some remarkable individuals (@ Makena CrossFit) and enjoyed some of nature’s most beautiful creations.

 
-In October and November, I returned to North America to unwind, to spend time with family and friends, to watch lots of hockey (and television in general), to train for pure fun (@ CrossFit Battlefield) as well as to get a little taste of the cooler weather.

-In December, I made the decision to return to Dubai in the New Year and I took the time to set some goals that I am excited to work towards in 2020.


"There's always a reason to smile, you just have to find it."

I have evidently made a number of great memories over the last year and I am so grateful.

Notably, through my various experiences, I have come across some very interesting human beings; every one of them with their own stories filled with challenges, obstacles, struggles and successes, just like mine. Most of these people I will likely never meet again, but our interactions have left a lasting impression on me. They have of course reminded me that nobody lives a perfect life (despite what social media may lead us to believe sometimes), but also that everyone has unique (often untold) stories, everyone has gone through things that have changed them somehow and there is something to be learned from each and every experience.

May 2020 bring loads of experiences and plenty more reasons to smile!


Happy New Year!

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