9 Things 2019 Taught Me
A collection of thoughts on this delightful year… I’ll likely add to it over the next few days
1. Most of the things I worried about weren’t worth worrying about. In terms of my business, clients will come, clients will go. Sometimes I’ll have a lot of money, sometimes I won’t. There’s no point in stressing over it. I’m not saying it’s wise to just “leave it up to the wind” without any effort. What I mean is that I can be strategic, offer what I am passionate about and know will help people, do my best to spread the word, and the rest isn’t up to me. So I won’t be foolish in thinking it is.
2. Setting boundaries is a wise choice in every aspect of my life. One of my mentors taught me the value of saying no with a smile. What an incredible gift this lesson has been. No, you may not “try” this class for free to see if you like it. You may pay to see if you like it. Just like you would at a restaurant, a hair salon, a movie theater etc. I have no idea where this expectation came from in the fitness and wellness industry that we owe people a free trial so they can evaluate our worth. If you’re in this industry, I encourage you to ask yourself why you feel obligated to offer your expertise for free. Personally, I’ve invested way too much time and effort into my education. Oh, and I have these minor things called rent, insurance, taxes, utilities. I can choose to work for free for my family, close friends, or worthy causes. But it’s no way to run an entire business. So please, general public, do not bother asking me to discount my work.
3. Money can buy a lot of things, but there’s far more it can’t buy. Like a conscience, or the ability to feel and express empathy. Lacking this is a very poor way to live and I truly don’t envy these sad beings. I’m quite done celebrating these people and their accomplishments, because as I get older I realize they don’t have the basic decency or capability to do the same in return. And you know what? This is not my loss, it’s there’s. My mom once told me, “you’re the one who got away and succeeded, and one day I hope you see that.” Well that day has come, and she’s absolutely correct. I am surrounded by love in my life, full of love to give, and I have everything I’ll ever need.
4. There are certain people who are thieves of joy, and love to create and be followed by drama. Family or not, long time friend or not, I am very much at peace with my decision to remove these people from my life and from my child’s life. Their issues stem from their own insecurities and unhappiness, and while I can feel empathy towards them and their situations, it’s unnecessary to participate in their drama games.
5. My family will always come before my work. If I need to make a change to my schedule, or if I need to let a commitment go in order to better suit my family, I no longer think twice about it. My career will still thrive and people will adapt. Family first, always.
6. Alcohol is a thief of joy. I don’t miss it. I’ve saved myself so much time, money, and despair by cutting it out of my life. If you’re considering a dry January, please do it! Please share with me how it goes and how you feel.
7. Most people on Instagram posting about yoga and manifesting are completely full of shit. The “manifesting” trend is deeply disturbing to me because it is cloaked in privilege. I’ll elaborate on this in another post later on, because it needs to be addressed and called out for what it is.
8. I was too good for most of the people who wasted my precious time throughout my life.
9. I need to drink more water.
Phoenix Matarazzo 
One Response to “9 Things 2019 Taught Me”
Ahhhhhh….
Proud of my hero
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