Each year, when I sit down to write my reflection or blog post as we approach our birthday celebration, I freeze. There is so much I could say… where do I even start? As a mom of four, I can tell you my brain doesn’t work like it used to.
Now, when I say my brain doesn’t work as it used to, I don’t just mean I forget where my phone is when I’m on a call or that I’ve put the juice in the pantry a time or two. What I really mean is that my brain is working in a different way at 35 than it was 11 years ago.
These days, I seek happiness instead of hype.
I seek moments that make me feel connected, important, and strong.
Outside of the home with my family, the only other place I feel this? I bet you know where this is going.
H2L is my Happy Place.
That’s why this year you’ll find “My Happy Place’ on half the swag coming your way on March 28th. It’s mine and yours, and everyone who comes through our doors and makes this place their home.
Happy Place = Mental Break
Life is hard. Work is stressful, Families take work. We’re all pulled in 100 different directions, we have to make decisions constantly, we worry about what’s next, and we fear the unexpected.
But when you walk into H2L, it all kind of melts away, and for 30-60 minutes you’re a client, a friend, an instructor. You get that mental break that’s hard to find anywhere else. 
Happy Place = My People
In year 8, I wrote about the connections we make; those connections and relationships I’ve seen blossom are stronger than ever here. People are constantly taking a class with a friend, making a new one, or connecting with their instructor in and outside of these walls. By coming here, you are impacting your health, and you are becoming a part of our community. (A community that pulls together when one of our own needs us, the fundraiser for Amy Bloor was the most moving day I’ve had at H2L in my 11 years… that could be a whole blog post on its own.)
You find your people here, or you bring your people here, and you get to experience something together. You take your connections with you or make new ones, and you feel like you belong. 
Happy Place = Building other Happy Places
And my favorite thing I have been hearing lately is how H2L and the work you are doing here affects your life out there. We’re building strength so we can help our friends move. We’re maintaining mobility so we can play with our grandkids. We’re building endurance so we can go on a hike with our friends or our kids. We’re sitting up taller, breathing better, so our health issues are a thing of the past. We’re spending time in our Happy Place so we can create other happy places.
H2L isn’t just a place where people come to work out. It’s a place that helps people live their lives better outside of these walls. The strength, confidence, friendships, and mental clarity built here carry into everything else — into our homes, our families, our work, and all the moments that matter most. We can be our best selves for them because of the work we do here.
Thank you for showing up.
Thank you for bringing your friends.
Thank you for trusting us with your health, your time, and a little piece of your life each week.
For the past 11 years, this place has been my Happy Place. But the truth is, it exists only because all of you made it yours, too.
I am happy you are here.
You can look back at my past reflections here!
Year 1: 1 Year at H2L: What I’ve Learned
Year 2: A true list of what I love about H2L
Year 3: Change is Good! We’ve all had to try something new at some point
Year 4: Our team of instructors, the masters of their craft
Year 5: We support each other in each stage of life
Year 6: We’ve survived.
Year 7: Why Community Matters
Year 8: Connections
Year 9: H2L’s Past & Present
Year 10: The Influence We’re Setting