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  • The Recent Step I Took To Get Out Of My Comfort Zone And Chase My Happiness And Dreams

    The Recent Step I Took To Get Out Of My Comfort Zone And Chase My Happiness And Dreams

    The past few weeks have been unconventional (and exciting) to say the least, because I kind of did a thing – I quit my job that I’ve been at for the past four years.

    Let’s start from the beginning of my career. I’ve been working since I graduated college, which was almost five years ago. I landed at a large PR agency that at the time was my ‘dream job’ and dove right in to agency life.

    I started my internship there and learned a lot, stayed for 8 months; then got offered a position as an intern at another agency. And four years later, here I am. I’ve been promoted a few times and am now a Senior Account Executive. I have so much great experience under my belt and have met so many great people along the way, and I won’t ever take that for granted. But two weeks ago, I quit.

    Here’s why:

    1. My favorite motto of all time is that life is too short to be anything but happy – but that’s because it really is. And that quote makes me realize that if god forbid something were to happen, I wouldn’t want to spend another minute unhappy in my day to day. There are a lot of things that go into my decision and I’m not going to go into detail, but in the self reflection I’ve worked on, I realized my job was no longer serving me and it was my time to move on and take a mental break from it all. So I made the serious decision that working part time and freelance gigs, making my own schedule, and de-stressing for a little while I look for opportunities was an immediate way I could get there. So I took the plunge.
    2. I’m looking for day to day work that ignites my soul and brings out my passion. And my next job will be exactly that – a brand that I’m amped to get behind and work for, an opportunity that allows me to write and extend my writing skills, and allows me to work towards my goals of being a writer and author. Or maybe even a completely different path that allows me to focus on my writing on the side – it’s still unknown. And it may have been an uncomfortable decision to leave what’s been known to me for so long, but it’s ultimately going to get me closer to my long-term goals and help me grow. And this decision also means I’ll be dedicating more time to those things that do ignite my passions – like writing for my blog, working on my book, and looking for freelance writing/content gigs.

    Honestly, what held me back from doing this for a long time was my fear. What will people think of me? Will I ever get another corporate job? What if I fail? These are just a few of the fears running through my head.

    But I was finally ready to face my fears and take a chance. I know it’s not the most conventional decision – quitting a job with a steady paycheck for something unknown – but in this moment, I know it’s what I want and need. And remember the whole life is too short thing? At least I can be happy that I stuck to my gut and am following my happiness and dreams.

    I will get another corporate job soon, I’m sure. But after this break I’m taking, I want to make sure it’s bringing me closer to my goals and serving me happiness. Because if it’s not – what’s the point?

    I’ll leave this last quote that I don’t think I’ll ever get out of my head – “how you spend your days is how you spend your life.” And with that I say, follow your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise (not even the voices in your head).

    And if you’re interested, here are some steps I took that might help:

    1. Write down your 5 and 10-year plans and what it will take to get there
    2. Make a list of everything in your life and evaluate if/how it’s getting you there
    3. If you’re finding things not serving you and your happiness/dreams, cut ties with those things
    4. Make a decision about what you’re going to do to change and do it; then move on
    5. Make a plan and next steps for how you are going to hit your dreams and goals – then go for it!

    Special shout out to my Mom, Dad, family and friends, who always lift me up and show me nothing but support through everything. I couldn’t do it without you all! XOXO.

  • How Trying New Workouts Can Boost Your Confidence

    How Trying New Workouts Can Boost Your Confidence

    Working out can be an intimidating thing – whether it’s at a gym or specific workout studio – we’ve all felt “gym intimidation” before. By trying something new and unknown, you’re putting yourself out there; where you’ll be around people you don’t know, around people who have different bodies than you, and who might just be more experienced than you at this specific workout. But what I’ve learned recently is none of that matters – and trying new workouts can actually build your confidence.

    Almost two years ago I was beyond afraid of trying high intensity interval training workout, Shred415 (Read: The Workout and Positive Mindset that Changed My Life). My best friend kept convincing me I should try, and I always turned her down out of fear. I would use excuses like “I’m not a runner” or “I don’t think I can do a workout like that.” Two years later, I’m still regularly going and it’s a workout that helped me immensely on my weight loss and health journey – and even helped me complete my first triathlon (another thing I thought I couldn’t do). It did take months and months of going completely out of my comfort zone to get there – but it’s ultimately helped my confidence for the better.

    And that goes the same for other workouts I’ve tried over the years, too – Barry’s Bootcamp, Yoga, Cycling, Barre – and there are still new workouts I want to try. Every time I walk into a new studio, I may start out of my comfort zone, but I end the class feeling so accomplished. And hell, I grew to become a regular at a place I thought I could never try!

    My point is – don’t count out a workout because of a thought or fear in your head. Grab a friend (or yourself), check out a studio, and build your confidence! It might end up changing your life. 😉

    Now what workouts are you going to try?

  • Why We Should All Think Twice Before Giving the “Skinny” Compliment

    Why We Should All Think Twice Before Giving the “Skinny” Compliment

    Coming from someone who’s struggled with body image my entire life, I have SO many thoughts on the skinny compliment. “You look so skinny” – we’ve all heard it, said it, or maybe even received it – but in my opinion, it can actually be a terrible compliment. Here’s why.

    First of all, I think the skinny compliment instinctively makes us all think we SHOULD be skinny. It feels like people say it as if it’s some great thing, when it probably isn’t the best thing to promote. What about using the words “healthy” or “strong” or “great”?

    But when you’re told it, doesn’t it just seem like the best thing ever? Like you never want it to end? That’s because it feels good to feel like you look like you should, or look how other “skinny” people do, or feel like your hard work is paying off. But I don’t think that’s necessarily healthy.

    I think it’s great to encourage other people and share compliments – I love that – but I do think we all should consider how we’re complimenting people and what we’re promoting. I’d rather be seen as healthy, strong, etc. than skinny, and I think sharing those types of compliments is something we should all get into a better habit of.

    Also, side note, no matter what anyone says – you are amazing just the way you are.

     

     

  • Why Self Care is For Everyone

    Why Self Care is For Everyone

    Self care is something I’ve found to be so important on my journey of self love, and it’s something that we all might look at a little differently.

    But no matter which way you look at self care in your own life, it is for everyone. It’s a way to take care of yourself – mind, body, and soul – and something I believe should be actively thought about in all of our lives. It’s also a way to evaluate what YOU need to care for yourself.

    The way I looked at self care has evolved a lot over the past few years. I used to treat myself to things that weren’t necessarily good for me – like having a sweet treat or letting myself skip a night at the gym. My relationship with treating myself changed when I started to realize I wanted to fuel my body and treat it well – and that my self care routine should directly reflect that. I’m not saying I never treat myself to sweets (ha I promise I do), but the way I look at my self care routine has definitely changed for the better.

    I started getting into things that made myself and my body feel better – like baths (if you’ve seen my Instagram stories, you already know), face masks to exfoliate and nourish my skin, taking vitamins, spending nights to myself with a glass of wine, taking class at Shred415, doing yoga, etc. I’d say self care is something I’ve completely prioritized, and when I start to get overwhelmed or stressed by life, I immediately incorporate a self care routine. But even if I don’t have a reason, I want to be sure these things I enjoy are incorporated into my regular routine – and I think that’s how it should be for us all!

    What are your favorite ways to practice self care, and what’s your motive for doing it? I’d love to hear! Now go grab a glass of wine or a bath, you deserve it 😉

    Photo credit: @Shape

  • National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Why We All Need to Get Behind the #ComeAsYouAre Campaign

    National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Why We All Need to Get Behind the #ComeAsYouAre Campaign

    If you’re unfamiliar with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), this week is a great time to get familiar. NEDA is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people and families affected by eating disorders – and from February 25 through March 3 (coined National Eating Disorders Awareness Week) – they’re raising awareness of eating disorders to educate others and remind those struggling they’re not alone.

    It is estimated that eating disorders will effect 20 million women and 10 million men in America alone in their lifetime. Eating disorders come in many different forms and affect people of all different backgrounds, and are specifically more likely to be developed by people with negative body image (which personally resonates with me).

    To spread awareness this year, the National Eating Disorders Association teamed up with Instagram to create their #ComeAsYouAre campaign, a movement to let individuals at all stages of body acceptance and eating disorders recovery know that their stories are valid, and to encourage them to share their whole stories – “the real, the mess, the un-perfect moments.”

    We all know Instagram can be a place filled with pressure – to feel we should look a certain way, to compare our bodies to others, etc. – and this campaign is such an important reminder that we should all be accepted exactly the way we are.

    Whether you’ve experienced an eating disorder, body image issues, or know someone who has, this year’s movement is important for us all – and I’m so grateful to be a part of it (even if it’s just posting my own photo and story).

    I hope you consider spreading awareness, too. Eating disorders and body image issues affect so many people, and it’s so important to educate ourselves and remind those struggling they’re not alone. And this campaign is a great way to do just that.