It’s Up to You

The other day I had this huge revelation – my own life is up to me. How weird, right? The things I want to accomplish are actually completely up to me to make happen. I’m 27 years old, why in the world is something so simple hitting me so hard?

Since moving into our house, life hasn’t slowed down. I’ve put myself – my body, my mind, my goals – on the back burner and haven’t given it too much thought. Then I realized how much I’d let myself go and I started thinking, what is really occupying your time? What is so important that you aren’t able to make anything about yourself a priority anymore? The last week has been so frustrating! I used to be so good about working out 5-6 days a week and really taking time to make myself feel good. That just hasn’t been happening anymore. To no ones fault but my own. Can anyone else relate?

There are so many things in life that we don’t have control over. But there are also so many that WE DO have control over. I’ve finally taken the time over the last week to figure out some areas in life I do have control over. Finally, I’m ready to make these changes. Maybe more than anything, this will be an accountability post. I’m hoping to hit home to someone else out there that may need a boost. Here we go!

It’s crazy to me how much more work a house is than an apartment. Everyone talks about how different it really is and how much more there is to do with a house – they’re right, y’all. There is constantly laundry to be done and folded, the yard needs to be mowed every three days, you guys know the list. There’s just so many things! And guess what? No one is going to do them for me. Yes, Dylan is always there to help when I need and want it but I’m so particular about certain things and there are so many things I just want to be my way (LOL).

So a cleaning schedule has been created and instead of looking at the clean laundry in the basket, I’ll just fold it! The other day my boss called me out for having a wrinkly blouse (she was not wrong), and that gave me the final boost I needed!

Any tips and tricks on house cleaning and maintenance for this new homeowner?

Walking two miles one or two days a week just isn’t cutting it. I’d taken over 500 classes in just over two years at my Pure Barre studio and since January, I’ve probably only taken 100. Insanity! It’s time to get back into the swing of it! The changes I’ve seen in my body since essentially quitting PB have been crazy. These changes are certainly not pleasing to the eye. Time to move my body!

Starting today, September 17th, I will take 20 classes between now and October 17th. Gonna hit it hard! I’ve taken before pictures and I’m so excited to see the after pictures in 30 days!

How do you hold yourself accountable to get to the gym? What are some ways you like to mix up your routine?

This is (still) my biggest struggle. Eating clean foods that fuel my body with the nutrients and vitamins I need are what make me feel so good. Let’s get back to that! The processed foods you can get at restaurants and in packaged items from the grocery are the ones that make us feel groggy and gross. Fresh foods with minimal ingredients are what our bodies’ need and these are the ones that will energize you and make you feel strong. Trust me, try it for one week. Just one! You will see and feel the difference right away.

Planning meals for breakfast and lunch have been a breeze. It’s time to plan dinners and small snacks every day, too. My Day Designer planner has a spot each day for what’s for dinner, as well as tons of other places for notes. Time to start using these resources that are right in front of me!

What do you use to plan your meals every week? How often do you change out your meals?

Are social time and family time the same? I’d say yes in some cases. But we all know spending time with our parents isn’t quite the same as a girls night out. I’ve been making way too much time for social/do nothing time and not enough time for family (or house maintenance!). It’s all about balance. There are some things that can’t be left off the to do list, but there are others that can be pushed back one more day. Sushi date anyone?

How much social time do you pencil in each week?

Since starting my new job in February, every single day has been a challenge. I was definitely looking for a challenge, don’t get me wrong! It’s been great! I’ve been pushed to my limits and also proven that I can set goals for myself and fulfill them. But it hasn’t been easy. I’ve never been one that’s been able to go home from my job. Constantly thinking of ways to be better and do things differently, it’s enough to make ya crazy! Finally, over the last month, the efforts have been paying off and a new set of challenges has begun to arise. I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to focus on a different aspect of my career for a little while because in a way, it will be refreshing!

It’s always a good idea to take a day to refresh! Self care/personal days are so necessary no matter what you do for a living. Take those days and use them to your advantage. Use it as a ‘do nothing’ day or a day to check off items from your to do list. Or do things that YOU WANT to do, rather than things YOU HAVE to to do.

The work/life balance is what is so hard for us to maintain. How do you unplug from work to be more present with family and friends?

How do you stay on top of your game at work?

What advice do you have for someone struggling to put themselves first? Does anyone really have it down? What about those of you with kiddos? How on earth do you do it?! So many props to those of you keeping your head above water.

Need an accountability partner? I’m your girl! Let me know how I can motivate you to get through the tough days. Let’s talk about your goals and what we can do together to achieve them! I will leave you with a little bit of motivation from here. This quote flipped the switch in my mind and I certainly hope it can give you the push you need, too!

“Your playing small does not serve the world.”