2015 Wellness Update #2

Big learning this month: I hate being stuck. I don't mind repetition or routine necessarily, as long as I don't feel like that is my only option. For about 36 hours earlier this month, being in Lubbock, TX was my only option. Not my favorite. Thank goodness my coworker Nick was a good travel partner throughout the experience. Choice = something I value, pretty highly actually. Good learning.

I also officially decided I am not going to start grad school in the fall. After just finally deciding to get my act together to do so. I was elected Curator of the Minneapolis Hub of Global Shapers last week, and I'm 1) honored and super excited to be elected into a leadership role by my peers for this amazing group of individuals 2) realistic that it's a big job and trying to start that, and grad school, on top of work, other volunteering, and having some semblance of a social/family life is not likely going to end well.

Early spring is making me grateful and happy each and every day. I've had drinks on a patio TWICE already, and willingly spending time outside much earlier than normal. If we could repeat winter 2015 each year, with spring coming in early March, I'd save myself the weekly (daily) doubt that Minneapolis is a great place to live.

And for the more traditional update...

Social Wellness - one on one connections are still going well! Also have gotten back into board game nights and other smaller group gatherings with good friends. 

Emotional Wellness - Working on leaning into conflict and seeking to understand more - I'm aware of the importance but not yet great at practicing empathy consistently.

Spiritual Wellness - went through my first coaching session. Thinking a lot about values, intentions, goals, etc. Things that are important to me: Partnership, Authenticity, Choice, Impact.

Environmental Wellness - despite some challenges this month, I remain committed to public transit as my primary form of weekday transportation.

Occupational Wellness - looking for additional ways to learn and grow in my professional career.

Intellectual Wellness - GRE studying needs to become a real thing (for future grad school) Learning by travelling this year - Denver is booked, Orlando (May), Calgary (July), Switzerland (August), DC in the fall hopefully! Maybe Chicago? 

Physical Wellness - Caught up on sleep a few weekends in a row now. Still no working out - that's real. Maybe summer will motivate me into moving more regularly again.

It is March and life is good!

Two months of 2015 have come and gone. It's been delightful, yet trying, and so so quick. I've poured my heart and energy into Global Shapers and my job, luckily there are some pretty great people in those communities who fill me up too. I feel like I'm on the right side of the road, and driving the car, so that's a good thing... so wellness is happening (though always room for improvement), and I'm continuing to work towards creating positive impact in the world.

I need to be better about capturing things that feel right/productive/well as they happen. Since I don't, I'll rely on memory, and appreciate that which makes me aware of my perspective and purpose.

-Planning an event for all of the fabulous women in my life and others, to connect and share together has been a highlight of 2015. Through this process, I've been able to collaborate with my dear friend Joy again and make a new friend in Anna. It's fun to be providing a forum to celebrate women leadership in the Twin Cities, and fostering connections that will make our community even better!

-Supporting Eric and Sandbox Center's kickstarter. Though more of an intrapreneur than entrepreneur myself, it's been so fun to share his incredible dream, work, and passion with the world to make it a reality. If you haven't, check out www.sandboxcenter.com

-I spent Valentine's Day weekend having bloody marys with friends, sending cards to my girl friends, and going to a 1st birthday/anniversary for a condo, caught up with my grandma, and spent most of the following week spending time 1:1 with Shapers from my Hub. While I still don't appreciate the commercialization and pressure of the holiday, I really took time to celebrate love and people in my life and it was wonderful. I hope I can do that every year.

-Despite several travel issues with Winter Storm Remus tearing through the South, the interview days I hosted went as well as could be expected. Everyone was flexible, understanding, and happy with how the day turned out. Good reminder that despite my greatest wishes, I can't actually control the weather and sometimes we just need to trust that things will work out.

-Sarah came to visit. Celebrated friendship over 5 hours of breakfast, bloodies, and beers. It's always nice to find those people who get you, your dreams, passions, problems, and goals, even though we've spent very little time together in person. Trip to Orlando needs real dates, real soon.

My ongoing motto for wellness: Wake up mindfully, act intentionally, end the day gratefully.