2015 Wellness Update #3

Goodness gracious - I live life with the most incredible people. Being intentional, grateful, and mindful have been so important on my journey to "well." I've long recognized that I'm a person of immense privilege. My family supports and loves me unconditionally, I grew up without need or want, I have a job/adult life I love that provides financial independence, personal satisfaction, and a lifestyle including travel and adventure. While thankful for all of these luxuries, I never quite feel like I measure up to those that have overcome intense struggles, pain, misfortune...and at the same time, I can't help but feel blessed and that I must fully live out my purpose of serving others with every breath. So with that... I started focusing on identifying that purpose that dwells on what is instead of what isn't, and writing a bio of who I am verses what I do. Seemed more productive. This is my working draft.

Tanya is a jolt of energy that has a meaningful impact on people and places she interacts with. She is a leadership nerd and connector committed to developing authentic, engaged, responsible community leaders. She's dedicated to helping people discover their passion and purpose, identify positive impact projects, and understand what it means to come alive. 

It is my goal to be a thought leader in workplace talent development, culture and engagement, and employee retention strategies. 

It's odd to "serve" in a corporate space after being involved in nonprofit, but I still get to be so connected to the amazing work being done by nonprofits... while adding unique value in the HR function of the corporate world. I like to think I've found a way to have my cake and eat it too :)

And for the more traditional update...

Social Wellness - I forget how disconnected I get when I am in heavy travel season for work. Since being back, I've been able to reconnect 1:1 with so many wonderful people in my life. Too many to name even, I'm an includer - I'd hate to leave people out. Also, the Women's Event that I helped organize as part of Global Shapers put me in the midst of 170+ phenomenal women who came together to learn from and share stories, dreams, struggles, and goals with one another. So good!

Emotional Wellness - I certainly feel positive emotions far more than the negative. I think a balance of both is good actually, but anger and sadness don't come as easily (even in tragic situations). I don't know how to practice feeling - my brain processes faster than my heart.

Spiritual Wellness - I attend church pretty regularly and integrate Christian beliefs into my daily actions, though don't resonate with the term "religious." Rarely have I felt so strongly about the power of prayer than witnessing the recovery of Sophia who in just a month, has recovered physical strength, but faith and spiritual strength and love as well. Though there is a long road ahead, she is incredibly strong and a woman of faith that I admire and love.

Environmental Wellness - Though flying to Denver wasn't the most environmentally friendly thing I could do with my weekend, it was so wonderful to be in the mountains for a bit. Also, the 70 degree days have me enjoying the outdoors so much more.

Occupational Wellness - reading Career Anchors to understand at the very core, what about work is most important and satisfying to me. Affirmed that it is service and dedication to people, and now meeting with a lot of phenomenal HR leaders to figure out how I can continue to contribute well, but stretch myself and grow my career leading in service to others. It's a journey.

Intellectual Wellness - Denver was so good. Quick trip, but so good to reconnect with my people. Starting to develop a project management skill set in a formal capacity, and learning so much about the world from Global Shapers - both in Minneapolis and around the world!

Physical Wellness - I'm learning how many of my friends run, and running (ha!) out of excuses not to. Must make time. The longer days are going to make it easier to take long walks or run outside at night... need to balance with my love for happy hour. They are mutually exclusive at the moment.

Beauty of Small Towns & Community

I've lived in Minneapolis for 8.5 years. I love this city. After moving to 10 different places in college, I found a neighborhood to stay in. I have lived here for 3.5 years, and independent in my 1 bedroom apartment for the last 2 years. I am pretty vocal about loving my city, I've found fantastic communities to be a part of, jobs I love, and plenty to fill my life. All of that said, I went home to my parents house for Easter and it took approximately 3 minutes for me to revert back to my life there.

In 28 hours I did my laundry, played cards with grandma, visited my "not family," decorated cakes and eggs, ate dinner with my family and spent a quality night with my parents and sisters, went to church with the entire town, and then celebrated Easter with extended family and met my cousin's new baby. And then I came back. Both places feel like home. I think I prefer it that way.

Small town life is a beautiful thing - and while I'm not sure I want to go back full time - I certainly appreciate growing up in and my parents continuing to live in St. Martin. More than I probably admit.

I got to experience another small town last week for a funeral. Not the most exciting reason to meet a community, but the love and support was tangible and beautiful. People showed up from near and far, with salads, desserts, and for some of us... Perkins muffins. Tears shed, hugs a plenty, and many reminders to live a full life and share life with others early and often.

Despite Minneapolis being a much larger city than St. Martin - the community, love, and support I've found here is quite similar. It's the reason I love Minneapolis. I feel this often, but this was especially evident in a very tangible way when my friend Sophia was in a horrific car accident a few weeks ago. The community rallied and the power of prayer and love have made all the difference. A long road ahead, but people literally from all over the world have banded together around her story in support of Sophia and her family (more here: http://www.gofundme.com/p33jfk)

This summer I will be introducing many of my friends to St. Martin for various reasons, and I can't wait for my worlds to collide. After years of thinking they were so different, I'm beginning to realize how incredibly similar they are. Besides the population difference, access to Target, and available modes of transportation...they are filled with people who support my hopes and dreams, and fill my life with stories, laughter, and hugs. I am the luckiest.