Staying motivated, healthy, and happy has been a journey of growth and self-discovery for me. It wasn’t until I started experiencing gut health issues that I realized how important it was to make some major lifestyle shifts in order to truly feel like my best self. It wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t a quick fix, but over time, I’ve found a balance of healthy habits that work for me and I’m proud of that.
For most of my life, I’ve been someone who’s always on the go, constantly running around, checking off items on my to-do list, and feeling like there’s never enough time in the day. I’m sure so many of us can relate to that sense of never-ending motion, where it feels like the world is moving faster than we can keep up. But in the midst of all the hustle, I’ve learned the importance of grounding myself and taking the time to listen to what my body, mind, and spirit truly need.
The truth is, self-care often feels like a luxury or something we can’t afford to prioritize, especially when there’s always so much to do. But I’ve come to realize that taking care of myself isn’t selfish, it’s essential. When we neglect ourselves, it becomes harder to show up as the best versions of ourselves for others. Creating boundaries and making time to refuel, recharge, and reflect is what ultimately allows us to be the supportive, loving, and strong individuals we strive to be.
It’s all about finding the true priorities in that moment, carving out the time, and making those little changes that add up to something big. And I truly believe that by nurturing ourselves, we’re able to show up better in every aspect of our lives, whether that’s in our personal relationships, at work, or simply as we move through the world.
How One Class Changed My Routine
A huge shout-out to one of my best friends Sam, for getting me hooked on PowerLife! When I was in the thick of my MBA program, I could feel my physical health taking a hit. I remember telling Sam I didn’t have time for anything like this, I was juggling a full-time job, part-time school, and whenever I had a free moment, I just wanted to relax with my favorite shows. But Sam had other plans, and after dragging me to one of her sculpt classes, I was hooked. I’ve always loved staying active and was a cheerleader throughout most of my life, even during my freshman year of college. But after stepping away from cheer, I really struggled to find a workout routine that stuck. I’d go to the gym, and it always felt like I was wasting time trying to plan my workout on the spot and hitting all the things I needed to that day just felt like too much.
What I love about PowerLife is the structure and the community it brings. With heated workouts, instructor-led classes, and a variety of options barre, sculpt, hot flow, hot yoga, and more, I’ve found a routine that actually works for me. The 45-minute to an hour classes fit perfectly into my schedule, and I love that it’s a mix of fitness and mindfulness. Plus, it’s been amazing to regain that sense of community I missed after stepping away from cheer. Even Nicky joins me now, and it’s been such a fun way for us to work out together and connect. We make it a priority in our routine to carve out time for these classes, enjoy our favorite instructors, and be a part of the incredible community we’ve built at PowerLife!
The Power of Gratitude
I owe a huge thank you to my longtime friend Mitzi for introducing me to the 5-Minute Journal! This simple yet powerful tool has been a game-changer in how I approach my day. Taking just a few minutes in the morning and evening to reflect and set intentions has not only helped me prioritize what truly matters, but it has also fostered a deep sense of gratitude. Even on days that don’t go as planned, this journal has trained me to shift my focus from the challenging moments to the small victories and positive moments, whether it’s a peaceful morning walk, a meaningful conversation with a loved one, or even just the comfort of a good meal.
The power of a gratitude mindset is often underestimated, but trust me, it’s transformative. I know it can sound cliché, but this practice has truly helped me reframe my thoughts, enabling me to be more focused, creative, and present in every moment. It’s all about shifting the lens through which we view our day, and the 5-Minute Journal makes it easy and effective. It’s the perfect reminder that there’s always something worth being thankful for, even on the toughest days.
The Power of Progress
I think the hardest thing when it comes to focusing on body, mind, and spirit is asking for help or finding resources that will truly make the impact you’re looking for. The moment you decide that you deserve and want better out of life is incredibly powerful. But once you’ve made that choice, you have to figure out how to actually get there and map out the journey to where you want to be. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but to eat an elephant, you have to take bite-sized pieces.
A big part of my journey was starting therapy to focus on my anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms. During my time in therapy, I learned to map out worst-case scenarios and remind myself that everything will be okay. As Mel Robbins says best, “Anxiety lies.” Taking a step back, breathing, and knowing that the tough moments will pass has been a huge part of building resilience.
Resources that have helped me along the way include Mel Robbins, an amazing motivational speaker and host of the Mel Robbins Podcast; Bobby Parrish, who talks about food ingredients and why some are bad, offering healthier alternatives; and, honestly, music and books. Music and books have been constant lifelines. Music fuels my soul and has a magical way of shifting my mood and energy, while books help me escape or dive deeper into self-growth. One of my favorites is You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, equal parts empowering and inspiring.
Change is tough, and reinventing yourself can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to tell you that it’s possible. There are so many great individuals and resources out there ready to help guide you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself!
Finding Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is something so many of us wrestle with. Society often makes us feel like we have to sacrifice personal time, work late into the night, and constantly hustle in order to be seen as a “team player” or to earn that next promotion. It’s a tough cycle, especially when the people around you don’t have healthy boundaries either. When coworkers are answering messages late at night, not taking lunch breaks, or even offering to be available while on PTO, it sets an unhealthy standard that can be hard to break.
I know I’m not alone in this struggle. For so long, I was trapped in the mindset of “work to live” vs. “live to work.” It was draining, and it made me feel like I was never truly “off.” And let me tell you, it really takes a toll, not just on your energy, but on your relationships and your mental health too. There was a time when I would log back on after hours to meet an unrealistic deadline, which only made me feel more overwhelmed and drained.
Here’s the thing: I’m still working on it. But I’ve started setting boundaries, and it’s made a huge difference. I’ve learned to resist the urge to jump back online unless it’s an absolute emergency, and I’ve committed to not checking emails or Teams messages while I’m on PTO. I’ve even gotten better about taking my lunch breaks, which is a small but powerful way to reset during the day.
I’m telling you this because I want you to know that setting boundaries is not only healthy but essential. Don’t let the toxic grind culture trick you into thinking you have to sacrifice your well-being to succeed. Yes, there will always be times when the grind is necessary, but don’t let it become your everyday. You’re in control, and your health should always be a top priority. Trust me, you deserve it.
Creating Order
I’ve always been someone who loves a little order in my life, okay, maybe I lean a bit OCD, but let’s just keep that between us! There’s something about a clean and organized space that really shifts my mood and helps me focus. Studies show that a tidy environment can boost productivity, and I couldn’t agree more. One of Mel Robbins’ episodes really stuck with me when she said the first thing you should do in the morning is make your bed. It’s such a simple task, but it sets the tone for the day.
In my apartment, everything has its place. It helps me stay in my routine, gives me a space to focus on the day’s goals, and keeps my mind clear by eliminating distractions. Now, I’m not saying you need to be a cleaning fanatic (dirty dishes happen to the best of us), but adopting a few simple habits can really make a difference. Things like making your bed in the morning, tidying up after cooking with your partner, or keeping your workspace organized, these small steps have a huge impact on your overall mindset and productivity. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Surrounding Yourself with Loved Ones
There’s something truly magical about the power of surrounding yourself with loved ones. When your spark feels dim, there’s always a friend, family member, or even a stranger who can help reignite that flame. I’ve always been someone who thrives in a routine, and while that brings structure and stability to my life, it can sometimes close me off to the spontaneous moments and connections that really feed my soul.
This year, I’ve made it a priority to be more intentional with my time, especially when it comes to the people who matter most. I recently took a sweet trip to Branson with my sister and her now husband, and soon I’ll be heading to Switzerland with my mom. It’s her first time traveling abroad, and I’m so excited to experience a place she’s always dreamed of with her by my side. I’m also counting down the days to a summer escape to Cabo with my best friend as we celebrate her husband’s 30th birthday in paradise! And later this year, I’m hoping to slow down and soak up the beauty of Alaska while visiting a dear friend, trading hustle for stillness, even if just for a bit.
Life is full of adventures we want to experience, but what truly makes them memorable is sharing those moments with the people we love. This year, I’m focused on reflecting deeply on the relationships in my life, taking stock of the ones that fill my cup and reevaluating those that may have become more draining over time. As I get older, I realize how important it is to nurture the connections that matter most and say “yes” to adventures with my community.
I encourage you to reflect on the relationships that surround you and ask yourself: Are they lifting you up? Or are they leaving you feeling drained like an old sponge? Here’s to saying “yes” to more adventures and meaningful connections!
Final Thoughts
Okay, I promise this is the last thing I’ll say, but I truly hope this inspires you to cultivate a growth mindset. Trust your gut, prioritize yourself, and make the most of your time on this beautiful earth. Start living for you, that’s something I’m working on more every day, and I encourage you to do the same.