Life Unfiltered

Happy Saturday! 

I'm excited for a weekend filled with family time, but I'm also sad to say goodbye to spring break! It's been so long since I shared a post with you! And I think part of that has been me trying to figure out what direction I want to take with my blog. Today I'm here to share with you some real talk and my current head space. 

This break has been absolutely what I needed- time to take care of me and not worry about anyone or anything else. Eep- I know that sounds selfish but hear me out. If you know me or have been following along for the past six years, then you know that I am an absolute go getter. My grandmother always tells me that I don't like to let the grass grow under my feet for too long, and I have to say she is pretty accurate with that observation.  

At the age of twenty-five I am a second year middle school teacher, a high school field hockey coach, a club field hockey coach, an advisor for a chapter of my sorority, a soon to be wife (December 2019), a sister, a daughter, a friend, a virtual fitness coach, a dog mom, a grad student, and the list could continue on but I will spare you. Anyways, you get the point.. I'm a busy woman with goals. A lot of what I do requires me to put others first, and I'm not going to lie- I frequently forget to take time to take care of me. This is something that I have been working to improve upon the last two and a half months. Pretty much when I turned twenty-five I took some time to reflect on where I've been, where I'm at, and where I want to be. This reflection helped me realize that I am doing so many great things, but by not making myself a priority in my own life.  

I've slowly but surely been finding ways to make time for me through focusing on what makes me feel good. The answer has been making changes to live a healthier lifestyle. I have taken on working out six days a week for twenty minutes and being more mindful about what I fuel my body with. I've also worked to carve out time to do other things for me like reading books that help me grow personally and professionally. Along the way, I have shared bits and pieces of my journey, but I've been nervous to share whole heartedly in fear of what others thought or what they would say.  In a world where we share everything via social media, it can be difficult not to fall into the comparison trap. It is so easy for us to compare where we are at in life with the people on our feeds who are filtering what they show us.  It is so important to put that idea of filtering into perspective. Most people only share the really great things in life not the things they are struggling with. Consequently, we then view their lives as these flawless wonders while we are riding the struggle bus every day. It's taken me awhile to get to this realization. This made me think about the images that I share with others, and how my goal is to not be perfect but to be real. I want everyone to see that life is messy, but these daily struggles are what shape who we are. 

So with all of this being said, I am back to the direction and purpose of my blog. I'm here to provide you with real talk, real bits of life, and help you conquer every high and low. I want to share with you how nobody is perfect and despite the front that we all put up, we are each fighting something.  From an outsider's perspective, I'm sure it looks like I have my life together. But on the inside, I'm just a twenty something trying to figure out who I am and what makes me tick. 

If you get nothing else from my rant of a post, then take with you the fact that your life is so unique from the person that you are comparing yourself to and you need to be proud of you are and what struggles you have faced. 

XOXO

Staying Productive During the Summer Months

The summer is a time of year that most people love. While everyone's reasons are a little different, we all share this common enjoyment. The season is usually filled with a little fun in the sun, but there has to be some productivity in the midst of all the memories being made. As a teacher, I had the privilege of having the majority of the summer months off from school. Although, if you took a peep at my calendar I'm not too sure you would call all my time off a summer vacation. On my days off it can be easy to let the day slip away.  However, I try to balance these days with equal parts relaxation and productivity.  The other day somebody asked me how I am so productive in the summer, which is what gave me the inspiration to share my tips with each of you! 

The summer can be filled with vacation, a little bit of work, making time for friends and family, and lots of spontaneity.  Despite all the fun, there are things that must get done. So how can you possibly balance the things you want to do with those that you have to do?

Wake up at a decent hour

Do not let the day get away from you by spending all morning sleeping. It is important to get out of bed and start functioning at a reasonable hour.  Waking up at the same time every day provides you with a normal sleep schedule, which can increase your productivity. 

Establish Routines

Routines are crucial to success. This summer I have been working on waking up earlier to get more done. I wake up, take care of my puppy, and then workout before heading off to work.  Running in the mornings gives me a great jumpstart to the day.  I also create a mental to do list during my workout. It's the time I take to organize what my day will look like.  Another routine I have is eating breakfast each morning. I am most productive during the morning hours, so I try to get most of my tasks done then. Find the time that your work best and schedule your tasks to be completed during this timeframe. 

Don't procrastinate

This is kind of obvious, but I think it is an important reminder.  Get your least favorite tasks done first. This will keep you from spending too much time thinking about how much you don't want to do them. When you get the harder stuff over with earlier on, then it makes it easier to complete the less daunting tasks. Plus it is important to get things done when you have free time, so that if something better pops up you do not have anything holding you back. 

Timed Tasks

Don't let these boring tasks take you all day. Giving yourself a time allotment to get something done ensures that you are using your time efficiently and not wasting the day on something you don't actually want to be doing. 

What gets measured gets managed

Start each day by making yourself a to do list. I'm not talking about one of those to do lists that are impossible to complete. I am talking about a to do list filled with tasks that you can realistically complete in one day's time. When you can cross something off a list, you are more likely to do it. 

Do something meaningful

If your summer months are filled with free time, then look for something to add to your calendar that gives you a purpose. Look into getting an internship, learning a new skill, take a class, get a part time job, etc. Giving yourself a purpose can also lead to productivity. 

Take a vacation

It is so important to recharge your batteries. It is okay to treat yourself to a little rest and relaxation to jump start a new period of productivity. Seriously, everyone needs a little time off each year. 

What are your productivity tips for the summer?

XOXO