oy vey: life updates

Hey y’all. It’s been a minute.

Life does this really crazy thing where things are absolutely CHAOTIC for like months on end, and then suddenly it all dies down and I’m like, “…okay, now what?” I’m currently in the “now what” phase, and while I’m here, I figured I’d break down the last five months.

This summer barely felt like summer (except for the insanely high heat index every single day, thanks climate change). Between summer camp and Trader Joe’s, I was working approximately 50-60 hours a week. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the hustle. For the first time since March 2020, I actually felt productive. I mean, Trader Joe’s kept me busy and I loved it, but going back to camp provided me with that passion I had been lacking for so long: working with children.

So I did my seven weeks of camp (worked with TEENAGERS this time around… BIG yikes). And I worked 2 days a week at Trader Joe’s. And I worked out. And I tried to see friends when I could. And occasionally, I slept. But more than anything, I came to a realization: I was ready for something new.

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As camp came to an end, I edited my LinkedIn, updated my resume, and started to look for something, anything, that would provide me fitness work AND work with children, doubting anything existed. But I had to try, right? So many gyms looking for trainers, daycares looking for teachers, but none of the positions felt right.

Until I found KidStrong.

According to their website, KidStrong was a child private development center that worked on brain, physical, and character development. They had just opened a location near me, and they needed part-time coaches. I was HOOKED. I submitted everything they needed, and I waited.

And waited, and waited, and waited.

No word from KidStrong, but I KNEW this was meant for me. So I sent some emails, and next thing I knew, I had an interview. And then a second interview. And then a facility tour. And then a THIRD interview. AND THEN A JOB OFFER.

Not just part-time coaching, but full-time management. I was gonna have a big girl job!!! But that meant I needed to leave Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe’s, the place that took me in during one of the darkest periods of my life, gave me a home, forever friends, and experiences that make me cry from laughter and smile with gratitude. And the thought of leaving was terrifying. I was comfortable there, working my way up, and almost always knew what was going to happen. I was comfortable.

But I wasn’t passionate for it. I knew I was destine for something bigger, and KidStrong was a huge step in that direction.

I put in my two weeks and prepared to say goodbye to my favorite place. There were lots of hugs, and pep talks, and CAKE, and more than anything, so much love. It’s been three months, and I still make weekly trips to visit my favorite people!

So I started at KidStrong, and it was A LOT. Hours and hours of training, lots of emails and texts to send and phone calls to make, new coworkers to meet. It was chaotic, to say the least. On top of just my in-center training, I had to go to Connecticut for certifications on two separate occasions, totaling six full days (and yeah, I COMMUTED there, three hours round trip babyyyyy). AND I went on vacation with my best friends. AND I finally had an in-person commencement ceremony. So yeah, chaotic is an understatement for what the last 2 months have held.

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And now I’m here. Director and Coach for KidStrong, college graduate (kind of… it’s a long story), just a big girl in her big girl job and big girl life.

A big girl who, in the mess of the last couple of months, lost herself a bit.

The dust is settling now, and with that comes a lot more time to think. And I’ll be honest, my thoughts are not too pretty. You see, I’ve been so focused on my work recently that I feel like I’ve lost a bit of the work I’ve done on myself. I feel disconnected from myself, with not much to work toward. It’s taken it’s toll, especially this past week.

So this post serves as a recommitment to myself.

I know I have the capability to kick ass at my job, and kick ass in my life; it doesn’t have to be one or the other. I love my job, and I love myself, so I’m making the time for both. I have new goals, new aspirations, and I’m ready to go.

My commitment to myself includes:

—Training for my Spartan Race in October 2022 (that’s right baby, I’m gonna be a SPARTAN)

—Consistency on my blog and my Nourish pages (hope y’all are ready!)

—Daily self-care habits (more water intake, more journaling, mindful eating, more KICKING BOOTY)

I know this post was all about me, but I’m sharing this because it happens too often to ALL OF US. Let this be a wake-up call for you! It’s time to recommit to yourself, because you deserve that. In the end, all we have is our relationship to ourselves. Identify your weak spots, prioritize your needs and goals, and let’s get to work!

The best is yet to come, my friends. 🙂

Love & Light,

Emily