Catch up

Ok, by urging of my sister, Sonya (she says its ok to use her real name), I will recap the last 6 weeks of my life:


Graduation - Official Master of Education (Exercise Science)

My family came in from around the country to celebrate my graduation from graduate school.  I hadn't walked for my undergraduate degree, and didn't think it was much of a big deal, but once I was up there accepting my award, and wearing my gown and tassles, ok it was pretty cool.  And it was really nice to have my whole family together, even though our brunch wasn't any good and it was cold.  What is the message in this part?  Go after your dreams.  I don't know what the hell I'm going to do next, but I followed through and it feels good.

Christmas - too many of them

I proclaim that next year we only have ONE Christmas.  I don't know if any of you have multiple families that you have to go to, but WE DON'T!!  We just happen to have four christmases with the same people!  Christmas eve at Granny's, Christmas at Granny's, presents at Sea's, more presents at Sony's.  Listen kids (and by kids I mean my adult siblings), next year, just one place.  The fact is that it's nice to be with family.  That's what the holiday is all about. Each year we have been trying to give less gifts, and give more of ourselves.  So grab a turkey (tofu for Sony), a bottle of wine (sparkling juice for Mom), and enjoy your family, even if they drive you crazy!

New Year's Eve - Official DD

If you who don't know, that stands for designated driver, as in "get everyone home safe" and laugh at those who can't say no to 1 ... or 4 ... more drinks or shots.  It was fun dancing and hanging out, and although I TRY to be non-judgemental, I have to admit it was amusing watching the people who were hanging out on the streets, or rather hanging on.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!   (Oh, and for the record, some stars that fall from the ceiling are not flimsy, and they DO hurt when they hit you in the face.)


Now .... Job Hunting

So now I am an official graduate, and the job hunt has not been fun.  For the last 2 1/2 years I have been broke, but at least I was going to class.  Now Im just broke.  So I am on the hunt, and its getting frustrating.  I have applied to hospitals, doctors offices, fitness centers.  Am I destined to be a secretary (although a very balanced secretary)?  Does anyone want to hire and incredibly charming, organized employee that has worked in almost every industry?  I think maybe my calling is to be an herbalist.  What do you think?

In the meantime I am working part-time with a good friend of mine, as well as trying to get my new year's resolution underway.  Meditation.  It's harder than I thought it would be.  Sitting in silence, and trying to get your mind to do the same is incredibly difficult.  Try it some time!  It's also incredibly good for your mental health, physical health, energy, and outlook on life.

Resolutions

What are your new year's resolutions?

Every year we make a specific resolution that probably makes it through the first month or two (ok, maybe that's just me).  This is what I want.  No, this is what I NEED:  I need to live a healthier, more balanced life.  Do I need to lose weight?  Sure!  Do I need to eat more vegetables?  Yes, ma'am!  But what about just living life?  What about PAYING ATTENTION?  Listening to my body ... more exercise, better nutrition, better energy balancing, more attention to the earth.  These are not resolutions.  These are lifestyle changes.  So here are all of the things I want my life to look like.  If I can make a step in each direction, I should feel good:

- Eat more local foods
- Eat more vegetables than protein
- Start composting
- Connect with the earth at least once a week
- An exercise plan that includes aerobic activity, flexibility, strength, and FUN
- Meditation, starting with 5-10 minutes per day
- Self-reiki and eventually to help others
- Being a better friend
- Keeping in touch with those that are important to me
- More natural remedies for health
- More natural cleaning products for my home
- Learn about supplements that I need for my body
- Start my path as an herbalist and a healer

And I am leaving this blog open - I may edit it at any time and add more things : )

I am working my way ... towards a more Serene Life.

The first days ...

A week and a half ago I was in my hometown of Marquette, MI. I have been there for every 4th of July since I left. Usually we (my brother and I) go to the bar and the lower harbor festival, and see all of the other people that are home for the weekend. I leave exhausted but I feel like I have made some connections. But THIS YEAR I realized that I rarely keep in contact with those people, and I have missed out on all of the beauty of the city.

So this year was different ...

THIS YEAR I enjoyed nature. I went kayaking with an elementary school friend (thank you Jessica!), and I found a spot. My spot. Do you know what Im talking about? That spot where you sit down and you just don't want to leave. It was on the end of the black rocks on Presque Isle. I closed my eyes and listened to the waves that were crashing 3 feet from me. I breathed in the fresh air, and listened to the seagulls. I smelled the water, and the hot rock, and the seaweed. I was far enough away that I rarely realized anyone else was there. It felt so good that I did that every day. I sat there until I felt it was time to leave.

So THIS YEAR I realized that the life I am living doesn't fit me anymore. I spend too much time at the bar and with people that aren't a priority. People that I don't have real conversations with. That I need to reconnect with earth. I need to garden, and kayak, and swim, and hike, and all of the things that gives me that deep-down energy you just can't get anywhere else. That although it takes a little bit more time and energy, I need to hang out with the people that MATTER.  The people that challenge me and teach me and make me laugh.  I came home full of energy and ideas. Changing my life isn't going to be easy, but Im the only one that can do it. And I believe my life is going to see some amazing things as I go through my transformation.

This blog will cover my transformation. Activities and learning such as: gardening, hiking, kayaking, making good friends a priority, composting, recycling, farmers market, cooking, wellness, my internship in cardiac rehab, yoga, exercise, nutrition, appreciation, reiki, integrative medicine, decorating, energy, family, and rain.