Welcome back to another blog post. I hope you all have had a great month of February!
I have been taking longer breaks in between posts than I wanted to, but I think today's content will explain to you why that's been happening.
Blogging and writing have always been a passion of mine, but it is something I do for fun outside of my job in writing. I love connecting with others while having a healthy outlet to share my thoughts. I try not to stress about this blog, even when I don't post as often as I had planned. But this is my space, and I like to come to it for enjoyment and not for added stress.
On top of this blog, a new semester is in full swing with six classes and I am preparing to present my own research at a national conference in 47 days. I also have a family, a fiance, two pets and two jobs. Chris and I are also preparing to move to Wyoming in 11 weeks. So I guess you could say I have challenged myself to slow down and prioritize. And a lot of people ask me the same question that I think is crucial and applicable to everyone on any path in life:
"How do you balance it all (when feeling ill/busy)?"
Nowadays, I think "balance" is a funny term. I used to get so upset that I couldn't finish everything I wanted to get done, with or without illness or a crowded schedule. Then I told myself: balance! But the truth is, as time goes on, I'm realizing there is no such thing as a magical balance.
Every day is different, and things will pop up that will throw off your schedule. What helps me a lot is prioritizing and learning to be okay with the fact that some things can't be done. But that's the really hard part ... I hate not being able to do EVERYTHING I want to, especially in this hypercompetitive world we all live in today.
My priority is my health, so if I start to sense that any areas of my health are sacrificing, I know I have to take care of myself. Are there days I will try to ignore it and get through my two jobs, six classes, side projects and research coming up? Absolutely. But that's when I'm reminded that I have to slow it down if I want to receive even the smallest percentage of the benefits from each task.
Your health and your life is not something you should take lightly. The moment I was diagnosed with cancer, I became open about my health. I analyze each aspect of my being multiple times a day, and I plan my week around what is going to benefit my own health the most while not settling as a lazy bum.
I no longer function the way I did before my diagnosis. Yes, I am grateful for every part of my life as it is right now, and I have it crazy good compared to others. But I'm learning to be honest with myself and adapt to what has become of me.
I value time a lot, so while I sit here and blog about slowing down, I often freak out that there isn't enough time in the day. My memory is absolutely terrible and interferes with studying and test taking. I have lost a lot of weight (a lot of muscle mass) and have to slowly retrain for it back. My vision is changing and I'm still not the best in the hearing department either.
Knowing all this, I know that I still must slow down if I want to benefit in any way from anything on my plate right now. Long story short, if I'm feeling ill (not cancer ill, we're all good that way), I take a step back and do what I can to get better.
The fact that I am living and growing is motivation in and of itself. Even if I am going through a tough time, I know it's not the end of the world. The key is to stay grateful and realize that there are a lot of other people who have it way worse than I do and still think their life is amazing. Living and aging are a privilege, and with my experience in the exercise science realm, I hope to teach myself and others how to maximize all parts of their life without exhausting ourselves in this go-go-go world.When it comes to health, whether mental or physical, it is best to be proactive instead of waiting until it all caves in. Because it will sooner than you know.
I challenge anyone and everyone this weekend to book out 30 minutes to an hour for yourself and yourself only. I don't mean isolate yourself in a closet for an hour, but really communicate or figure out what your needs are. Whether or not that includes your pets or significant other or a friend (or me!), is totally up to you. But treat yourself. Slow down. Go for a walk or read a book. Better yet, write in a journal. Sit in silence and stretch it out. Whatever you need to do to check in with your body and your health is what I challenge you to start this weekend. (And then if you're really ambitious, make it a weekly habit!)
I'm always here for anyone and everyone who needs it. Thank you for reading my post this week and as always...
Take care.
Abi
P.S.- Engagement details are still coming soon!
