On warm summer nights you'll find me running out the door with my sister and best friend, carrying only our wristlet keychain and phones, ready to get Dairy Queen for the fifth time that week...pure bliss right? There is no better feeling than finishing a work day, wearing your pajamas, and going on a joy ride with a cherry dipped vanilla cone in hand.
Relaxed summers are what I'm all about and there are just a few common essentials I have at all times. With the blend of work and play, I'm always at the ready for spontaneous summer outings. Before I'm out the door, I'll probably spritz a little bit Ralph Lauren Romance on my neck and wrists because who knows what summer love you might fall into at Dairy Queen amirite? I might even feel a bit more saucy and pop on my absolute go-to lipgloss, Gloss Bomb by Fenty Beauty. It's like ice cream on your lips all the time. I'll swipe on some Diorshow and we are ready for the ball! I mean mall...like there's a difference?
You probably won't even recognize me because I have my Ray Ban Aviator shades on 24/7. It took awhile to convince myself that these would be worth buying, mainly because I am just obsessed with collecting and wearing different styles, but for a long time I was looking for the perfect pilot aviators that fit my face and I will never go back to any pair. If you're even thinking about Ray Bans...do it. I also highly recommend trying them on in store before ordering from any resale site...wink.
Along with accessories, I've been really into dainty gold jewelry. I just think it looks so timeless and delicate. Just one simple gold chain and a stack of rings is all I need to feel like I'm put together during my Zoom meetings. I get a lot of my jewelry from Madewell, but whenever I go on vacation or visit new places I constantly look for unique pieces.
As much as I love a good bag with any outfit, I'm actually not that into big bulky purses. A simple wristlet will do for me.
I really wanted a small wristlet to have for quick trips to DQ, Target, or anywhere else to be honest. This is the Kate Spade laurel way bitsy and I found it on sale about a month ago and it has been the perfect bag for holding my card, license, and links right to this wristlet strap I found on Amazon. It's like a leash for my wallet and I love it.
I've had some pretty blissful summer nights and not worrying about what I need to bring or carry is preferred. Worry free days in the sun can outlast as long as it pleases and I am not complaining. I've got just what I need and sure—there's plenty of ice cream to go around.
I've become a bit of a dreamer lately. You can usually find me overthinking everything, but I guess having so many ideas needs to manifest itself in some shape or form, so that's why I am so grateful for my love of creating. These past six years of blogging have definitely molded into this huge timeline of my life, big accomplishments, goals, and everything and anything I'm thinking about in that given moment. Reflecting and saving those benchmarks of my life is not something people normally do nowadays, or if anything, journaling and keeping a diary seems so taboo now that we have social media and our camera rolls to mark those events. I thought it would be a good time to reassess what the future of this blog, my social platforms, and my personal brand is going to look like and where I hope to be heading from here on out.
Natalierohman.com
This blog is my main gig and what has been an extension of me for so long—my first big platform and what I absolutely love working on. It has evolved in so many ways, as of I, but for a while I've come to a creative plateau where TikTok and YouTube have taken over the blog space. There was actually a time during high school where I was posting constantly every single day and I wonder where I got that motivation and how I was chugging out posts left and right. It also seemed that in college I had much to talk about during the transition and living in the hustle and bustle of the city, so I think now is a good place for me to step back and rethink what I want this blog to be moving forward.
With all of the artifice that comes with digital life and social media, I've prioritized sharing real life and less "perfection" as most blogs do. I love the laid back style, impromptu bedroom photoshoots, or just candid iPhone pictures that aren't staged. I've also made it a goal to focus on my passions and interests, leading my own creativity and exploring out-of-the-box ideas that aren't cliched or already done before. It's easy to get lost creatively when there is already so much being put out there on the internet, so focusing on ideas that I love and am passionate about only matters to me.
Sometimes the old beauty updates or quick personal updates will always be my go-to, but there are definitely a ton of different topics I want to explore and express more about. Stripping back my platforms, like getting rid of Snapchat, has allowed me to focus on the type of presence I want to have online and what I want to be communicating and putting out there to everyone moving forward.
I feel like my Instagram is filled with potential in what I imagined it to be, however, it definitely is catered to an aesthetic. I want to relax a bit with it and just have more laid back postings. I also really want to incorporate my blog on there a bit more and get creative and in tune with stories. I love watching quick, daily snippets of people's lives rather than long haul videos, so I've been dreaming up ideas about how to bring my blog to a new video element on Instagram.
Either showcasing or previewing what could be on my blog for the week or just engaging or interacting a bit more with other bloggers and sharing what I'm loving live. I'm not one for the spotlight and dread watching myself on video, but hey, we have to get out of our comfort zones as creators a bit right?
General Creativity Goals
I've definitely rebranded and transformed this blog multiple times, but I want a new dedication to connecting with other bloggers and reaching out further to blogger communities online that are still thriving. I was once an avid Bloglovin' user, a blog sharing platform, and would stay up to date with my favorite writers and creators. Now that I've transitioned my work priorities, I've set my creative goals on the back burner and I really want to elevate this blog in a way that is still true to me and is connecting with those who find interest in it.
Stepping back and taking a look at what I'm doing and my future plans has definitely been top of mind. It's hard to do more than what I am already doing based on how much time I have during the day—especially fitting in exercise, fun summer activities and dinners with friends, or just logging off and having time without a screen.
I've always been dedicated to my work, but I don't envision myself as someone who is constantly consumed by it. Balance is key, but I am also thinking that now is the time to start changing it up a bit. This quote resonates a lot with me: “if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got”. Making small changes to my work and focusing on my future creative goals is definitely something I want to focus on in the coming months, so stay tuned!
The transition from virtual school to work could not have been more seamless. In a way, I definitely think that being accustomed to logging on every day and establishing some sort of routine while already working from home has helped with my new internship and balancing work and life. With that said, it definitely had some of its challenges, but everyone has already been so supportive of me and my wellbeing.
The biggest challenge is that, in the words of Dolly Parton, "I'm working nine to five" and it has already been a month so far. The post college life has already kicked into high gear and I know that I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to find a job right after graduating. The momentum is there and I am constantly learning and becoming more immersed in the work that Golin does. I think I've found a routine that works for me, but it's definitely going with the flow and finding the fun in every new day even if it's within the four walls of my bedroom.
Cultivating a Work Setting I Enjoy
There's something about having all of your ducks in a row at your desk that makes a work day feel much more productive and motivating. To me, I've always valued the power of interior design and what it does to your mentality, but also how putting together a space can entirely change your mood or mindset in what you want to achieve.
Building aesthetics that bring you joy, adding touches of personality that make you smile, or just swapping out an old pen for something a bit more sparkly is just the thrill of it all to me. I'm very proud of my cozy work corner and the mid-century touches I've added, including this new powder blue plush accent chair, these mini rattan shelves for my knick knacks, or this rad cheetah wall print I found. It all stimulates the creative brain cells and honestly who would want to work in a drab, grey cubicle over this?
Staying Organized and On Task
There's no doubt that working at home has risen the ultimate distractions: Cooper barging into my Zoom calls, lawn mowers out my window, or just the fact that my bed is two feet away from my desk have all tempted me to get up and just shut off work-mode. I've found it best for me to wake up early and get my day situated, rather than rolling right out of bed, and using a daily or hourly planner to segment my tasks and priorities for the day so I stay focused.
I know everyone has their own system, and mine consists of a few different planners, sticky notes, and online calendars, but I've found that having my schedule posted somewhere just helps me keep track and on task. There's always a spontaneous meeting or deadline here and there, but having my core tasks keeps me motivated and is always super satisfying to tear off at the end of a productive day. Setting reminders for meetings as well as using planning software such as Notion have been extremely helpful especially if you are someone who finds it overwhelming to keep track of everything you're doing remotely.
Taking Breaks & Prioritizing my Needs
We've all heard about Zoom fatigue and burnout, but now that everyone is pretty used to work-from-home, I think we can all get too ahead of ourselves with the "grind" and find it easier to make excuses to do more work than we need to be doing. Whether it's sitting there meeting after meeting, or just punching out deadlines left and right, we have lost very precious time to decompress and refresh during our days.
At least for those who still work at home, there are no mid day commutes, coffee runs, walking from board room to board room, you name it. I even miss sitting on the "L" and just listening to tunes before my next class. I've loved making summer Spotify playlists, walking my dog, or making an impromptu coffee run just to get out. I've also made it to local coffee shops and the library to just have a place to work. There's still whispers about whether or not we're going back into the office, but that won't be until the fall, so I've been really trying to switch up my days while at home and I think it is so key to just set yourself some time off. Even if it's five minutes to get some fresh air, it all makes a difference.
I just joined a gym this spring and have been the most consistent with it than I ever have been. Not just because it has a rooftop pool, but because my mental health has thrived from being able to release all of my pent up energy. I've felt so much better being able to at least get a run or lift in after a long work day. It definitely takes determination and discipline to do, but I reward myself with lazier weekends and yoga sessions.
They never really tell you how work life is until you're already in it and I realize that this is only the beginning step to my career. There is much more for me to learn, but the support, guidance, and appreciation I have been given keeps me humble and inspired to pursue this role to its fullest. I love my teams and have been welcomed with open arms, so maybe working from home for just a little while longer will be just fine :)
It's crazy to say that I'm already a week graduated from DePaul. When they tell you freshman year that time flies by in college, it never really dawns on you while you're cramming for exams until you submit your last project of college on a random Monday evening. After I *virtually* graduated last week, I was able to rejoice and relax with close family and friends for about two days until my internship at Golin started. So, I thought I would give everyone a little beginning of summer update.
The New Job!
I haven't officially introduced Golin, but for those of you who may not be familiar, they are a progressive PR agency in the heart of the Hancock tower. Their biggest client is McDonald's, although there are countless others such as Wal-mart (their newest and what I've been working on), Crayola, José Cuervo, and Allstate to name a few others.
As an insight and analytics intern, and during this six month virtual internship, I will be cross functionally working with the strategic planning and analytics team to do trend reporting and social listening to inform the best insights and observations on all brands they are currently working on. I have been welcomed with open arms and I cannot wait to learn from the best in the industry!
Summer Happenings...
While my internship is going on, I have been able to make the most of my summer evenings: heading downtown to local beaches, celebrating with some Top Golf, reconnecting with school friends, eating good food (mostly pizza), going on late night drives, and taking spontaneous weekend getaway trips. Having a lot of places open, especially roof top bars and being able to go to Cub's games, has made this summer already feel like we are back to normal. It's made me realize just how good it has been and how grateful I should be with the people I have around me.
This summer I actually have a couple of trips planned. The first being our annual summer camping trip up north in Petoskey, Michigan. Since I will be working, it won't be our usual ten day excursion, but we will still be able to celebrate my dad's birthday weekend up there and I'm so excited to get back to the lake—our happy place. With that, I will also be visiting my old college roommate up in Detroit, so I will be making all of the rounds up north this month!
I've made it a goal to visit as many national parks in my lifetime, and I'm so excited to be able to head out west to the Yosemite later this summer with the fam (and because camping isn't enough outdoors for us!). My dad has really been the planner for this, as it was his dream to visit, so we'll make the most of it for a week and hopefully not get eaten by bears LOL. As far as that, those are my big summer plans and this new chapter has me feeling excited and ready to learn. I will definitely be soaking it all up (including that vitamin D) and making the most of these long summer days ahead.
Words cannot describe what graduating after the peak of a global pandemic is like but above every challenge we have faced this year—we did it. I remember the first day of freshman year and navigating the mundane college struggles like living with two roommates in the same room, trying to figure out the "L" system, spending all of my hours in the John T. Richardson library, or fighting over space in the mini fridge.
It all seems very surreal in the moment. Flash forward four years with a virtual commencement underway and finishing online classes on a random weekday, I can proudly say that DePaul has prepared me for what's to come.
On June 12th, I will be graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising, with minors in Spanish and Environmental Studies. I always knew that I wanted to major in communications, and this blog was actually an inspiration for pursuing it. As well as, my love for immersing myself in a language and a life long passion for the outdoors, I knew I could make the most of my studies at DePaul and discover more about myself and what inspired me to engage and have a strong tenacity to learn as much as I could.
I have always loved being creative, writing, and brainstorming new ways to bring stories to life. Little did I know that I would be able to lead not one but two on-campus organizations, Her Campus DePaul and DePaul PRSSA, study abroad in Europe, and get to help other writers during my time at DePaul as a peer writing tutor. I have many thanks to give to my family, friends, colleagues, professors, and those who have constantly supported me to pursue and challenge my creativity, but also my drive to lead and build community during my time in college.
I've hit some roadblocks along the way, but it was nothing that I couldn't handle with a little help from my support systems that were crucial during these formative years. I know everybody is going to experience college differently, but I wouldn't change anything about my experiences at DePaul.
As a new chapter begins for me as I become an Insight and Analytics Intern at Golin, a progressive public relations agency in the heart of the Hancock Tower, I will take with me everything that DePaul has taught me and more. I have admired Golin for their commitment to social purpose and environmental, social, and governance, which is where I hope to pursue transformative work that challenges the narrative and creates lasting change within our communities.
In sum, whatever your journey may be—graduating college or just deciding if college is right for you—I think one thing will always remain a constant:
Stay true to yourself and continue to persist in your goals no matter what.
Thank you, DePaul <3
You know I love skincare. Especially when I can find great, new products that are affordable and tried and true. Summer is quickly approaching and my skin has definitely suffered from the effects of wearing a mask for so long and the "mask-ne" is real.
I must confess, I definitely have given into the TikTok trends. Specifically, finding the majority of my feed consisting of golden retrievers, TJ Maxx hauls, and yes, many many skincare and self care videos—welcome to Skincare-Tok! TikTok videos have been great for gaining authentic first-hand perspectives in short videos. I think the appeal to these is that many of these videos aren't highly produced or scripted like some YouTube tutorials or reviews are. So, here are some of the products that I've tried inspired by TikTok (and yes, they all live up to the hype)!
CeraVe Moisturizing Night Cream- I have really been into my moisturizing routine lately, especially because my face gets a lot more dry when the sun comes out. This is the best light-weight night cream for sensitive skin.
Mighty Patch by Hero Cosmetics- The savior of all pimples, literally couldn't live without these Mighty Patches. We love to wake up to a big, red, juicy spot on our faces don't we? Yeah, no. I'll put like three of these on at a time and I swear by morning my pimples are gone. Zip.
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen- Sunscreen is going to be my best friend this summer. I've ignored using it on the daily for so long, and realize how crucial it is to be using even when it's partly sunny out. No wrinkles, dark spots, or uneven skin for me! This is a mineral sunscreen which is a natural and more concentrated sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. It's also great for sensitive and acne prone skin so I am curious to see how it reacts, even under light makeup.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Face Mask- Don't walk, run! I found these at TJ Maxx, as a matter of fact. They are incredibly moisturizing and restore dry and dull skin for that JLo Glo! I love using these once or twice a month just to rejuvenate my skin and even out the texture.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid- I am hooked on serums! I never really understood their purpose, until I started using ones that actually made an impact on my skin. This is a more viscose and moisturizing serum that hydrates and boosts your complexion. I love to use it along with the CeraVe moisturizer at night.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid- I'll be candid—the texture of my skin has been a result of years and years of acne, dryness, and scarring. So, when I learned more about what Lactic Acid does, it basically acts as a chemical peel that reveals smoother and brighter looking skin. It also helps with fine lines and wrinkles, which I will definitely be needing in the near future.
If you've been following the TikTok trends (or if you haven't), I'd be curious to know what product you've been using lately! I also began using a jade roller and have gotten all fancy with my nighttime skincare. I'd also be interested in trying the acne preventing face masks that you can wear with your normal non-medical face masks. Let me know your faves in the comments!
Nobody told me that finding a job would be easy, and I never expected them to. Entering the job force after the peak of a pandemic and economic downfall is not something I imagined myself having to navigate. Let alone virtual interviews and lots of 'em. It feels like the weeks are just counting by interview after interview and application after application. I realize that everyone's job search looks a bit different, so I thought I would update you all on how my "progress" has been and ways I've continued to stay motivated after you've made that interview.
To be quite honest, nothing can prepare you more than just doing the interviews themselves. I've been lucky enough to have guides that have helped me anticipate what interviewers are going to ask or how I can cater my questions, but you don't know until you apply yourself and try it out. I know how intimidating it can be, especially meeting random executives and managers via Zoom.
Keep Going...
I have already had a couple leads so far with some companies that I love who have offered me follow-up interviews, pending applications are still in the works, and yes, I have received a couple of rejections already. The point of it being, you keep going. Keep applying. Keep interviewing. You never know what door might open, and you will never know, unless you keep pursuing opportunities and maintain your connections.
Keep Connecting...
And if it's connections that you don't have, actively participate and engage with your past co-workers, classmates, and professors. Initiate conversations with those around you who might also align with your passions and career aspirations. Don't just talk to them for a connection to a job, though. Follow-up, check in, and make sure that they know you're here to make an authentic connection with them and not just a transactional exchange. We can finesse all we want, but employers, recruiters, and professionals in your industry are going to recognize your effort to connect and want to learn more about you.
Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up
Who ever needs to hear this, me included, don't let turn downs and rejection letters diminish your qualifications and self-worth. Imposter syndrome can be so real when we are scrolling through LinkedIn seeing everyone's exciting announcements and job wins, so much, we digress and doubt everything we've ever worked for. The truth? There are a lot of other factors that play into the job hiring process, so don't take it personally.
I know I haven't been in this industry for long, but long enough to know that everything might seem like it's fine and dandy and out of the blue you get turned down. There were some companies already that I knew I might have dodged a bullet with, so I would just trust the process and continue to pursue more opportunities. The right company or job will find you, but that means also putting in the work, moving past rejection, and applying yourself 110% no matter what.
Writing this post has already helped me realize that this process of finding a job is not going to be an easy one, but I have what it takes to be prepared. I know the qualifications I have and the work that I've done—so, don't ever let a recruiter or employee tell you otherwise. At the end of the day, doing these interviews and applying yourself is going to pay off and you will know yourself more than you ever did going into it. Don't lose hope. I'm right there with yuh!
May is one of my favorite months because there's just so much promise now that the weather is actually stable and it seems like a lot of things become a bit more certain this time of year. Trees are pretty much fully bloomed and everyone is getting ready for summer. This month of "newness" has lifted my spirits for what's to come because I think that's all what we need at this point in time. I am fully vaccinated now which has reassured me that things are looking forward as more and more people become immunized.
I've got a lot going on this month, so I thought I would break down my goals in May for you all. I'm excited for something a bit more certain, and if sunshine is the only thing I can count on, I'm all for it!
01. Finding a job has been on my radar these past five months and so I've been conducting virtual interviews left and right, maintaining my connections, and continuing to stay optimistic as I continue to put myself out there and apply to things. I haven't had any offers yet, but am getting follow up interviews for a couple internships, am taking some required writing tests, and am staying hopeful that I will receive some good news from one of the companies that I've applied to. I'd love to write a more specific blog post on this process and keeping positive during it because I know it's hard to stay confident during the job interview process, and doing it all from home is definitely different. Fingers crossed I hear back within the next couple of weeks.
02. Getting ready to graduate...virtually. I still can't comprehend that in about a month I will be graduating from college. I think I am more than ready to start a new chapter, but experiencing my senior year from home has been lack luster. Although, I know that staying home was necessary, I truly miss some of my friends who I haven't been able to connect with in more than a year. With that said, I've been planning a graduation photo sesh with some of them, so stay tuned! DePaul is having an in-person graduation celebration, too, so I guess it's nice that there will be at least something we can do to celebrate. I'm just excited to cater in good food and have a bonfire with a small group of friends!
03. Working on my fitness and getting my health in check has been so motivating these past couple of weeks. Mentally, I am determined to continue setting aside time for myself to workout for at least an hour every day, even if it means waking up at an abnormal hour in the morning just to get a run in or take a yoga class at the gym I just joined. Most days are different and don't consist of the same workout or exercises, which I think it key to staying motivated and to continue having fun with it! Switching up my exercises, whether it be running one day or using the rowing machine the next has allowed for me to be productive with these workouts and focus on specific parts of my body I want to improve. With mixed rest days and stretch days, I've been able to start to feel like my strong self again.
The abundant sunshine we've had has definitely brightened my mood, but I also think that this month is a reset and a chance for me to let newness into my life without hesitation. Getting a little uncomfortable and taking risks is only going to allow me to grow, so I am one with the process. What's on the calendar for you this month?
I'm surprised I haven't already dreamed up a blog specifically for Cooper, because he deserves all the attention he can get. I realized I haven't really given you all an update on how he's doing, now that he'll be turning four in July. I can't quite grasp how long it's been since we picked him up in Milwaukee which was the beginning of college for me.
Rest assured, Cooper has become my roommate, colleague, classmate, and truly a confidant for me during a time of isolation and distress. I mean, that's the whole point of having a pet, right? A cuddle buddy without judgement—even if he steals my socks every day, he's become my closest companion during a time when I would be out and about doing stuff for school and work in the city. And how has he been handling everything going on in the world? Well, let's just say he makes our neighborhood a better place.
Cooper's days consist of sleeping in until I can take him on a long walk midday, and during these times I feel like he is like a lazy teenager who could sleep for hours on end. But once he hears me putting on my shoes, he's already at the back door waiting for me to put his collar on. Even now that it's getting to be the weather we've all been waiting for, I let him bask in the sunshine during the afternoon while I do work or tutor. If he could stay outside all day long he would; sniffing the air and eating grass is all that's on his afternoon agenda.
His Allergies...
I've mentioned this before, but Cooper's allergies have been at an all time peak. Dogs have Allergies? Yes! Cooper has had seasonal allergies for quite some time and his skin gets really red and itchy from all of the pollen flying around. It usually subsides after awhile, so we just have to pay attention to how many times he rolls around in the grass—which is a lot.
His Diet...
He also is celiac and can't have gluten in his food, so we've been keeping him on a gluten free diet for the past three years. Talk about high maintenance! But we love him dearly and will give him the world :) With that, comes a lot of treats, so I think we need to limit the amount of dog bones we give him at times. Especially rewarding him when he's actually done something good, rather than just for being a spoiled pup (we try). Maintaining his healthy weight is definitely a priority, but it only helps that he's incredibly active and could retrieve balls for hours.
His School Days...
On days that aren't so sunny, we usually take Cooper to day care. Especially now when he still has a lot of his puppy energy. It has definitely given us a break when he is antsy in the evenings and we're all trying to relax. Cooper is definitely a social dog and likes to play with his friends, so making time for him to run around and burn off all of his energy has helped us out immensely. It keeps him active and in contact with other dogs his size, as well.
These have been some formative years for Cooper and I think he turned out just right :P So far, I've taught him how to spin and roll over, so we'll see how much progress I can make with "paw". Although he might have dropped out of puppy training school, he seems to only listen to me nowadays and I am perfectly fine with that.
Let me preface this post by saying that we are all on our unique and personal "fitness" journeys. I realize that "fitness" can be loosely used to define the condition of someone's physical health, but can be more broadly rejected for its way of standardizing what is determined as "healthy" or "toned" or "strong". For the purposes of this post, the word "fitness" to me is unique to my own experiences with feeling good in my body and the progress that I'm making every day to achieve it. Hence, my "imperfect" fitness journey felt suit to my current feelings about my physicality and overall wellbeing.
This has been one of the most physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing year for all of us. Days where I would digress into negativity and forget to treat myself well before serving others. I found that what I needed was a new grip on strengthening myself in more ways than one. I lost a part of me that I used to love, cherish, and commit too. But I also gained a part of me that allowed for rest, self-forgiveness, and a moment for me to realign with what truly mattered to me and my body in that given moment.
Exercise, for one thing, has been a way for me to cope, release these pent up emotions, and do something bigger and better for my body and mental health coming out of a time that was and still is bearing a weight on all that we do. So, my imperfect fitness journey—throughout this year and many years—has brought forth a few honest takeaways. Ones that I hope will inspire the inner warrior in all of us.
Above all else, commit to yourself
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you have to be your own cheerleader and advocate for the betterment of yourself. It starts with how you envision your best and most healthiest self. Yes, you could scroll on every single fitness guru and influencer's Instagram hoping to manifest whatever good juju they're running on OR you can focus on what will truly help you in reaching realistic and mindful goals you want to achieve. This starts with choices.
Tiny tiny choices that have big big big impact. Switching sugary cereal with protein packed breakfasts. Choosing water over soda. Getting to bed earlier than usual. Doing one more rep. Or deciding that today is the day you'll go back to the gym. It's all about perspective and active choices you are making in the present moment. But sometimes, these choices are indulging in delicious pasta, having an extra cocktail, sleeping in until noon (or five, you choose), and these choices shouldn't be something you base your "fitness" on but rather how good doing these things make you feel. Check in with yourself, set your limits, establish healthy boundaries and stick to it. Above all else, listen to yourself and do what works for YOU.
The environment that we're in has a remarkable effect on our current feelings about ourselves and what makes us feel good. We all know the saying that the people we surround ourselves with reflect on us and our own self perceptions. But this time, I mean it in a good way. For many, like myself, we've been home alone and remiss of social interactions—positive, motivating, and encouraging social interaction. With REAL people! Whether it be in your inner circle or at work, there are always opportunities to find those select few who will also be your cheerleaders when times are tough.
Your fitness journey does not have to be a lonely one. You can competitively connect with friends on your Apple watch, social distance run with your dad, or join a virtual fitness group that constantly meets. There are many people trying to also better themselves and feel good, so why should you be alone in the process? In my experience, group workouts and team exercise has been the most empowering when it comes to finding the power within myself to stay motivated, challenged, and to be honest, less bored because of it. I'm rooting for you and so many other people are, too.
Keep Showing Up
When waking up at 6 in the morning sounds like an utter nightmare, let alone having to run at 6 in the morning. If there's anything I know to be true, it's that no matter what I do and at what energy or motivation level, there is always something to gain from showing up. Knowing that I was able to make time to focus on one part of my body, one mental issue I was dealing with, or zoning out in my tired mind and putting in the work just because I was there and didn't want to waste my membership. It's time to accept that all of your days, workout days, are going to be different. Things are going to hurt, things are going to swell, things are going to ache, but things are also going to feel good as hell. You need to be one with the process and be able to forget achieving perfection and achieve for progress. Taking each new day as a reset button and doing the most you can!
There will always be fear when it means making yourself vulnerable, specifically pushing your body in ways you never have before. I understand it's different for everyone and is definitely something I constantly feel and face when I'm experiencing a new workout, trying a new yoga pose, or going past a limit I know I may or may not be capable of. What we've learned from this year is that we are afraid of everything that is uncertain to us—isn't that how fear works? To hell with fear!
We have learned so much this year about how to adapt to uncertainty. At times, getting too comfortable in our bubbles, but mainly because we had to! We are coming out of our cocoons, not really knowing which direction to go in, but yet we go anyway because anywhere is better than that depressing and claustrophobic cocoon of comfort. Take a leap of faith and have trust in yourself and the process. There may be dust in the wind for sure, but getting through it is how you grow into a beautifully independent and empowered butterfly that is you!
Breathe and Let Be
You are exactly where you were meant to be. Your time will come and it's okay to let yourself take a moment to pause. And do what you need to do in this exact moment. More stretching less pressing, smaller reps, a slower pace, one less mile, and all at one step at a time. You will have moments of doubt, regret, anger, jealousy, you pick your poison. Acknowledge it. Use it.
Breath has the power to transform your mindset, your strength, and motivation. Use your breath in harmony with and not against your progress to becoming a better you. Scream. Literally scream. You'll feel much better, I swear ;) You are going to have really rough sets, lousy reps, and just outright lazy days. Recognize how it makes you feel. Reflect and use this frustration or self-doubt to drive positive and more considerate thoughts. Breathe in the good and out the bad. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you.
There is only one way to go—forward. No matter how you get there. Working out and focusing on your personal fitness, however you define it, doesn't have to be justified by measure of appearances or fulfilling a standard of what you "think" being fit is. Ultimately, the goal of reaching your best fitness is treating your body in ways that, at the end of the day, make you feel bubbly inside, smile more, and feeds your soul!
My fitness journey doesn't speak to everybody's, but if I can lift just one person up to make the next best moves for themself, I hope we can all radiate a collective understanding and tolerance for accepting our truest selves. By becoming vulnerable to our strengths and weaknesses, finding encouraging support systems, and trusting the process of each of our unique and imperfect journeys.
Whether or not this blog post was something just to cross off my to-do list or not, I think it's valid to say that talking about productivity versus progress is definitely a start. Now that I've come to establish some sort of routine that "works" for me at home, the lines are blurred between what work is actually productive and what tasks are actually making progress for myself and my goals. Here's the quick distinction between the two:
"Productivity is merely the ability to create or generate goods or services. Progress is the more important activity of moving toward a goal."
And you may be thinking, Natalie, isn't being productive also making progress? Well, in some ways yes. But let's just say, for example, you've added all of these things to your to-do list (vacuum, take out the garbage, dust, answer emails, submit final draft etc.), are you actually paying attention to what really needs to get done (i.e. that final draft)? It all depends on how you approach the things you want to achieve. Nowadays, we're all looking for new ways to boost our productivity, but it shouldn't mean overloading our plate and mis-managing our time just to do it all.
We can make as many long to-do lists as we want, and manage our time as efficiently as we can, but it shouldn't be the only meter for success we use to determine whether or not we've done enough or the most we could that day. I fall into the trap of making myself busy, but blindsided by tasks that could lead to progressive next steps to achieving my goals. Sometimes, this means reframing your priorities or focusing on what's truly important long term. And that goes with being present in your given task and acknowledging how it's going to effect your progress.
How can we make progress?
When you've come at a stand still with the work you're doing, ask yourself:
- What am I really chasing after?
- How am I constantly measuring my progress?
- How is the current work I'm doing fulfilling what I set out to achieve?
These are just some broader questions that you can ask yourself when you are finding that your busy work is fading away the long term goal you set out to achieve. Whether you're trying to answer every single email, apply for a job, or tweak every single detail in a project. I do this a lot. I'm the type of person who likes to get every tedious task out of the way before tackling a bigger one. Usually, it just fuels the procrastination even more and my motivation is depleted by the time I set out to start it.
I find that when I feel like these tasks are taking out the time I need to reach my goals, especially if it isn't immediate or time sensitive, I'll feel way better later knowing that I was able to directly focus on things that needed the most time and energy. This doesn't necessarily apply to every single time you're working, but I would definitely re-visit these questions when you feel a sense of overwhelm or like you're just ticking stuff off your list at an abnormal speed.
Working faster or harder doesn't always mean efficient...or progressive for that matter. Rather than setting a stop watch every day for yourself, try to take a step back and pause. Re-evaluate what needs the most attention. I think being at home and having much more time to do more things on our computers diminishes the pause we allow ourselves to breathe. In fact, I listen to less music now because I'm not commuting into the city. So, whatever you need to do: scratch off some items, take a dance break, get some fresh air, do it so that whatever you set out to achieve is the next step to making more progress.
Positive conversations nowadays are forth coming. It seems as though that just this time last year people were panicking, also in disbelief, about our surroundings. It's amazing to see the growth in just one year—how we've moved so much, but yet at the same time, it feels like we were just trying to figure everything out and are still figuring things out.
Just my mental state alone has been challenged so much this year, but I think that's just the truth of life—we're hit with curveballs left and right. There's no set path, there's no need for approximations or expectations. All we have is the here and now. I think I've come to terms with it. At least, there's so much more to look forward to. Rather than sulking in the unknown, here is why I am hopeful this month...
Beginning a New Chapter...
The timing couldn't be better. A year that was spent focusing on myself was time that I will be grateful for. Not only was I able to reassess my goals, but also recognize the faults along the way and how I've internalized my own struggles. I have been able to adapt to extreme change, and I think I've grown to be a calmer, more collected person because of it. As I try to enjoy the last ten weeks of my senior year year of college, I don't think I would have wanted this learning and growth process to have happened any differently.
I was able to learn how to stay true to myself, even when the world was falling to pieces left and right. I let myself breathe for a change. I was also able to realize the importance of upholding your autonomy, getting comfortable with the unknown, and realizing that I'm going to be with myself for the rest of my life so I better shape up my attitude! For lack of a better comparison, I'm blooming into the person I want to become—no matter the setback. So, I'm ready. For whatever life brings: graduating from my backyard, conducting a lengthy job search, working more hours than I'm used to, living at home for a couple more months if it means banking on my future, who knows! What's ready for me will come and I'm just one with the process, as you should be too.
Creating Boundaries for Myself
There's no doubt that I was stuck in limbo for quite some time trying to balance school, work, and personal life all from the four walls of my bedroom. I didn't quite understand the power of separation and making the time to detach from everything that ranks #1 on my priority meter. The truth? Nothing is more important than time for yourself. Yes, life would be so easy if we could just get through all of the hard sh*t and enjoy everything we love at once, but proactively realizing the need for slotting time off your calendar to improve your wellbeing is something I will never take for granted.
Whether it be joining a gym again, cutting out milk, reading before bed, or buying that really expensive face mask you've been dying to try but have been juggling whether or not it's worth rewarding yourself with it for no good reason. News flash—you deserve it. You could mope and stress about all of the things you need to get done OR you could pour yourself a glass of wine and get through it one sip at a time.
Reflecting the Good on Others
I think the saying is true that we reflect our emotions on others. You send out the positive vibes and they'll come right back to you. I get it, not every day is sunny and I can fully confess that I've been a negative Nancy—Natalie—here and there (and we have every right to be), but I've realized just how much this negativity has impacted the people around me. Whether it be a simple annoyance (taking out the dog...again) or something that has been brewing inside of me. Lashing out does me no good and it does no one in my family any good, either. We can wallow, we can dwell, or we could find the brighter side to things, move on, have a laugh, and know that we'll get through it if we just fix our attitude. Your reaction to your current circumstances are the make or break of living a happier and all around more positive life. Hey, maybe I should become a self-help book author. In retrospect, what goes around comes around (and I hope it's just positivity this time).
I'm no buddha or therapist, but in a way, I've become my own mental trainer. Some days are kick-butt mental trainings and others are full, unapologetic cheat days. Reaching for perfection is never the goal, but progress is. Taking the necessary steps for you to live a better life moving forward is all we really need. Now, where's that glass of wine I was talking about?
Looking Ahead...
I keep thinking back to the first phases of quarantine and what my "old life" was like before all of the chaos ensued. A time of great uncertainty, and even after a year, I am still finding myself exhausted, defeated and latching onto any little piece of hope and happiness I can muster up as this season begins to bloom anew. I have ten more weeks of my senior year of college, and as awestruck and unreal it is, this time has been an integral pause for me before a much deserved chapter comes to a close.
Even though winter has dragged on, things are finally beginning to slowly open up, more people are getting vaccinated, and it feels like we can kind of claim our lives back. I have noticed that my mood is brightening, my energy is lifting, and I am ready to take what I've learned during lock down and shape a new life for myself in the months to come. We've learned to be true to ourselves, slow down and take care of our mental health and wellbeing, and hold on to our close-knit support systems—so I'd love to chat about some positive parts of this new life that I want to take with me this year.
01. On patience and gratitude. Everything felt like a waiting game, and in isolation, the walls were coming down on me. There was no way in telling when things were safe, when I might be able to go back to school, move out, when I might be getting vaccinated, or what the future would hold past college. However, knowing these privileges already have humbled me during this time in knowing that some day at some time things will be a lot more certain. What felt like a dreadful waiting game, was my inability to just accept what my current situation was and why I was there. It can be so clouded when your perspective is limited to your parent's house, but I've come to appreciate all of the things that are never thought about like having the bare necessities and being able to work and go to school in the comfort and safety of home. I need to continue to broaden my perspective, be patient, and go with the flow. Because what is waiting for me will come.
02. Embracing this time to myself. I am definitely more of an introvert, but I think lock down has turned us all into introverts? I had just went downtown Chicago for the first time in months and there were people eating outside together and it's just a whole new world to me. Social gatherings weren't always my forte anyway, but I've realized that since I'm going to be living with myself for the rest of my life, this independence has been otherworldly to my personal growth and love for who I am. Not only that, but finding what makes me tick, what I need to improve on mentally, and to just not feel like I need to have all of these people surrounding me to feel validated. I've been content in discovering who I am and on my own time.
03. Leaning on true friends. I feel like we may have found out who are real friends are through all of this. You know, who checked up on you. Who FaceTimed you. Who sat in the back trunk of their car to chat (socially distanced) with you. For those who checked up on me and were a constant presence and support during this time, I am forever grateful for you. But hey, I won't hold it against you if things became distant, either. I know we've all managed to hide into our hobbit holes and deal with our own sh*t. So, I've learned to live and let live with friendships that are blossoming and friendships that are fizzling.
04. Body positivity and putting my motivations towards self healing. Over the course of lock down, I had told myself that I would stick to a strict diet and work out routine, doing online yoga videos and making sure I wasn't sitting around snacking all day. To my demise, that motivation plummeted about a month after. Without group classes and going out, I just never felt it necessary to workout every day—and guess what? That was okay. I've let myself rest. I've let myself recover. I realize that my body is in the shape it needs to be in and while I treat it well, I cannot let exercise be a coping mechanism for everything that needs to be worked out in my head.
We still have an inch of snow in Chicago, but this time of year is when my wardrobe starts to transition from snow boots to bikini shopping—and I'm here for it. As much as I love layering in the fall and winter, I am also looking forward to much simpler, bright and breezy outfits as the sun begins to outlast the days ahead. The last time I wore a skirt was probably early in high school, so I'm excited to switch up my look a bit with new and refined spring staples this year.
A Simple Pair of White Kicks
I never got hooked on the Nike Air Force 1 trend, but have always loved the way white sneakers look (after I got over the fact that they are, eventually, going to turn yellow). I'm a true stan of Adidas sneakers mainly because their cloud foam soles are the best for wide feet. These are the Adidas Advantage Sneakers and I am being so cautious not to step in any rain puddles. They're a classic pair of white sneakers, but with an added touch of personality with the gold panel on the heel.
Flowy tops and Bottoms
Echoing the growing trends of athleisure and sweatpants that winter and this pandemic brought, flowy skirts, dresses, and tops achieve the same form of comfort and movement we all need this spring. I have always loved a cute and simple peasant top, but never a cropped version. I love this Wild Fable Puff Top and the square neckline that I see everybody sporting nowadays. Pair it with some flared or skinny denim and you're all set for a Mamma Mia remake.
I've have been averse from wearing skirts, just because I never knew what types of tops I could wear them with and I also had trouble finding skirts that complimented my waistline. However, we are not limited to miniskirts, ladies! Go out and grab this Madewell Georgette Tiered Maxi Skirt while it's on sale now! It's the perfect breathable length for us tall chicks who can't be seen in short shorts or miniskirts. It's versatile and can be worn casually or dressed up! I am also in love with this New Connection mustard button down dress I bought in France two years ago, and found a similar cami version on Amazon, here. Don't worry, this one also has pockets—a must have.
Everything Sage Green
Green has always been my favorite color, hence the color of my room, and I am thrilled that it is back in style this year. Nail polishes, sweat suits, and sneakers galore are coming out with this subtle sage green color, so when I saw these Universal Thread Adelaide Sandals at Target, I had to pick them up. I never spend too much on strappy sandals, mainly because I own a bunch of them and wear them out. I'm curious to see how these elastic straps will last and I'm excited to not have to buckle them every time I put them on!
Pair your look with an essential leather crossbody and some sweet shades—you look stunnin' honey! March is a month of promise and less sweat pant wearing indeed. I'm always one to find a bit more playfulness with my looks during the springtime, so I hope this edit has inspired you to get out the shorts and sandals after springing forward this weekend. What's on your spring fashion wishlist?
The one thing inherently stable in my life at the moment is my love of organizing. If there's anything I can control and manipulate in this current moment, it's the four corners of my bedroom. As a kid, I was always in love with feng shui and the power of transforming a space that fits your comfort, creativity, and mentality. I have always loved interior design. It's a hobby of mine that I haven't quite been able to pursue, but within my personal space, I have found that there's power in the ability to create a space that fills you with joy. Scratch that. "Sparks joy".
However, I've also noticed that this sense of control over my surroundings has become toxic at times. When something isn't quite right within my space, I tend to dwell on it: clean it, reorganize, or move things around at a ridiculous rate. My mom will ask me, "didn't you just vacuum?". And while those are probably words that every mom would prefer saying to their child, I have found myself rearranging or cleaning things just to cope with whatever is happening in my head or things I want to avoid. It's a blessing and a curse really.
So, I've come to terms with my love of organizing and catering the space to my needs. I love the way my room looks and how I've been able to express myself within it. It has truly become a place of solace over the years, and while I do not plan on living in my parents house in the future, this is where I am in my life and so I feel it is best to reassess how this room—this space—has molded the person I am today.
Whether it be the mindfully stacked books on my shelf, the color coded closet, my mini botanical window sill, or the perfect trio of pillows on my bed. It all serves a purpose. I know that not many people think twice about what shade of blanket they have on their bed or what white space is filled perfectly on their wall, but to me it signifies balance, cohesiveness, creativity, and well—me.
Perhaps creating an aesthetically pleasing room is just a facade, but to me it represents so much more. It's my safe space, my happy place, and where I can cope with everything else that needs to be organized in my head. Having a type-A personality has allowed me to feel structured, but at times, I am in need of that release from perfection, from clean lines, and from comfort.
I guess that's what being stuck in a room for over a year does to you. There are things we have to let be and we can't control everything. But if it means living in a space that I love and where I can find some sort of control—well, I'll just be here re-organizing my bookshelf.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons