"You really shouldn't start a blog right now."

Good morning! Happy Monday I hope everyone is feeling ready to tackle yet another week. I got up and hit the gym first thing this morning, and during my 45 minute hill climb workout I definitely went from feeling overwhelmed about my week’s to-do list, to feeling like I can break it down and get a lot done each day. The wonders of a head-clearing workout

It’s kind of funny because one of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition lectures I was listening to on Friday, which was being taught by the director of the school, was talking about time management. He said that he had one student who was telling him all about all of these things she was doing while in school, and, ironically enough, one of those things this student told him was “…and I just started a blog…” and he, the director of the school, was thinking “that’s really not a good idea right now, during this year of school.” Hahaha. I couldn’t help but laugh a nervous little laugh to myself, because, of course, I just started this blog. It’s interesting because this guy, the director, says in almost every lecture that he gives, that us students in the program should be treating this year like medical school. We should be giving 100% of our time and energy to this program, so that we can graduate with a high number of paying clients. I of course see where’s he coming from, and he is saying this for our own sake, so we can be as successful as possible, as soon as possible. I, however, do not feel this is possible for me.

For one thing, I have to work full time right now in order to make rent and just afford the cost of living. Oh yeah, and soon start paying off student loans :/ So, obviously, already I  cannot just do this program for a year. But what about the rest of my time? Couldn’t I just do nothing but my IIN school work when I’m not at work? Well, yes, I suppose I could in theory. But here’s the thing. I still am not 100% what I want to do with my life. The only thing I know for certain is that I want to be doing exactly what I am doing right now. I want to be living with Jamie for the first time after 6.5 years dating. Check. I want to be finally moving forward and stopping the binge/starvation cycle. Check (!!!!). I want to be living somewhere new and different because I feel like this is the time in life to do so. Big check, NEVER thought I would live in Manhattan. I want to be trying out different things. Like living in a new place, I feel like I can do this while I am in my early twenties and pretty much just have to make sure I can afford to live (no mortgage, kids, career I can’t/don’t want to leave, etc), and as long as that is satisfied, I can just see what I like. Another big check. I definitely consider trying a PhD program in Global Affairs, trying Real Estate, nannying, and training as a health counselor, all in less than one year, as trying different things.

What matters most to me?

In other words, I am not yet sure what my hedgehog is:

What's your hedgehog?

The cool thing about the hedgehog concept is that it is dynamic. Every person can have multiple hedgehogs just as easily as every person can just have one hedgehog. Also, each person’s hedgehog can change as they go through life. Think the ex-lawyer who, after 30 years of litigating, decides she wants to open a cupcakery. The main thing to take away from the hedgehog concept, is that every person has at least one pursuit that can be their true passion and way to make a living.

Don’t get my wrong, I absolutely can see being a full time health counselor, and in doing so, depending on how much work I put into it and how successful I become, it has the potential to fulfill all my criteria for my ideal career and lifestyle.  However, I have a lot of passions, and I don’t think I should limit myself as only having one possible pursuit since I am not sure yet what my hedgehog is. In addition, I can’t help but think that it might be easier to make a career out of psychology or government and a hobby out of exercise/nutrition, rather than vice versa. Does this mean I know either way what I want to do? Absolutely not, and this is why I want to try a lot of different things and see what I like, and what I can be the best at. So, of course I am going to put my best work into IIN with the time I have available for it, but considering I am testing different waters right now, I do not want to cut out other interest areas and focus solely on one interest, simply because I still don’t feel like I have just one interest that I know I want to settle in and make a career out of. Besides, this little blog hobby of mine is very fun and therapeutic. I have actually been wanting to start a blog for almost 2 years but just couldn’t do it while I was still struggling so much with eating and self-esteem. In fact, this blog itself does a pretty good job of incorporating healthy living and healthy balance into my daily life, so, I think for me it IS a good idea to start a blog right now.

Keep climbing toward the stars til you live your dream

Have a great Monday! Remember: there is no harm in trying different pursuits to find your hedgehog

Cheers,

Laura

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