No Settling

David and I have ended our almost four year relationship.

Yes, it is sad to see something I've worked so hard on. But don't be sad for me at all.

Over the past year I've been making changes that liberate me and pursuing things I'm passionate about. I've been running marathons and going after new career options. I've become a yogi and committed to a vegan diet.

The one thing that hadn't caught up was my relationship. Being with David was never bad, but I've known for a while that we just aren't right for each other. There were things I needed and wasn't getting, but it was comfortable so I stayed.

Then I had a telling conversation when I was getting my hair cut Thursday. I suddenly spoke the things I'd been feeling for so long. Hearing those things come out of my mouth proved to me that I only had one choice.

David was on the same page with me. We love each other as people, but we know we're just not right for each other. We both deserve so much more.

It was definitely a sad day, but I had this odd sense of peace within. I know we made the right decision and there is no questioning it. Now that I've let go of this stagnant part of my life I can pursue even better things for myself.

It feels amazing to know that I can now get everything I want.

No more settling... in any part of my life.

Changes

Today I lost my (still new) job.

It was unexpected, although there is a long story about everything that’s been going on.

I sobbed my whole bike ride home (I commuted to work by bike). Thoughts of helplessness, confusion and anger flooded my thoughts.

Then I came home and decided I am free and this is an opportunity to find something so much better.

Now I have an interview with an amazing company this Thursday!

Sure, I’m still sad. I hate letting things so and there were a lot of things I loved about my previous position. But now that’s over and I am making the best of it!

Still, I am going to take the night off from everything and head to bed to snuggle with my babies. They always remind me how much good there is to life!

Banana soft serve makes everything better.

What unexpected changes have you used to make yourself better?

Vegan in Review

In place of my regular post about today’s eats, I’d like to talk about what veganism has been like for me so far.

Almost three weeks ago I decided to go vegan (after being a vegetarian for 9 years) after a good talk with Ryan. The week after my decision I saw Food, Inc. which really made going vegan so much more important to me.

I don’t have any doctor’s results to share, and it has only been three weeks, so here is my casual review of what veganism has done to me so far.

Stomach- One of the main reasons I changed my diet was the horrible stomach pains I had been experiencing. All stomach pains went away within a few days of eliminating animal products.

 

Food- My food has been so much more fresh, healthy and whole. I’ve tried amazing  vegan dishes in my own home and out that I would have never tried otherwise.

Cooking- Before I had a few dishes I would rotate. Now, I am using cookbooks and my own creativity to come up with yummy meals and snacks. I don’t think I’ve had the same meal twice!

Freedom- This  might seem contrary to what veganism is, but by removing all animal products from my diet, I actually feel more free. I feel empowered when I cook and eat food and I’m getting more excited about it now than ever before.

Energy- Before I was so tired all the time. Now, I have much more energy and have no problem staying awake in the evening. I sleep better, too.

 Skin- My skin seems brighter and more even-toned.

Complexity- Eating vegan has been unbelievably simple. The transition was definitely easier for me since I was already a vegetarian

Cost- Vegans win :) A can  or bag of beans will always be cheaper than yogurt, cheese or meat! Although I have been spending more on quality produce, so I think it evens out.

David- David has been eating so many vegan and vegetarian dinners. The food is whole and filling and he seems to like it.

 

Weight- My weight has not changed.

Cravings- I have no cravings for animal products. A while ago I did eat some cheese (and my stomach hated me for it) and it was out of habit, not craving.

Overall- Veganism has been great. I feel better, I am eating better and my actions are good to animals and the environment. I am most surprised at how easy it has been. I plan on continuing eating a vegan diet.

Working Out My Next Step

Play catch up: Last month I quit my job, outlined what I am looking for next and contemplated the perfect job.

When thinking of my next step, thoughts of success, money and happiness bounce around my mind.

In order to do something that I love, I might have to give up a fancy title and comfy salary.

But I've decided on a plan.

More so, I've really decided on a direction. At least I know where to start!

I love all things health, working with people and not sitting behind a desk in front of a computer all day.

So I am going to be a personal trainer

...and go from there to advance myself in the fitness/nutrition field. Maybe something will turn into a collaborative project, maybe I will go back to school... not sure yet. But I am definitely planning on doing more than training at a gym alone.

I am finishing my nutrition and wellness certification with AFPA right now. Once that is complete next month I can start the PT certification to hopefully be certified soon after my time with my current job ends (June 19th).

What do you all think? Do you have any tips for me if you're in the field? Any ideas?

Changes: What’s Next

“At the center of your being you have the answer, you know who you are and you know what you want.”
- Lao Tzu

First off, WOW. Your thoughtful comments on my job announcement were just amazing. So many of you have been in this situation or are considering it. Your words all mean so much to me. Thank you.

I feel so relieved and free now that I’ve resigned from the job that was draining me, but I don’t have an immediate plan for my next job.

I agreed to stay with the company for 90 days so they can find someone new and I can train that person. After 90 days my lease on my apartment also conveniently expires. I am taking the next three months to find the best job for me.

Instead of finding another local job to hold me down in Tampa, I am considering moving to Orlando to be near David and to find a new job there. It would be a big change, but I’d rather live in a city for someone I love than for a job only.

I don’t want to just jump into another job similar to my last one. I can’t help but believe that a job can enrich my life and be fun. And I definitely enjoy working- I held down two jobs for most of my teen years just because I like working so much.

Since I began to realize the negative toll my job was taking on me, I began thinking about what I really want in a job. I’ve composed a list with three sections: What I am good at/like in a job, what I can improve on and what I don’t like/want to avoid in a job.

What I Am Good At/Like in a Job:
- Working with others
- Lots of moving (little or no time at the desk!)
- organizing
- brainstorming new ideas
- interacting with people
- health + fitness
- fast-paced
- respectable hours (need balance- no 60-hour-weeks as standard)
- social media

What I Can Improve On:
- Public speaking
- Attention to detail
- Social media
- Small talk

What I Don’t Like/Want to Avoid In a Job:
- sitting a desk
- salesperson position
- politics
- never being “off”

From this list I am comparing all positions/fields to narrow down some options. My degree is public relations and my experience is in politics/media/marketing. I’m open to anything.

I have three months to look into everything and make whatever preparations are necessary. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Do you have any ideas for jobs/fields I might be interested in? What do you do for work and does it make you happy?

I need job ideas from you! Leave any and all ideas in the comments!

My grandfather just started reading my blog and following me on Twitter (how cool is that?!), so Hi Poppy! I love you!

(big) Changes

In a time when trained executives are begging for jobs and more families are losing their income every day, I quit my job yesterday.

I took a risky step for my own benefit- and I am proud of that. I’ve let go of something that was pulling me down and opened up a new world of possibilities.

I was the Marketing Director for a successful political media firm- a job any graduate would be thrilled to receive straight out of college. But I don’t like working in politics (although I do enjoy a good debate). And my tasks were very little marketing. But that was all okay; I did stay there for two years, after all. And I enjoyed those two years.

But lately the demand for hours was growing. Missing dinner plans and the gym and then taking work home…losing my Saturday because an early call…working weekends in addition to a full week. They were definitely 24/7 and there was no “off” time. Putting my family, friends, sleep and activities on hold because I would have to work at any time was too much. My pay was appropriate for 9-5… not 24/7. I signed on for a fairly standard job that turned into constant stress that they (either of my two bosses) might call and demand my next six hours.

Other issues in the environment were off, too. (I omit those for the sake of office politics and respect.) I’d come home at 8:30 in tears and just have nothing else to give. My job was sucking the life out of me and it wasn’t worth it. Without a balance of life and work I became drained and could no longer give anything my best.

So I told my boss everything and resigned.

It was the scariest, most freeing thing I’ve ever done.

Often people are respected for the positions they hold, and I let go of a good one. I sacrificed a comfortable salary and big office for my well-being. I am already breathing easier.

Stay tuned for What’s Next