Mid-year check in

Here's what people forget to tell you about the after effects of an epic trip that fulfills a life long dream: You have to come back. And when you come back, everything is the same, even though you feel different. You go from spending every day seeing something new and wonderful and historic, meeting amazing new people, and having the highest of highs, and sometimes, some real lows. You feel everything. And if you're already someone who feels things really intensely with emotions right on the surface, these experiences feel even more life changing.  I remember thinking in Paris, how can life be this intensely amazing? And then feeling so scared in Florence. And then I came home feeling changed and everything was the same.

I've gotten a little complacent and set in my ways in Chicago. For several years I was constantly pushing myself outside of my comfort zone in an effort to meet new people and during grad school every single day. The last two years though, I have been at the same job and in the same apartment and I haven't really tried anything new lately. This can make life really simple and easy but can lack some excitement. I never want to settle into complacency. Yoga teaches something called santosha, or contentment. I have felt that many moments here. But in addition to being content, I want to continue to grow. And that means setting new goals and meeting new people, even though I already know some pretty great ones. 

So my goals for the rest of this year moving forward are:

1.) to try new things and meet new people. I will do this through taking salsa lessons for beginners, even though dancing terrifies me a little and by joining another S3 league.

2.) to fulfill more of my New Year's promises to myself. I will do this by donating blood 1-2 times and by taking those salsa lessons.

3.) to get in the best shape of my life again. I will do this by practicing yoga 5-6 times per week and by improving my eating habits.

4.) to plan my next adventure. I will do this by saving and working extra babysitting and cutting some costs such as cable.

5.) to continue to work on improving self-esteem and self-confidence. I will do this by practicing yoga, practicing affirmations and positive self-talk.

What are your goals? We're more than halfway through the year but there's still time to work on becoming your best self.