Catching Up on the Week Plus the Enrou Challenge

This past Tuesday was my last day at my job at the think tank I worked for. I started working there last May and it was a fantastic opportunity to learn and meet some great people. I’m really sad to leave all the new friends I made at the office but I’m committing myself to my family and to new adventures ahead. I was really upset on my last day and when I got home but after reflecting on it for the millionth time, I’ve decided for the millionth time that it’s the best decision. I’m incredibly excited that the American University classes began and I’m “back at school” studying International Development.

Enrou has started their two week #BetterYouBetterWorld social media challenge. This social media challenge is designed to encourage you to make choices and decisions that reflect your values. You can pledge to create a better you and a better world over at www.enrou.co If you’ve been following my instagram you’ve already seen the first few days of the challenge. If not, below is a picture of what to expect during the rest of the two weeks!

Day 1 // Reflect & Focus
Tuesday’s challenge was to reflect & focus on yourself. You cannot begin to change the world unless you focus on yourself first. After a really tough day, I decided to do what helps me best to clear my mind. I have tried meditating in the past and traditional meditation doesn’t really do much for me. So I took out my yoga mat and started going through my basic stretches. Although you are aware of your body and how you are moving, a fluid yoga session really clears my mind and helps me refocus my energy. I think my biggest struggle with traditional meditation is forcing myself into stillness. If anyone meditates regularly and has any tips for me please share. Taking the time out on Tuesday really helped me recover from earlier in the day and prepared me for a very different week than I’ve been used to. It was a reminder to slow down and be intentional in living.

Day 2 // Set Goals to Accomplish Your Dreams
Who here has a bucket list? Just about everyone has a list of things that they want to do in their lives. Yesterday’s challenge was to create and set goals for yourself to get you to a place where you can accomplish your dreams. A goal isn’t always the destination, they’re small steps in the journey. When I graduated college a lot of my goals and dreams got put on the back burner because I had a great job. Sitting down and actually writing out my dreams for the future made me realize how caught up I had been. One of the biggest dreams that I’ve had since I was in elementary school was to go to the Virunga Mountains and Mt. Kilimangaro to see the mountain gorillas. Looking at this huge dream that everyone brushed off as a phase made me sad that I haven’t really done anything to get myself there. At this point there’s really no excuse not to go, especially since I have friends in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and so many in Uganda. There have also been little signs here and there telling me to go. While this isn’t going to happen this summer, I’m working on the small things to get myself there. Another dream that I’m now working on is getting my Master’s in International Development. I’ll update you all on these dreams and the goals that are bringing me closer to achieving them!

Enrou 14 Day Social Media Challenge — By the way, my coworkers got me this beautiful journal, pen and stationary(not pictured) for a going away gift. How perfect were these! I’m missing them so much!!

Day 3 // Exercise to Strengthen Your Body & Your Mind
I am not a runner, I hate running but ever since I’ve been training for my 10k it’s been something that I look forward to doing. Before I started running I did more weight training , POP Pilates and yoga as my exercise, so nothing too intense. There’s something about running that these other workouts don’t do for me, I feel free; even though I’m surrounded by other runners, cyclists and other people in the parks. I do believe that there is some type of sport or exercise routine out there for everyone. It’s just a matter of finding it and working at it. The best thing that you can do for your body is staying active and creating a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
Here are a few tips to help you start running:
1. Get a partner, Conor is always running with me and he stays at my pace to encourage and support me. Look for a support system!
2. Set a schedule, at first I set a schedule for myself because I would have never gotten out running if I didn’t. Now we just get up and go because it’s one of the best parts of my day!
3. Stay hydrated before you go out running.
4. Get a new playlist going on your phone or ipod! It’ll keep you motivated on your run!
5. If you are struggling to start, download a 5k training app, they’re great if you’re a beginner