Growth

Today I reflect upon the past two years of my life, as I have officially completed my Masters degree and assistantship. I began this journey two years ago, not quite knowing what to expect. It turned out to be an amazing two years of personal growth and accomplishment. I experienced so much in the past two years. For the first time I lived on my own, minus a few months of temporary roommate fiasco, and loved it! I got a wonderful kitty who has been great company. I had some interesting relationships...Oh the stories! I got my first tattoo, went to Europe, and became vegan! I completed a thesis on sleep and obesity, an independent study on veganism, and taught nearly 200 students basic nutrition. I have gotten in the best shape of my life with lots of stretching, walking/running, and weights. I have begun the process of learning to listen to my body, leaving behind disordered eating and disconnect between my mind and body. I have learned to embrace life! Here's to the next chapter in my life....

Inner peace and acceptance

I am beginning to realize the importance of finding inner peace and self acceptance. It seems like I used to do a lot of things in order to please others and impress others. It's like I was living outside my body and not being in tune with what I need or who I am. I thought I had to look a certain way, say something in particular, or act a certain way in order to have someone's acceptance and approval. I would modify my looks or thoughts for the sake of others. This is no way to live my life. Of course, I want to make others happy and I do not want to be selfish, but I absolutely have to do, say, and act in such a way that is best for me. I need to accept and embrace myself for who I am and not feel the need to change for anyone! Accepting my body, thoughts, and actions as uniquely me is important. I need to embrace who I am, be confident in me, accept all my pros and cons, and find inner peace with myself. If I act in such a way that I accept deep down as good for me and good for others, then I am I will be truly happy.

Oh She Glows » Blog Archive » Banana Pancake Sandwich

Oh She Glows » Blog Archive » Banana Pancake Sandwich: "When I was young, I thought confidence could be earned with perfection. Now I know that you don’t earn it; you claim it. And you do that by loving the wacky, endlessly optimistic, enthusiastically uninhibited free spirit that is the essence of style, the quintessence of heart, and uniquely YOU.” ~ Cecelie Berry, writer"

Its not about perfection

I am so inspired right now, as I have just read reflections from other bloggers like me. I am currently striving to be the healthiest, happiest, most confident, purest person I can be. I am doing so by embracing the vegan diet, exercising, listening to my body, and trying not to be so obsessive with calorie counting and perfection. On blogger mentioned a quote that confidence is not gained with perfection, but rather claimed in the moment for being uniquely you. I love that...perfection is impossible to achieve and if I wait to feel confident till then, then I will never be satisfied. I need to embrace who I am now, my strengths and weaknesses, and feel worthy of being confident in myself now! I also related to another blogger who spoke of listening to own's body when it comes to refueling after exercise. This is so relevant to me right now, as I have started to workout more, and have had to evenings of endless hunger and eating. I should have listened to my body throughout the day and given it the nourishment it needed, so that I would not turn into the cookie monster at night. Oh well, making mistakes is humbling and reminds me of what I am striving for. Living in the moment, being pure, and listening to my body.