I finally decided enough was enough, and got just as seriously about my mental health as I am about my physical health, and committed to finding a find therapist in my new city. It took sending over 20 emails to various folks only to find they aren’t taking new clients, but all you need is one “yes,” right? I got one of those and my first (physically distanced, virtual) appointment is next week.
I had to psych myself up to break up with the first real love of my life recently. So so hard. Things weren’t going that well for the past 6 months or so - there’s be an incident/conversation that we’d have where he would make me feel so hurt and sadness and pain and I couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t changing his behavior even when I could tell him / plead with him on how he was making me feel. He’s very opinionated, I’m not and don’t like confrontation. I realized the past few months that I had been trying to change parts of myself for him and he couldn’t / doesn’t know how to change a little for me. There was so much positive moments in our relationship that I held onto those when things got bad or make me feel bad about myself. After some time apart given the global pandemic, we were separated - talking long distance from the west coast and east coast. With some space, I realized that this isn’t what’s best for me. This relationship isn’t what’s going to make me happy in the long run, even though I have had many happy moments and times with him. It was a LOT to process and come to that realization. 5-7 months of processing and figuring out how to handle and move forward and do ultimately what is best for me. Putting myself and my needs first. Going through stages of grief but knowing that I will be strong enough to make it through this and get onto the other side of all this. Luckily I had the support of some of my best girl friends, my family, and therapist that I could lean on when I was struggling emotionally with what to do. I put a plan together and gave myself a timeline that felt appropriate and definitely shifted depending on how I felt. I wrote down my thoughts and made sure I went on a 5 mile run the morning on the day I had decided to break up with him officially. To make sure I felt strong, empowered, and to psych myself up to have this difficult conversation. And I’m proud to say that I did it. Moving through the changes this year has brought - personally, professionally, and pandemically - with grace, grounded-ness, and gratitude.
1. I've loved reading everyone's comments. It's reminded me how resilient we are. 2. That psyching up moment happens for me right after anxiety rears its ugly head and right before I put on my gear. In the moment between that, I conquer that voice that tells me that I can't with, "I absolutely can." I try to hold onto that feeling because it's proof I am stronger because of it. PS. Season 3 is fireeeeee!
My family owns a large farming business and due to the current circumstances they took a hard financial economical below there’s been a lot of setbacks and a lot of layoffs and every day it’s hard to show up to work knowing that things are out of our control and so many people depend on us. It takes everything in me every day to get up get dressed and show up.
Things still haven’t changed and there’s many difficulties but just the fact that I get up and have gotten up every day during this whole ordeal has made things easier and I’m optimistic for the future.
P.S. a little dark humor for everyone: we had a COVID scare. My grandmother was complaining about stomach issues (corona symptom) and fortunately her results came back negative and in fact she just had a fart stuck in her intestines.
This week!! I'm a certified personal trainer + journalist who has spent the past TWO years making up reasons why I couldn't start my YouTube channel or blog just yet. Today, I publicly announced my launch, which is set for next month!! I feel like I was running a hill + just crossed the highest point. From here, I can see the worst + most exhausting part of the decision was the constant wavering + imposter syndrome.
I gave a tedx talk and had to convince myself that what I had to say was worth listening to. Stepping on that stage was the most terrifying and best moment for my growth
My company runs an annual Tedx event. I applied and was chosen to present to about 1500 people around my topic on how asking better questions (and being your own health advocate) can yield better outcomes for yourself and other patients. It was a two month process of working with coaches to convey the message with a blend of data and emotion with a call to action. It taught me so many different things about myself including the confidence that I have ideas worth listening to/ignites action for others to act differently based on those ideas.
I had to ask myself off to give some negative feedback/constructive criticism to some of my cyxling buddies. I exerience a lot of sexism in cycling and it was making my rides miserable. It wasnt as bad as I thought, but it did create scenarios where I had to cut off some "friends".
Thank you, for reminding us that the mind and the body are not separate entities; and that one must better understand the mind to better train the body and vice versa. That moment is so strangely transformational, right? That one, single, small, but ever so mighty moment, is everything. Your uplifting and energetic way of reminding us of that we are able to just go for it; is greatly appreciated.
I had to psych myself to get on the track for the first time since walking off the track team in college. It was surreal to be running around that loop again and brought back a lot of feelings full circle (pun...intended?). Felt more like myself, ultimately and happy to know I can still rip some 800s like the 18 year old version of myself would be proud of.
I have been trying to land a job in the humanitarian sector for years. I have a graveyard of cover letters and a Rolodex of gracious recruiters and contacts that have heard my elevator pitch ad nauseum. As I finished a contract position in January, I found myself unemployed, defeated, and somewhat hopeless trying to break into the field. Fast-forward two months and we are in a pandemic- the exact scenario I have been studying, simulating, and training for since I graduated college. Spending the last two years completing certificate programs and volunteer work, I’ve beefed up my resume enough to be recruited by my dream job. The night I got my job offer, I’ll never forget lying in bed with a smile on my face realizing I’ve made it. I finally made it. As I closed my eyes, ready to fall asleep, my eyes suddenly bulge wide open and there it is: “I’m going to get fired.” WHY?? Why is this the first thought I have upon getting my dream job? It’s imposter syndrome, and it is real. This opportunity was too good to be true and I found myself questioning my own capabilities before I’d even began. I couldn’t shake this thought and my fear of failure persisted weeks into the start of my job. I finally had to have an Issa Rae moment in the mirror. I told myself the only reason I was going to get fired was if I kept waiting time questioning my own abilities. If I didn’t believe in myself no one else would. I started reading about strategies to combat imposter syndrome and came up with regular self-affirmations. I can’t say I only had to psych myself up at the beginning. I still do all the time, but I remind myself that I *get* to do this; I’ve dreamed of doing this, and I’m prepared, qualified, capable, and exceptional at doing this :)
I’ve always wanted to be a group fitness instructor after being a participant for several years. However, I would always make excuses and felt like my personality wasn’t the right fit for getting up in front of people and leading them. One day, after a lot of internal debate, I finally signed up for a workshop to get certified. They day of the workshop I was terrified! I had to psyche myself up to go in there and just be my authentic self and realize that no one expects me to be a complete expert the first day. Fast forward a couple months later and I’m SO glad I did this! Before COVID hit, I was teaching 3 classes a week at my college REC and loved it and I’m so glad I pushed my self out of my comfort zone and psyched myself up when I needed it the most!
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve shared it with the people in the work run club I’ve started who’ve always wanted to run but didn’t know how to start. I also shared your podcast with them a few weeks ago as one of the most inspiring ones to listen to. Keep doing what you’re doing girl. 💫
I’ve been saying for years that I wanted to pursue a yoga teacher training program. Every time I had the opportunity, I always found a way to talk myself out of it. I’d make up excuses and find a way to bail. This year I finally committed to the “right” one for me and was so nervous before I started - I remember trying to think of ways to get out of it the night before I started. I had to psych myself up just to walk through the door! Well, I officially graduated this month :) It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. It taught me to be confident in what I bring to the table, and helped me find peace in my body through the asana practice. I am so glad that I finally did it, and even though I waited so long, I truly believe the timing was everything. I can’t wait to start teaching [online and socially distanced] classes this fall! 🧘🏻♀️
I had a really big presentation this week. I had to present our project status and some pretty critical risks in front of our executive team. Definitely had to psych myself up for this and tell myself I know the info and the data, I can do this!
Once the presentation was over, I definitely felt a huge weight off my shoulders. The presentation went well and we all had a good conversation and determined a path to move forward. Even though I was nervous, I was able to prove to myself I could do and it gave me more confidence for future presentations.
The Last time i had to psych myself up for something was when I wanted to quit my job. I was working at a special needs Pre-school in NYC. Now don’t get me wrong I had no issues with co-workers and the kids were awesome! I mean what 3-5 year old isn’t Awesome! And it was very rewarding to be able to see them succeed and be happy! I quit though back in Oct/Nov for many personal reasons. And now I am just trying to find another path in life. Se what my real calling in life is. Once i put in my two weeks notice i was soo relieved and couldn’t believe that I had actually done it after talking about it for a while!! So how i felt when i gave it in and had my last day.. yes it was sad but I knew that it was the right decision for me and my mental state!
I finally decided enough was enough, and got just as seriously about my mental health as I am about my physical health, and committed to finding a find therapist in my new city. It took sending over 20 emails to various folks only to find they aren’t taking new clients, but all you need is one “yes,” right? I got one of those and my first (physically distanced, virtual) appointment is next week.
I had to psych myself up to break up with the first real love of my life recently. So so hard. Things weren’t going that well for the past 6 months or so - there’s be an incident/conversation that we’d have where he would make me feel so hurt and sadness and pain and I couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t changing his behavior even when I could tell him / plead with him on how he was making me feel. He’s very opinionated, I’m not and don’t like confrontation. I realized the past few months that I had been trying to change parts of myself for him and he couldn’t / doesn’t know how to change a little for me. There was so much positive moments in our relationship that I held onto those when things got bad or make me feel bad about myself. After some time apart given the global pandemic, we were separated - talking long distance from the west coast and east coast. With some space, I realized that this isn’t what’s best for me. This relationship isn’t what’s going to make me happy in the long run, even though I have had many happy moments and times with him. It was a LOT to process and come to that realization. 5-7 months of processing and figuring out how to handle and move forward and do ultimately what is best for me. Putting myself and my needs first. Going through stages of grief but knowing that I will be strong enough to make it through this and get onto the other side of all this. Luckily I had the support of some of my best girl friends, my family, and therapist that I could lean on when I was struggling emotionally with what to do. I put a plan together and gave myself a timeline that felt appropriate and definitely shifted depending on how I felt. I wrote down my thoughts and made sure I went on a 5 mile run the morning on the day I had decided to break up with him officially. To make sure I felt strong, empowered, and to psych myself up to have this difficult conversation. And I’m proud to say that I did it. Moving through the changes this year has brought - personally, professionally, and pandemically - with grace, grounded-ness, and gratitude.
Jen! What a powerful story.
1. I've loved reading everyone's comments. It's reminded me how resilient we are. 2. That psyching up moment happens for me right after anxiety rears its ugly head and right before I put on my gear. In the moment between that, I conquer that voice that tells me that I can't with, "I absolutely can." I try to hold onto that feeling because it's proof I am stronger because of it. PS. Season 3 is fireeeeee!
My family owns a large farming business and due to the current circumstances they took a hard financial economical below there’s been a lot of setbacks and a lot of layoffs and every day it’s hard to show up to work knowing that things are out of our control and so many people depend on us. It takes everything in me every day to get up get dressed and show up.
Things still haven’t changed and there’s many difficulties but just the fact that I get up and have gotten up every day during this whole ordeal has made things easier and I’m optimistic for the future.
P.S. a little dark humor for everyone: we had a COVID scare. My grandmother was complaining about stomach issues (corona symptom) and fortunately her results came back negative and in fact she just had a fart stuck in her intestines.
"Corona dark humor" — a phrase for 2020.
This week!! I'm a certified personal trainer + journalist who has spent the past TWO years making up reasons why I couldn't start my YouTube channel or blog just yet. Today, I publicly announced my launch, which is set for next month!! I feel like I was running a hill + just crossed the highest point. From here, I can see the worst + most exhausting part of the decision was the constant wavering + imposter syndrome.
I gave a tedx talk and had to convince myself that what I had to say was worth listening to. Stepping on that stage was the most terrifying and best moment for my growth
Would love to hear more about this and how you made it happen!
My company runs an annual Tedx event. I applied and was chosen to present to about 1500 people around my topic on how asking better questions (and being your own health advocate) can yield better outcomes for yourself and other patients. It was a two month process of working with coaches to convey the message with a blend of data and emotion with a call to action. It taught me so many different things about myself including the confidence that I have ideas worth listening to/ignites action for others to act differently based on those ideas.
I had to ask myself off to give some negative feedback/constructive criticism to some of my cyxling buddies. I exerience a lot of sexism in cycling and it was making my rides miserable. It wasnt as bad as I thought, but it did create scenarios where I had to cut off some "friends".
Great message this week and I did listen to Ali on the Run.. very good and inspiring.
Thank you, for reminding us that the mind and the body are not separate entities; and that one must better understand the mind to better train the body and vice versa. That moment is so strangely transformational, right? That one, single, small, but ever so mighty moment, is everything. Your uplifting and energetic way of reminding us of that we are able to just go for it; is greatly appreciated.
I had to psych myself to get on the track for the first time since walking off the track team in college. It was surreal to be running around that loop again and brought back a lot of feelings full circle (pun...intended?). Felt more like myself, ultimately and happy to know I can still rip some 800s like the 18 year old version of myself would be proud of.
I have been trying to land a job in the humanitarian sector for years. I have a graveyard of cover letters and a Rolodex of gracious recruiters and contacts that have heard my elevator pitch ad nauseum. As I finished a contract position in January, I found myself unemployed, defeated, and somewhat hopeless trying to break into the field. Fast-forward two months and we are in a pandemic- the exact scenario I have been studying, simulating, and training for since I graduated college. Spending the last two years completing certificate programs and volunteer work, I’ve beefed up my resume enough to be recruited by my dream job. The night I got my job offer, I’ll never forget lying in bed with a smile on my face realizing I’ve made it. I finally made it. As I closed my eyes, ready to fall asleep, my eyes suddenly bulge wide open and there it is: “I’m going to get fired.” WHY?? Why is this the first thought I have upon getting my dream job? It’s imposter syndrome, and it is real. This opportunity was too good to be true and I found myself questioning my own capabilities before I’d even began. I couldn’t shake this thought and my fear of failure persisted weeks into the start of my job. I finally had to have an Issa Rae moment in the mirror. I told myself the only reason I was going to get fired was if I kept waiting time questioning my own abilities. If I didn’t believe in myself no one else would. I started reading about strategies to combat imposter syndrome and came up with regular self-affirmations. I can’t say I only had to psych myself up at the beginning. I still do all the time, but I remind myself that I *get* to do this; I’ve dreamed of doing this, and I’m prepared, qualified, capable, and exceptional at doing this :)
I’ve always wanted to be a group fitness instructor after being a participant for several years. However, I would always make excuses and felt like my personality wasn’t the right fit for getting up in front of people and leading them. One day, after a lot of internal debate, I finally signed up for a workshop to get certified. They day of the workshop I was terrified! I had to psyche myself up to go in there and just be my authentic self and realize that no one expects me to be a complete expert the first day. Fast forward a couple months later and I’m SO glad I did this! Before COVID hit, I was teaching 3 classes a week at my college REC and loved it and I’m so glad I pushed my self out of my comfort zone and psyched myself up when I needed it the most!
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve shared it with the people in the work run club I’ve started who’ve always wanted to run but didn’t know how to start. I also shared your podcast with them a few weeks ago as one of the most inspiring ones to listen to. Keep doing what you’re doing girl. 💫
I’ve been saying for years that I wanted to pursue a yoga teacher training program. Every time I had the opportunity, I always found a way to talk myself out of it. I’d make up excuses and find a way to bail. This year I finally committed to the “right” one for me and was so nervous before I started - I remember trying to think of ways to get out of it the night before I started. I had to psych myself up just to walk through the door! Well, I officially graduated this month :) It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. It taught me to be confident in what I bring to the table, and helped me find peace in my body through the asana practice. I am so glad that I finally did it, and even though I waited so long, I truly believe the timing was everything. I can’t wait to start teaching [online and socially distanced] classes this fall! 🧘🏻♀️
I had a really big presentation this week. I had to present our project status and some pretty critical risks in front of our executive team. Definitely had to psych myself up for this and tell myself I know the info and the data, I can do this!
Once the presentation was over, I definitely felt a huge weight off my shoulders. The presentation went well and we all had a good conversation and determined a path to move forward. Even though I was nervous, I was able to prove to myself I could do and it gave me more confidence for future presentations.
The Last time i had to psych myself up for something was when I wanted to quit my job. I was working at a special needs Pre-school in NYC. Now don’t get me wrong I had no issues with co-workers and the kids were awesome! I mean what 3-5 year old isn’t Awesome! And it was very rewarding to be able to see them succeed and be happy! I quit though back in Oct/Nov for many personal reasons. And now I am just trying to find another path in life. Se what my real calling in life is. Once i put in my two weeks notice i was soo relieved and couldn’t believe that I had actually done it after talking about it for a while!! So how i felt when i gave it in and had my last day.. yes it was sad but I knew that it was the right decision for me and my mental state!