Hello again! Long time, no blog! It’s been a real adventure
despite my lack of a team to lead in FEMA Corps...migraine troubles, health
coaching, midterms, volunteer swim lesson instructing and trying to find time
to go on my beloved runs or remember what recreation is. But, even though I was
definitely questioning my sanity for entering grad school as a chronic migraineur
(because I shouldn’t kid myself, the days without migraines are easier and fewer
to count than the days with migraines) the sun came out (which literally helped
ease the migraine as a storm system was aggravating them), I did much better on
my midterms then anticipated and I remembered that I’m here because I refuse to
let migraines hold me back and I want nothing more than to help others live
healthier lives.
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| One of those days where I questioned my sanity |
Speaking of healthier lives, my job as a health is going
great! The beginning was a little interesting as I was kind of “thrown into the
water to swim on my own” by getting 4 groups to coach in my first week of
coaching. But my instincts got me through and the other health coaches are a
fantastic source of information and support. Now, at the end of week 2, I’m beginning
to get comfortable and enjoy the rewards – seeing participants learning and
making healthier choices and feeling better or seeing physical signs of their improving
health. I’m learning a ton too about nutrition which is awesome!
I’d like to mention the swimmers I’ve been working with on
Sundays with Swim 4 Success because swimming means so much to me and it's really awesome to teach what I love and know that I'm helping out (our swimmers come from disadvantaged backgrounds.) Last week we let the kids go off the diving board
(with two instructors in the water for safety!) and after we were done, my
little 5 year-old REALLY didn’t want to leave. I actually had to take his hand and lead
him back to his family to get him off the pool deck - I now know how my parents felt when I used to cry about
leaving pools! And my other swimmer is the quietest, bravest kid ever. I can
tell he’s nervous about some of the things I ask him to do, but like a champ,
he tries and gets it done! I’m really excited for him in particular because
these are his first lessons and he’ll definitely pass out of level 1 – he can
already do freestyle unassisted! I love how no matter what, some people will naturally love the water and I wonder if those who taught me to swim loved it as much as I do.
And finally, some random fun:
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In my quest to be more environmentally friendly with
my personal care products, I took a leap and tried out shampoo bar soap. It did take my hair a bit to adjust to the difference in chemicals but I’m saving
money, helping the environment and my hair has never smelled better!
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| Eucalyptus mint :) |
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I found a local book shop that has the best
selection of French books! I’m currently enjoying Les rois des etoiles or Kings
of the stars J
It feels like I've reached a new level of nerdiness by reading sci-fi in French but that’s ok
because it’s awesome!
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| The bookstore I found, Acadian Books is owned by a man fluent in French. With the aroma of book smell in the air, the challenge of navigating the store without knocking stacks of books over and a plethora of choices, it's a book lover's paradise! |
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Finally, I'm enjoying the ability to experiment with recipes that need to please only one person, myself! I tried chili for the first time on my own (with a few adaptations to account for my dislike of strong spices and vegetarianism) and I'm only disappointed that I just started making it - it's a delicious, easy and cheap vegetarian meal!!
Whelp, that's all I've got for today. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes that motivates me to keep reaching despite the migraines. I'm sure you've heard it before, but there's no such thing as too much inspiration: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Norman Vincent Peale
-Holly
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