We are nearing the end of summer, and I wanted to give a “life update” for those who are curious about what I’ve been up to. It’s been a busy summer, and a really good one!
Last summer was my first one in California, and it was surprisingly not the best. I was in a depression after making such a big move (from CLE to LA), so I didn’t get to enjoy my time too much. But this summer, I did a lot of awesome stuff! Here are a few:
- Worked a booth at the PLUSH Expo with Delta Labs
- Completed my first 5k
- Attended & covered the San Diego International Boat Show as a blogger (my first event specifically as a blogger)
- Completed a virtual 5k with my little brother on Kelleys Island (Lake Erie, OH)
- Visited Ohio for 2.5 weeks
- Visited Chicago for the first time
- Completed the Chaarg Booty Camp + became a virtual Chaarg member!
- Made the decision to move back to Ohio (still debating this one..)
- Got two new babysitting jobs
- Attended my very first blog conference: BlogFest at IDEAworld (it was AMAZING!)
- Signed up to become an FXP Fitness instructor
When I look at that list, it doesn’t seem like much. But considering all I did last summer was finish 14 seasons of Law and Order: SVU, I feel pretty good about it! I’m excited for autumn – crisp, cool air, job stability, fall clothes, traveling (hoping to take a trip up the PCH), holidays, and so on.
I’m in this weird limbo. I’m not really sure what to do about moving back to Ohio. I want to be with my family, but part of me feels that I’ve changed too much to go back. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela:
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”
It’s nothing against Ohio (or the people there) at all. For me, moving across the country with no one but my boyfriend was obviously life-changing. I’ve been in LA a year and a half, and I have grown & changed so much. I had a dream last night that I was back in Ohio, going back to a job that I once had, seeing friends who were on different pages than myself. It was comforting, but I felt completely out of place. I want to settle down in San Diego, so part of me is wondering if I should even leave SoCal in the first place. Can I handle making such a big move three times in five years (or whatever it ends up being)? Clearly I have some things to think about.
I’m also trying to figure out what I want to do with my life career-wise. I am a health coach (for the past two years), blogger (obviously), and nanny/babysitter. I have a bachelor’s degree in speech therapy and audiology, but totally love the flexibility of babysitting. I’m so untraditional- 9-5 has never really been my thing. But I am 26-years-old, and should probably make a career decision, right?
Anyway, these are all things I need to figure out myself. But writing is therapy for me, so there it is!
- Have you been in a position where you weren’t sure what to do with your career/life? What did you end up doing?
- How was your summer?! What was your favorite moment?
As always, thanks for reading 🙂
XO, Lyndsay
Let’s connect! Twitter + Instagram are my faves 😉
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Mary
You do have a major decision to make. I would tell you to think hard and trust your gut. Going home is nostalgic. Having your family there is comforting. But your dream could be your subconscious telling you what you already know but don’t want to admit.
I am pushing 40. I don’t have a college degree and never had a “career”. I have had the same 9-5 job for 16 years. Now I am thinking about wanting to be my own boss. But doing what, I have no idea. If we decide to move tomorrow, what kind of job would I get? Would I get my boss to let me work from home 3 states away? Would I really want to do that? I’m stuck which sucks. And scary!
Will going back to Ohio give you the same work options that you have in SoCal (or more)? Just food for thought.
I haven’t known you long but I have seen growth in you in the past 6 months. Whatever you choose, trust in yourself 🙂
thebalancedbrunette
Mary you are so wonderful!!! Thank you so much for your comment. Ohio wouldn’t give me as many work options. Mainly, it would give me cheaper rent which would result in possibly more financial stability. But wages are higher in California, and there’s much more opportunity. I can’t use my degree in Ohio without a masters – I can in California (although idk if I want to). I think you’re right about my dream. I get bored quickly and I think I’m craving change. And there’s so many things you can do if you want to work from home!! You would figure it out, I have no doubt. 🙂 xoxo
jill conyers
My summer was amazing!
It took 2 years for Amazon to convince us to leave CA to move to OH. I’m happy anywhere as long as I’m with my family. Would I move back to CA if given the chance? Is tomorrow too soon? It’s a tough decision but you’ll do what’s best for you. And, what is best changes as we grow.
I’m in the middle of a career modification. i want to combine my current profession with my passion for the ultimate dream job. It took me forever to decide but once I did it feels right.
You have a lot to think about and you’ll be fine.
jill conyers recently posted…Week 3: #ActiveLivingChallenge
thebalancedbrunette
Thank you so much Jill! I really appreciate your comment. I’m glad your summer was amazing!! If you don’t mind me asking, what is your current career and what is your dream career? I’m so excited for you!! 🙂
Sebastian Aiden Daniels
I am new to your blog. Found you through twitter through using #bipolar. I also have struggled with mental illness and I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Most of my young life has been spent wondering what I was going to do or If I was doing the right thing or if I could even achieve it. It is stressful. I am finally at a place where I am not worrying about it too much in the current moment.
San Diego is really nice. A lot better than Los Angeles.
My favorite thing of the summer was all the new people I met through my meetup group and the things we have done : D.
thebalancedbrunette
That’s so awesome Sebastian!! I’m so glad you found my blog and thank you for commenting. I’m excited to read yours, as well! Where are you located? I like San Diego a lot, and we are definitely moving there sometime soon. I like that- living in the current moment. I really need to remember to do that more often. Thank you!