millennial Archives - Balancing It All

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

Why Did I Move to Ireland Now?

Sophia (Me) in Glendalough in Ireland. This was on a day tour to Powerscourt Gardens which was so beautiful and green.

Hello from the other side of the world!

For those who didn’t know, I recently made the move to Dublin, Ireland! It’s been 2 months now and it’s been quite the rollercoaster of events but I’m embracing all the obstacles, the good, the bad, the expected, and the unexpected.

I previously wrote about why I wanted to move abroad and why I moved to Ireland. In this last part, I’ll answer this question: why did I move to Ireland now?

Why Did I Move to Ireland Now?

Much of my progress to move aborad was in slow motion. It honestly took the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown to get my butt into gear.

The pandemic put everything into perspective for me.

Previously, I felt I had to burn myself out from a job in order to make ends meet. I worked hard, stayed late at work sometimes, and took on tasks without much pushback or sufficient assistance. In the end, it got me nowhere. Sure, I had promotions and raises but at what cost? My mental health was not in a good place and I’m sure my roommate/best friend was tired of me complaining about how defeated I felt. The weight of burn out and the pandemic was getting to be too much to deal with. In May 2021, I cracked, went through what felt like a mental breakdown, and had enough.

Throughout lockdown, I saw how other employees were treated at their jobs. They were let go from jobs they gave so much of their time and energy to. During this time, we as a society began to prioritize our personal and family’s health and happiness. And at the time, hundreds of thousands of people died from the COVID-19 virus. Knowing this and going through my own experiences in the workplace made me realize that my mental health and happiness was more important than a paycheck.

(I also want to point out that I recognize this thought process comes from a privileged place. I know not everyone has the ability or means to think the way I did about this situation or even take action on it the way I did. But I did want to share how I arrived to where I am now and in the interest of transparency, this is how it occurred.)

Once I had that realization, my focus shifted. I needed to put me first, not my employer. If I don’t take care of myself first, how can I do well in other areas of my life, career included? I also knew that because this is something I’ve wanted for years, if I didn’t do this now, I would regret it the rest of my life. While I fleshed out my plan, I was lucky to have found a healthy workplace with a supportive team to work with.

I told myself that 2022 was the year and I was moving, whether I was ready for it or not. As bleak as it sounds, bad things like viruses, wars, and political drama will happen no matter what. I couldn’t sit back and wait for the “right time” because it will never come. It was now or never.

So, I chose now.

June 16, 2022June 15, 2022

Why I Moved to Ireland

Landscape photo I took of Glendalough in Dublin, Ireland. I had never seen anywhere so green before.

For those who didn’t know, I just made the move to Dublin, Ireland! It’s been almost 3 weeks at the time I’m writing this and it’s been quite the rollercoaster of events but I’m embracing all the obstacles, the good, the bad, the expected, and the unexpected.

I wrote about why I wanted to move abroad in the first place and in this post, I’ll explain why I moved to Ireland.

Why I Moved to Ireland

To vaguely recap, I’ve wanted to move abroad since about 2016 when I went to London to visit family.

Fastforward about three to four years later, I started to put my plan of moving abroad into motion. It was a very slow and long process. There were so many times where it felt like I wasn’t making any progress at all. Anytime I told someone I was making this move, I felt like I was lying because I didn’t have anything to show for it.

I eventually got my Polish passport which gives me the right to live and work freely in the European Union. That alone would open more doors for me without needing a visa to live in the EU. It also took a couple years to get. It’s not government work if it doesn’t take a long time, right?

(Side note: if you want to make a move like this and you have family abroad, read up on dual citizenship laws. Maybe you can do something similar! You may have to do some digging in your family tree but it’s definitely worth it.)

By the time I got my Polish passport, Brexit happened and England left the EU. This sucked because I got my Polish passport to make it easier to live in London and now that possibility seemed even further away.

Around that same time, I visited Ireland on my first solo trip. Usually, I’d be traveling with my cousin but this time, I went on my own.

I knew I would have a great time but I was surprised by how much I loved it. It was so easy to get around, everything was GREEN, the people were friendly, the food and drinks were excellent, and I had a blast even though I was mostly on my own. Staying in an Airbnb in town and getting around myself allowed me to briefly feel like a local. All these things influenced my decision to pick Ireland.

Granted, all those experiences happened as a tourist but I knew that the real deal would still be a lot of fun.

I toyed with the idea of going to another EU country but I decided to stick with Ireland. The thought of moving abroad to foreign country was overwhelming enough; I didn’t want the added pressure of not knowing the language or translating my CV when applying for jobs. I knew if I moved to Ireland, I would have an amazing experience and the transition would be a bit more seamless.

Now that I made my decision, I just had to execute it.

Want to Know More?

So, I’ve established why I wanted to move abroad and why I chose Ireland. The last part will go over why I decided to move to a foreign country in 2022. Make sure you subscribed so you’re the first to read it when it’s out!

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

Why I Wanted to Move Abroad

Hello from the other side of the world!

For those who didn’t know, I just made the move to Dublin, Ireland! It’s been almost 3 weeks and it’s been quite the rollercoaster of events but I’m embracing all the obstacles, the good, the bad, the expected, and the unexpected.

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my move here so I figured I’d answer some of those questions. This will be a three part series where I’ll focus on why I wanted to move abroad, why I moved to Ireland, and why I moved now. Buckle up!

Why I Wanted to Move Abroad

My reason for moving abroad in the first place goes back about six years ago to 2016. I had just accepted a job at a large non-profit organization (it was my first big-girl job after stints at small businesses and startups) and I was going on vacation to London to see family. Things were finally looking up after many years of feeling stagnant.

There was something in me that just clicked while I was in London. I don’t know what it was; maybe it was just spending time with my cousins, enjoying the nightlife together, trying all the yummy foods London has to offer, or just taking the tube from one part of the city to another to explore. Something in me told me that living here would be really exciting. I didn’t really think beyond that, but it just seemed like a cool idea.

I’m a sucker for European cities. I love how close together everything is. Everything is easily accessible by public transportation. There are historical landmarks around every corner. There is no end of amazing restaurants and good cafes. Flying to other countries is way easier and cheaper than flying from the US. And somehow, everyone always looks so effortlessly chic even if they’re not trying. Are all those legit reasons for wanting to move abroad? Who knows? But that’s what fascinated me about Europe.

I was thrilled by the idea but felt a little sad because I just accepted a new job and I felt I had to honor that commitment. However, that didn’t shake my desire to move there eventually. I just had to be patient and figure it out.

Years went by and the thought still lingered in my mind. Each year I traveled somewhere new, it strengthened my desire to move.

Want to Know More?

In the next part, I’ll explain why I moved to Ireland and why I moved now. Make sure you’re subscribed so you know when the next post is out!

January 31, 2022May 11, 2022

Why You Can’t Rely on Motivation

Sophia taking a shameless selfie at the gym. I'm not always motivated but I have a goal in mind so I put in the work even if it's not perfect all the time.

You’ve heard it before: “How do you stay motivated at the gym?”, “I have no motivation to do these chores.” It’s like it’s the secret to getting anything done. Here’s why you can’t rely on motivation.

Why You Can’t Rely on Motivation

I’ll cut to the chase: motivation ain’t gonna cut it long term.

There have been so many times where I feel extremely motivated to do something but literally 5 minutes later, it’s gone and I dread doing anything.

If we relied on motivation, we’d never get anything done because what do we do when it’s gone?

What You Can Do Instead of Depending on Motivation

1. Have smaller goals

Sometimes, the idea or outcome of something is more exciting than the actual work. The actual work is daunting and overwhelming. I totally get that.

Breaking your goal down into smaller chunks can make the process more tolerable and manageable.

Say you want to move to another country. The end result of being in another country is wonderful. But the actual steps to get there? Buying a plane ticket, finding somewhere to stay, figuring out any visa requirements, deciding where to work, wondering if you’ll have enough money, etc… none of those are as exciting as actually being there.

But take it one step at a time. Rather than staring at everything you need to do, just put one foot in front of the other and get to work.

2. Be consistent

Don’t lose momentum as you work towards your goal. Do your best to tackle something every day or as often as you can.

I’m the kind of person where if I don’t work at something regularly, I’ll lose my motivation, I’ll “forget” about it, and everything gets pushed back. But once I make it a habit, it’s harder for me to break it.

The gym’s a great example. Before I was a regular at the gym, it was so hard for me to workout. I would quit often and it was never a part of my routine even though I wanted it to be. But once I got some momentum going, it became hard to stop. Not all days will be fun or perfect, but I made it a habit and that consistency is what helps me get closer to my goal.

3. Remember your “why”

When you feel your motivation dwindling, remember WHY you want to accomplish this goal. There must be something that sparked this desire in you. Remember it and use it to refocus yourself.

It’s easy to want to quit when things get hard. But if this is something you truly want, use your “why” as the thing to get you going again.

4. Be kind to yourself

At the end of the day, you’re a human being with fluctuating emotions and feelings. You may get frustrated with yourself when you can’t bring yourself to work towards your goal. That’s OK.

Sometimes forcing yourself to do something can backfire. When you rely on motivation, it can only take you so far. And no matter how hard you try, you end up making no progress at all. Take a break and give yourself some time to regroup. Come back with fresh eyes and a clear mind. Chances are you’ll feel much better and more prepared to make some progress!

Small Progress is Still Progress

Goals are great but depending on what they are, they can be daunting to achieve. When you think you’re moving along very slowly, remember that small and slow progress is still progress. You may not get there as fast as you thought you would, but you WILL get there. Trust yourself that you can do it.

What do you do when motivation fails?

December 30, 2021May 11, 2022

3 Things to Remember When You Feel Food Guilt

I think it’s safe to say we’ve all had those moments where we’ve found snacks that are hard to say “no” to and before we know it, half the bowl is gone. Occasionally, we feel ashamed we allowed ourselves to indulge. Though I am better at dealing with it now, I still feel these feelings from time to time. With that, I want to share 3 things to remember when you feel food guilt that have helped me.

3 things to remember when you feel food guilt

That overly-full feeling is temporary

Yes, it’s uncomfortable eating more than you’re used to or eating foods you’re not used to. In the moment, it may seem like that full feeling will never go away. But, trust me: it will. Your body needs to digest food, doesn’t it? Eventually your body will either process it or eliminate it. That full feeling won’t last forever. Let nature and biology do its thing and you’ll feel more normal in a day or so.

Your body will self-regulate

After lots of food, you may notice your weight has gone up. I can understand why it would cause someone to freak out. I’ve felt that way myself; my anxiety creeps up and it’s all I can think about. But if you give your body a couple of days of what it’s used to, you’ll find that your body will settle back to how it was.

A scale weighs your entire body: fat, muscle, bones, water, and yes, the food you consumed. It fluctuates for a number of reasons: undigested food, you retained more water because of higher sodium foods, you hadn’t gone to the bathroom yet, etc.

But if you give yourself some time and go back to your usual habits, you’ll see your body will eventually come back to your maintenance.

You’re only human

Remember, at the end of the day, you’re a human being. Give yourself grace when things don’t pan out the way you wanted them to. Indulging in your favorite snack a bit more than normal will not be the end of the world and it will not mean all the work you’ve put into your fitness and health was for nothing.

I like to remind myself that “it is what it is”. Meaning, it happened, it’s in the past, I can’t do anything about it now, and all I can do is move forward. My food guilt usually comes up in social settings where there’s lots to nibble on. I remind myself that I may have eaten more than I intended to but a) it doesn’t happen often, b) I was making memories with friends, and c) overall, I enjoyed myself. That’s more important to me than anything else.

Final Thoughts

Food is fuel but it’s also more than that. Food is nostalgia, memories, a way to bond with others, and an experience. If feelings of guilt creep up, know that it will pass and you will feel like you again soon. Understand that sometimes things don’t go according to plan, no matter what they are. And when they don’t, accept it, and know that you will be ok at the end of the day.

If you’re feeling any shame, I challenge you to say one kind thing to yourself and post it in the comments below!

December 30, 2021May 11, 2022

How to stay on top of your nutrition while traveling

An aerial shot of meals and snacks I prepped for a domestic trip. Everything is labeled so I balance my food throughout the day. Being organized like this helps me achieve my fitness goals.

My eyes tend to be hungrier than my stomach when I’m traveling. Trying new foods is my favorite way of getting to know a new city or country. Since picking up macro counting in 2020, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to be more mindful about my food choices. And now I want to share them with you so you know how to stay on top of your nutrition while traveling.

How to stay on top of your nutrition while traveling

Plan ahead of time

A few days before a trip, I’ll pull out the Notes app on my phone to plan what foods I want to eat each day. I’ll typically pre-plan breakfast, lunch, and 1-2 snacks each day I’m away from home. I’ll leave dinner free so I can dine out. I also do this for the days I’m traveling to and from my destination. I like the guarantee that I’ll have something I enjoy eating and sits well with me.

Notes app screenshot of the food I bring with myself while traveling.

Package and label everything

When I’m traveling, I don’t want to spend my time worrying about what I’m going to eat for each meal. Hence the planning. I’d rather focus my attention on the activities I’m going to do. That’s why I package and label everything clearly so I know exactly what I’m eating and when. I use Post-It notes to label what I’m eating and pack it all in Stasher bags. They’re secure, sturdy, clear, and I love them.

I meal prep my food ahead of time and label everything so I know when to eat what I packed.

Keep it simple

I love an elaborate meal as much as the next person but when I’m traveling, I want something simple to prepare so I spend less time in the kitchen and more time exploring. I stick to simple ingredients that are easy to prepare and store. Here’s an example of a typical day of eating:

Breakfast – oatmeal packet, egg whites, peanut butter packet, blueberries
Lunch – tuna packets, rice cakes, eggs, greens
Snacks – Greek yogurt, berries, protein bar, banana
Dinner – restaurant food

Bonus tip: if you have leftovers at home that you need to get rid of, bring it with you! This saves you money and prevents unnecessary food waste

Maximize on nutrients

I aim to have a balance of carbs, fats, and protein in my meals. Obviously, when you don’t have access to your kitchen and your own ingredients, it can be a bit more tricky to maintain a well-balanced diet. Most foods you buy out tend to be more carb and fat dominant which isn’t always a bad thing but protein tends to be lacking. That’s why I love bringing my own foods for a few meals; I’m more likely to hit my protein goals.

If you’re not tracking macros, not to worry! Just keep it simple: aim for whole foods and to have some carb, protein, and fat source in your meals.

Be kind to yourself

When you’re traveling or on vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and indulge more than you planned to. It’s also easy to beat yourself up over it and feel guilty about it. This is your reminder that it’s not the end of the world if you end up eating more than you wanted to. You’re only human and honestly, food is fun and to be enjoyed! Yes, you may feel more bloated but once you go back to your usual meals and drink enough water, your body will feel more normal again. A few moments of increased food intake will just be little blips in the long run.

I hope my tips on staying on top of your nutrition while traveling help you in your trip planning! Is there anything you want to read more of or maybe you have tips of your own? Share your thoughts by posting a comment! 🙂

November 5, 2021November 30, 2021

Behind the Blog

Hello and welcome to Balancing It All. Behind the blog is a currently 30 year old multipotentialite who’s doing her best to balance work, fitness, food, and travel.

Why create a blog?

I had an epiphany recently where I noticed there isn’t a lot of content out there about people like me who are still trying to figure life out. I have a decent job, I have great friends and family, I take care of myself, and I travel. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very thankful I have that much security but there still seems to be something missing. A spark, I guess.

Anyway, we’re at the tail-end of 2021 and have dealt with the pandemic (and more) for nearly two years. With so many changes happening in our world, it has put a lot of things into perspective for me and things are (slowly) being put into motion. More to come on that!

I want this blog to be a one-stop-shop for my experiences and thoughts as a millennial trying to balance everything. It’s my hope that some of it resonates with you and helps you feel less alone.

What can you expect from Balancing It All?

As I said, this blog is about navigating this weird thing called life.

I can’t promise perfection but I can promise transparency and my perspective on still trying to figure it out as a person entering her thirties with all the good and not-so-good that comes with it. It’s scary, to be honest, but surely I can’t be the only one who feels this way. There has to be more of us out there and hopefully through this blog, I can connect with some of you!

If this sounds relatable, stick around! Let’s chat. What’s something you’re trying to figure out for yourself?