When you’re at a life turning point

This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, especially with our upcoming move back to Valdosta. 

LOU 7662

(Photo by the incredible Lou Mora. I’ll share more in our staycation recap post!)

When we first moved to Valdosta, I was at a major transitional and turning point. I was a new wife in the squadron, and had very little knowledge of how it all worked. I was also in a new spot with my job. I worked retail and taught dance classes throughout the end of high school and college, and when we moved to North Carolina and then Valdosta, I had a hard time finding a job associated with my degree (Finance). I was offered a decent-paying retail management position at a department store before we moved to Georgia, and decided to go for it.

Needless to say, that didn’t end up working out. I rarely saw the Pilot because the hours were long and our schedules often conflicted, and I got burned out pretty quickly. During the end of my time there, I started to research teaching group fitness classes and got my certification. When I quit my job, I was teaching fitness classes and started training clients.

I had no idea what I was going to do with my life, but knew I wanted it to involve sharing health and fitness with others, and from there, the blog was born. It’s funny how things can come out of such a transitional time. I remember crying in the kitchen to the Pilot because I didn’t know what to do with my life and I missed all of my family and friends. 

Now that we’re going back, I can’t help but feel a little pit in my stomach despite the fact that this time will be completely different. I have a job that I love so much and can take with me wherever we go (yay blog!), and we still have friends and connections in the area. We have two little lovebugs who keep me very busy, and we’re going to have a blast exploring our new place.  I CAN’T WAIT to take some Orlando and Jacksonville road trips with the fam! 

I’ve considered different teaching possibilities, but will likely wait until we get there to see what I decide to do. Who knows, maybe I’ll finally dip my feet into the yoga teaching pool. Even with all there is to think about and look forward to, it’s definitely a time of uncertainty.

Today, I thought I’d share some of the things that helped me with that first transitional time. I would love to hear any of your tips, too, for fellow reader friends who might be moving, switching jobs, or experiencing some changes this fall season.

-Talk it out. Talking to anyone who would lend an ear helped me so much. I think this is such a great way to determine potential ideas and solutions for when you feel *stuck.* Even though the Pilot chuckled a little when I said I was first starting a blog (he just wanted me to stop buying things online haha), he always listened to me vent and helped explore solutions. I am a huge advocate for therapy, too, so seek out a therapist near you. Mine always helps me come up with an action plan when I feel overwhelmed.

-Do something you really love. Make time for a hobby or something you enjoy. This is random, but since Meg brought over her ukulele, I suddenly want to learn how to play it. I might take a few lessons this fall just for kicks. You know I’ll be singing some Hamilton ukulele jams haha.

-Get fresh air. Whenever I feel blah, stuck or overwhelmed, fresh air works wonders. Right now I’m making a conscious effort to walk the dogs regularly, which is good for them, and good for all of us! I always feel more centered when we get more.

-Explore as many options as possible but don’t drive yourself crazy. I find that it helps me to narrow things down and focus on the things I can do and control right now. Everything else will have to wait until it makes sense. For now, all I can really do is browse houses, think about moving strategy, and try to plan for our short stay in Tucson. 

-Trust in the process. This is definitely one of those “easier said than done” type things, but I found that sometimes when change is on the horizon, the best thing I can do is focus on right now. I tend to get two steps ahead of myself, so if I bring myself to the present moment, I realize that everything really is ok.

So tell me, friends: anyone else with some big changes or turning points on the horizon? What helps you when you feel stuck or overwhelmed?

xoxo

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64 Comments

  1. Lindsay on August 23, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Praying and reading inspirational articles are helping me right now. Change may seem terrifying but it is a good thing and a part of life. Good luck on your next adventure in Georgia!

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      thank you! yes, inspirational articles help me a ton, too <3

  2. Ali on August 23, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Yes! A few years ago, in my early 30’s, I was in a job I hated and decided to quit, sell my house and most everything I owned, move 2000 miles away, and go back to grad school. It was extremely scary (despite having moved away a few times before – it’s just different in your 30’s!). I have a lot of settled (married with kids in stable jobs) friends who really discouraged my move because they thought marrying my boyfriend at the time was a better idea (because that’s where they were in their lives), but the move was the best decision for me. I feel like I am just now getting my feet back under me, simply because I have a more flexible schedule and because I find that it takes me about 1.5-2 years to really build a new life in a new place. I can’t say I’m 100% happy all the time, but I found someone in my program in a very similar position and we have been huge sounding boards and support to each other. This was the absolute best way for me to adjust. Sometimes I really feel overwhelmed, lost, and lonely yet but it helps to organize and write down all that needs to be done and then give myself a break and go for a walk with my dog, watch a movie, or just be lazy for a little while! Things always seem bigger in my head than they do on paper. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      that is SO true. it seems so daunting once you get it down and can devise and action plan
      it’s amazing that you listened to your heart and are still happy with your decision. may everyone have that little bit of gusto to do something that’s initially uncomfortable, but smarter and better in the long run <3

  3. Liz on August 23, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Yes! This summer, I had to move back Dallas unexpectedly and with that, I had scramble to find a job and get some studying done to wrap up my degree…my last semester will be this fall and after that, I need to find a full time job and pay off my debt. I feel like I understand what you’re saying, its kind of nerve racking not knowing whats going to happen, but I feel like I should look at this like an exciting time (anything is possible!). I’m currently looking into freelance computer drafting jobs and maybe turn it into a side thing that I can do any where. I feel like its going to be a tough start to get this off the ground, but I want to try it anyway!

    I really enjoy your blog, and have always shared it with people who are just starting their fitness journeys. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:16 pm

      thank you so much for sharing the blog <3 i appreciate it so much!
      it sounds like you have a lot going on, too. i'm sending lots of good vibes your way <3

  4. Devan on August 23, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    We are currently going through a deployment, expecting orders once he gets back, and I am trying to finish up my master’s and find a job wherever we end up! I feel you on all the transitions! I am totally OCD so it’s driving me a bit crazy. All I can do is focus on training for a half because it’s about the only thing I can control 🙂

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      oh man. you have a lot going on, too.
      it’s so hard when you’re a planner, but everything is out of your hands. the unknowns are the hardest for me.
      good luck with your half training and everything on the horizon!

  5. Katie on August 23, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    This is kinda where I am right now… I am going into my last year of university. This is the first time in my life where I don’t know what I will be doing or where I will be living in less than a year. But I am just trying to, as you say, “trust in the process” and not worry about things I can’t control right now. It will all work out the way it is supposed to.

  6. marti @fitwithheart on August 23, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    Feeling stuck and overwhelmed is when i dive deeper into personal development! whether it be reading…podcast…or whatever it is – personal growth or professional growth has helped my mindset a ton! – every once in a while i get in this overwhelmed state where i feel like i have SO MUCH to do but don’t know where to start..that is when i sit down and put pen to paper and have a BRAIN DUMP – for some reason just getting it down on paper helps my mindset too! then i know where to start – and if you don’t know WHERE to start just do SOMETHING! i feel so much better 🙂

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      do you have any books or podcasts you’re loving right now??
      that is a great tip just to write everything down. it usually doesn’t seem so daunting once you have a list and can make an action plan

  7. Memphis on August 23, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    My go-to, especially after a move, is to find a local running group! I’ve always found them to be incredibly warm and welcoming communities. I’m introverted and awkward and have a hard time making friends. I moved about 3 months ago, and I haven’t made any “real” friends yet, but I see familiar faces for a run every Saturday morning!

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:08 pm

      oh, i love that tip! my running group in tucson was SO AMAZING. it can be hard to make friends as an adult, and it took away a lot of the awkwardness 🙂

  8. gena @ sober life victory on August 23, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    Love this post. I’m going through quite the life turning point. I’m finding writing, sharing and lots of reading helping. My mother’s entire family lives in Valdosta and my brother was stationed there for six years. Now he is in Pensacola. I can’t wait to see the adventures you have in Valdosta.

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      no way! that is so cool that they’re in v-town. i can’t wait to see all of news spots that have opened
      thinking of you in your own turning point, too.
      xoxo

  9. Cora on August 23, 2016 at 6:02 pm

    Whoa, you always know what I need to hear. I’m a nanny that’s leaving my family after 8 years. The youngest was only 3 months when I started, and couldn’t be dearer to my heart. (Tearing up as I write this) The point is, although I couldn’t be more excited for my new adventure ( I’m selling Lularoe) change is hard, and heartbreaking and…scary. It reminds me of the quote about the seed. For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.
    Cynthia Occelli

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      oh my gosh, i can’t even imagine. p’s babysitter has been with us since she was a newborn and i had my multitude of doctor’s appointments, and thinking about moving away from her makes me cry. she genuinely loves p, and is so amazing. i’m sure your family feels the same way about you.
      i’m really excited for your new adventure, though! (PS i have one lularoe shirt and love it!!)
      thank you for sharing that quote, too. it was everything i needed to hear.
      xoxo

  10. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on August 23, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    Yes to talking it out and trusting in the process! This really helped me when I moved to Omaha!

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:05 pm

      <3

  11. Stephanie W. on August 23, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    Oh my goodness, I am so right there with you!!! I needed this post like you wouldn’t believe! I just finished my Masters degree in occupational therapy and passed my board exams. It’s super exciting! ….but the job hunt hasn’t been as easy or a process as I was anticipating. There’s a few OT schools in my area, most of which finished up a few months ago, so competition is tough, particularly on the super desirable jobs. I am trying not to stress too much about it, but it is a bit overwhelming! There’s so much to consider! Especially when I think about how whatever job I pick could set the tone for my entire career! I try to limit that thinking, though. Focusing on the present helps me. It also really helps me to talk thing out with anyone and everyone who is willing to listen! Good luck to you guys! Maybe I’ll be able to catch up with you some day now that you’ll be on the east coast!

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:05 pm

      that would be amazing!
      and OT!! YAY FOR OT. my OT helped so much when i first hurt my hand. i’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you on your job hunt. very thankful for what you do.
      xo

  12. Valerie on August 23, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    I am at a transitional point right now and I think journaling helps a lot. Sometimes you have feelings that you just need to get out and there is no one to talk to. It helps me a lot to write them down on paper

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:04 pm

      that’s a brilliant idea. maybe i’ll try that <3

  13. Katie @ Live Half Full on August 23, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    Here is one of my favorite quotes that has helped me through the past year. I’ve gone through a ridiculous amount of change and it’s helped so much!

    “There’s three things you can do when life sends a wave at you. You can run from it, but then it’s going to catch up and knock you down. You can also fall back on your ego and try to stand your ground, but then it’s still going to clobber you. Or you can use it as an opportunity to go deep, and transform yourself to match the circumstances. And that’s how you get through the wave.”

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:04 pm

      i needed that. thank you <3

  14. Karen on August 23, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    I feel that the best advice for big life changes is to just take it a day at a time. I got divorced this year, and quiet literally had my entire life change overnight. I had to leave my home, move across the state, change jobs, etc. I’ve always been someone who thinks too much about the future, but at that time I really couldn’t think too far ahead or I’d start to panic. I just told myself to take it day by day, minute by minute if I had to, and that eventually things would get better. Just remember that the thing you’re worrying so much about today will look completely different next year. Time is a miraculous thing- just give it time. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      oh man. reading your comment just gave me the chills. i can’t begin to imagine everything you’ve been through this year. i hope that it’s already on the ups for you, and i’ll be thinking about you. <3
      so so true about time. when we were in the middle of reflux nightmare and my medical stuff, i wrote a note in my planner for p's birthday that says something like "you made it!" just writing it gave me a ton of comfort in the fact that one year from that point, we would be in a different place.
      sending lots of love to you <3

    • Julie on August 24, 2016 at 10:51 am

      I’m going thru a breakup right now, too (significant other of 3 yrs is moving out). I also tend to obsess & worry about the future. Taking it day by day (or min. by min.) is such good advice! And to remember that a year from now I will most likely be in a much better place & this will seem like a bump in the road. Thank you!

  15. Kristen on August 23, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    If I feel stuck, overwhelmed, depressed, etc. I usually let myself have a few days to wallow in it, because first and foremost, you have to give yourself a break and feel how you want to feel, but after a day or two, I just start to ask myself “What about this situation can I control, and what can I do about it?” Even if it’s something small, just reminding myself that I do have a say in what I do or what happens to me can be very powerful.

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:02 pm

      that is so true. i find comfort in tackling the things i CAN control; it’s just letting go of those i can’t

  16. Corinne on August 23, 2016 at 8:52 pm

    Gina, I admire the courage it takes to “put it all out there” and acknowledge that life isn’t always easy. In May I graduated medical school, in June I moved to NYC and in July I started my medical residency. Needless to say it’s been a time of major transitions, both personally and professionally.

    Getting out of the house for some fresh air always helps me too, even if it’s just to run to the drugstore or out for a cup of coffee. Another big one for me is “nesting”; my home is a sanctuary and my safest place. For me it’s the little things that can be the most comforting: fresh flowers, towels straight out of the dryer or spending a few hours in the kitchen prepping healthy meals.

    xo
    C

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      thank you, friend. i appreciate it <3
      it sounds like it's definitely been a season of transition for you too, but i hope you're loving NYC and your residency program. that is amazing.
      love the point about nesting, too. i'm a stress cook and stress cleaner. it seems to help a lot!
      xoxo

  17. Julia on August 23, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Um. Chocolate helps. And exercise.

    Last year I was homeschooling for the first time, switched churches, and moved back to a different area of town. It wasn’t a massive shift I suppose, but it threw me through a loop. I started exercising more frequently and just suffered through my emotions, honestly. I talked to a few trusted friends about it, but not at length.

    This year my husband started a job with way more responsibilities and longer hours and we’re expecting our fourth kid. I don’t always handle change well because it surprises me even if I know what I’m getting into. May I not fall apart when I have four kiddos lol.

    I wish you all the best because a cross country move with two kiddos is a lot. If anyone can do it, it is you!

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      chocolate cures all 😉
      and 4 kids. you are a rockstar.
      what do you think of homeschooling? it’s something i’ve considered with our constant moves but i’m not sure i’m cut out for it haha

      • Julia on August 24, 2016 at 7:12 am

        I feel awesome that you just called me a rockstar. Having any amount of children qualifies a woman for that title!

        I’ll keep it brief here about homeschooling (can I…?), but I’d be happy to email more in depth info if you have more you’d want to ask about.

        I live in Texas, where our laws are very homeschool friendly. We have a great organization that lobbies the state house/senate for homeschooler and parental rights issues. Anyway, my husband and I are both public school educators, I’m certified still with an M.Ed. which research proves makes me no more qualified than any other home educator, just saying.

        Every state has laws regarding homeschooling, here’s Georgia’s: http://www.hslda.org/hs101/GA.aspx

        And lastly, the main thing – education. There are hundreds of homeschool options and curriculums, from all inclusive boxed sets, to fully online digital schools, to parents who piece together a curriculum based on their child’s needs. Standardized testing (PSAT) begins in 3rd grade and any parent can sign up for those to track progress as well.

        I love how my boys are each others peer group. We do outside P.E., sports leagues, and have put them all through two years of preschool just to get them used to classroom structure and authority. From reading the blog, I can tell you that your ability to make friends and get involved is a huge plus were you to consider homeschooling. It would cut into your blog time, but ultimately might make life more flexible to you.

        This was not short, but if you want to ask me anything else I’d be happy to email with you, and if not, no worries. 🙂 I’m always happy to talk about what we’ve decided for our family.

  18. Jess on August 23, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Yes great tips! Having a good attitude and treating it like a positive adventure make the,world of difference!

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 9:59 pm

      it totally does. even if you have to fake it till you make it 😉

  19. Bethany on August 23, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    I really needed to read this! We are overseas and jobs are tough! I love working but I love being a mom and wife more! My degree is in Radiography and I had always planned to work part-time once we started growing our family. Well, our we are overseas and part-time is not an option. I have spent so many nights crying because I do not know what to do. I enjoy working and I believe part-time daycare is a good thing for my son. The balance is wayyy off right now though and I feel stuck! We are praying for God to open doors as he sees fit. Until then I am knocking at all the doors I can =)

    Living the life we live is hard! It revolves around our spouse and requires great strength! You will find your way and your move will be home….again =)

    • Fitnessista on August 23, 2016 at 9:59 pm

      thank you, friend. i’m thinking of you and hoping that the perfect opportunity pops up. you are super strong. i would love an overseas move, but the logistics of it all seem very overwhelming to me. hang in there <3

  20. Erin Motz on August 24, 2016 at 12:02 am

    That first pic is GORGEOUS. And I know (almost) exactly what you’re going through. When we were getting ready to move overseas, I swore I’d never felt so many different emotions all at once and the anxiety/overwhelm was SO. REAL. Here’s what I did to stay somewhat cool and collected, haha 😉

    1) WRITE. Non-public, non-pressured writing. Just “talking” it out to myself to organize my thoughts & feelings was huge.
    2) Remember that anticipation is worse than reality. The anticipation of all the different steps and processes is really worse than the things themselves. Even when there’s a lot to do, you can only do one thing at a time and it all works out in the end. As hard as it can be to relax, it helps to remind yourself that it’s going to be fine. When the little details get overwhelming, pick your head up to look at the big picture, remember that it’s not such a big deal in the grand scheme of things, and relax 🙂
    3) Read blogs/articles/talk to people who’ve made similar moves! I internet stalked everyone I could to read about how their transition panned out and it always made me hopeful.

    Plus, even though you’ve spent time there before, there’s no doubt going to be TONS of new experiences to be had this time around. Your life is so different than what it was the first time, and places evolve and change, too, so who knows what unexpected things are in store for you guys there now.

    Much love to you! Looking forward to reading about your journey 🙂
    xo

  21. Sarah F on August 24, 2016 at 12:41 am

    I loved this so much- and super timely! I’ve spent the past 3 years living in the UK and am moving back to Canada tomorrow. Not where I’m originally from, but a new city where my sister lives but no one else I know. Plus I’m starting a new job and my boyfriend and I are starting our 6 months apart (before he can move from the UK to join me). I definitely love your tips. The only other thing that I do is to give myself permission to really feel all my emotions. I used to try and bottle up “negative” emotions and try and be happy all the time. But now I let myself feel sad and overwhelmed and nervous. And I remind myself that “this too will pass”.

  22. Julie VerHage on August 24, 2016 at 2:08 am

    OMG, Gina, I soooo needed this. I’m currently studying for the NASM and hoping to leave my corporate job to be a trainer and spin instructor in the near future. This is such a helpful post, since leaving a steady job is such a hard thing to do! I am so glad all of this has worked out for you, although I am sure there were times along the way where you questioned your decision. Side note: Funny that I was also a finance major in college lol. Looks like we both like numbers, but love to be creative as well.

  23. Katherine on August 24, 2016 at 2:27 am

    Yes! As a military spouse, I totally understand your apprehension about the next transition. One thing that helped me a lot was getting a dog and taking her to the dog park and for walks. I got out of the house and got more exercise and fresh air, and I met a fantastic community of new people!

    Now that we have children, it’s a little different. I think the majority of my time is spent thinking, did we all eat? Get to sleep on time? Get to school? 🙂

  24. Erin on August 24, 2016 at 5:10 am

    These type posts are really good for me right me espcially being that I am in the middle of a career transition. Last week, I quit my full time job, this week I started waitressing part time, and next week I will be starting my RD internship. I am really excited about my internship, but feel very overwhelmed which has resulted in restless nights. Not sure how I am going to handle my internship, homework and working… but just like most things, everything will be okay in the end!

  25. Leslee @ Her Happy Balance on August 24, 2016 at 5:27 am

    I’m making a big move away from family and friends to a different state to do my dietetic internship. I’m leaning a lot on family and friends to get through the stress of moving and figuring out a new groove while working in an unpaid position. I also turn to exercise, essential oils, and bubble baths to try and relax. Trying to trust in the process! Wishing you all the best in your transition and looking forward to following along.

  26. Taylor on August 24, 2016 at 5:53 am

    I can definitely relate to your first move. I transferred schools in college (from Cincinnati to Utah) to be with my husband for his job. We were across the country from our families and friends and both knew noone. I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do so it was a tough time. I started seeing a therapist when I lived there and it was such a great decision for me. I think sometime people think something bad has to happen to need to seek therapy. But for me, I choose to see a therapist in those “unknown” moments in life where I am just trying to figure myself out. It helped me tremendously just to voice my worries outloud.

  27. Lindsay on August 24, 2016 at 6:33 am

    My husband just got hired at a University in Houston and we’ll be moving in December. (Merry Christmas?) I’m at the point where I feel like I’m losing my mind with deciding what to do with our house, how am I going to find a job there, where are we going to live, etc. and I’m definitely in need of some solid advice. I think ramping up my exercise routine is definitely going to help because it helps relieve stress and get me out of my head. It’s hard to worry about moving when all I can hear in my head is screaming. 😀 I’ve also decided to do more yoga in the evenings to decompress. These things are helping to deter myself from doing what my first inclination is – EAT ALL THE THINGS! Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

  28. Anonymous on August 24, 2016 at 6:43 am

    My dad passed away unexpectedly this summer, and at the same time I am finishing a fellowship, studying for my boards, and about to move to a new city for a new job in a week. I literally cannot imagine a crazier, more emotional, and more transitional time in my life. I focus on putting one foot in front of the other, and sometimes it is getting through week by week, sometimes day by day, and sometimes when things feel really difficult, it is minute by minute. Relying on friends and family for support and reminding myself that I am strong are essential right now. Also need to remember to be kind to myself and allow myself to have those hard moments. As my dad always taught me, only by allowing ourselves to cry and really feel what we feel can we move forward. <3

    • Sam @ Barrister's Beet on August 24, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      Hope you’re hanging in there. You sure do have a lot going on! I hope you’re practicing self care and refilling your tank at the end of each day or week. Thinking of you during this difficult time : )

  29. Amalia on August 24, 2016 at 7:01 am

    Oh gosh I so hear you on this one.. Last summer we found out we were pregnant and moved to a new city (not too far though). I quit my job to stay home with the kids and work on my pilates instructor certification, but I have just been a weird place since. I will say though, that I always feel better when I get up and go for a walk with the baby while my oldest is at school. Then as soon as I get home I shower, get dressed, and do something. Even if it’s Target, and I don’t even need to buy anything (which is like, impossible at Target- BUT) just do SOMETHING. It’s so easy to hole up in the house, and that just makes me feel even more yucky. I like the suggestions you offered! I need to give some of these a try!

  30. Ally on August 24, 2016 at 7:55 am

    Oh goodness, how I needed this. I am looking to move from Virginia back home to Arizona to get my master’s degree, potentially do ROTC, and then from there, who knows. My boyfriend and I are currently separating, though we live together, which makes the living situation that much more complicated. I’m unhappy in my current career, and I would LOVE to go back to school. Especially if it means being closer to my family. It’s been a really tumultuous and stressful couple weeks and there have been so many days where I quite honestly just don’t know what to do. But I keep telling myself to take it day by day, because that’s all I can honestly. do.

  31. Melissa c on August 24, 2016 at 8:45 am

    For me, prayer is most important. Knowing God has me in the palm of His hand is comforting. Also, Knowing my husband will listen and help me sort my thoughts! And I read a quote that stuck recently for hard seasons it reads- ” EVERY CLOUD RUNS OUT OF RAIN.” This too shall pass… Enjoying where u r on the way to where you’re going.

  32. Katie on August 24, 2016 at 9:17 am

    This was exactly what I needed right now!!!

    My husband is in the long process of potentially being transferred to Phoenix. We’ve known about this for awhile now, but it’s taking a lot longer than we anticipated and might not happen until the beginning of next year. So, I’ve been overwhelmed trying to stay in the moment while also figuring out how we will find a place to live (we live on the East coast), how we’re going to get our stuff there – do we sell it, ship it?, how are we going to get the cat there, and also trying to save as much money as we can while we both have full-time jobs. I’m excited for the opportunity to go out there and find something I really love, but am also nervous as hell!

    What’s helping me right now is to slow down but stay active. For me that means a ton of yoga and power walking for cardio. Oddly enough, HIIT workouts make me more anxious. Staying present is hard work!

  33. Sarah B on August 24, 2016 at 9:19 am

    Like a few others, I am about to start a new job. Today is actually my last day at my current job! I have been in my current role for 2 years, but with the company for 4. At 28, it’s the longest I have worked for the same company. Starting a new job is terrifying, as the company I’m leaving is GREAT. However, the opportunity to progress in the company is limited for me. I’m hoping I love my new job and it’s a smart career move. I knew I was ready for a change and figured I may as well take a leap of faith and REALLY make a change. Good luck to everyone out there taking a leap of faith, whatever it may be!

  34. Sam @ Barrister's Beet on August 24, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Thanks for the post, Gina! Perfect timing. I left my job as a full-time attorney last Friday to pursue my dream of being self-employed and an entrepreneur. It is SO unbelievably scary to leave something you’re used to, even if you don’t totally love it. To me, the potential benefit is worth the risk. The thing I love about your post is that it serves as a fantastic reminder to practice self-care during a time of intense transition/stress. I think your tips will be really helpful to get me centered, calm, and remembering why I’m doing this in the first place. Because if I don’t, my instinct is to just run back to what I’m comfortable doing.

    Also, I give you total kudos for figuring out a long time ago that you could have your own (flexible!) business and be portable. It’s so inspiring and I hope you know how much people like me look up to you!

  35. Bobbie on August 24, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    I am starting a new job in 2 weeks. This move is both scary and exciting. Change is always a little rough. I get through it with a lot of prayers and knowing that his ways are better than my own. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this upcoming change in your life. It helps to read that others are transitioning too. Makes it a little less scary.

  36. Robin on August 24, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    What a great post! My 20-year self would be shocked at the way my 38-year old life has turned out (SAHM vs career). I think its useful when feeling down to make a “grateful” list. It helps ground me, reminds me of everything I’ve gained, what a wonderful life I’m so lucky to have & to remember that the grass is not always greener.

  37. Katlin on August 24, 2016 at 4:46 pm

    Loved theses tips! We recently moved from Ohio to NC for my husbands job and I have been struggling. We left our families in Ohio and I’ve been struggling lately with all the changes. Luckily I have two little ones and my job that I was able to keep to give my mind something to do, but it seems like something is missing. I know it will take time to adjust and I just need to keep that in the back of my mind.

  38. Ali on August 24, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    Such amazing advice. Especially the talking and leaving things that don’t make sense until they make sense.

    This is actually an intense time for all of us – pretty much everyone I know including myself is going through a sort of massive upheaval right now. We are all being called to let go of the things that are no longer serving us (mostly mindset and view of self stuff), and in a way I think we are not being given the choice anymore if we want to change or not 😉

    One thing that can also help is to look back on all the other times life threw you for a loop, and remember how it worked out well for you in the end. Remember all the times you thought life was falling apart or were scared of what was happening, and then remember all the amazing things that ended up coming out of that shake up. Helps to put things in magical perspective instead of dooms day perspective 🙂

    <3 <3 <3

  39. Annette on August 25, 2016 at 8:21 am

    such great tips!! If you get ready for a trip to Disney World, let me know and I’d love to send you a box of Disney treats beforehand to surprise your daughters with 🙂

    Hope the move and everything go well!! I’ve been reading since you first moved to Tuscon, so it’s always been interesting reading how you handle the big changes that come along with those moves.

  40. Jessica on August 25, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    I have lived in 3 different countries now and I would say GIVE IT TIME. For me, it usually takes about a year before I feel settled and comfortable in a new place. I love your suggestions as well, being an introvert makes it hard to make new friends sometimes, but you do need to find people you can talk to!

    • Fitnessista on August 27, 2016 at 11:31 pm

      that is so true. you can’t expect everything to instantly click <3
      wise words.
      hope you're having a great weekend!

  41. milania dela cruz on August 25, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    This is a good topic. I have been reading your blog since 2011 Gina!! That’s before I started psychiatry residency. I am now on my 4th year of residency (here in Brooklyn NY) and I just have 10 months left… now what do I do next? my family is in California (san fran area), my boyfriend is in Tallahassee, FL, but he may move to CA and I have an interview for a public psychiatry fellowship in Columbia Univ here in NY… waahhhhh!!!! I.have.no.idea.what.to.do.
    anyway… love that family pic!!! Miss little Penney is such a cutee pie lil chubb chubb munchkin and Liv is growing up so fast!! both super cute!! it’s fun to see them grow up. I’m sure they would go along well with my nieces and nephews! and yes…that’s the one thing too… i’m 36 and I should start having babies right??? life is crazy.

    • Fitnessista on August 27, 2016 at 11:28 pm

      thank you so much for reading for so long, friend <3
      it sounds like you have a lot going on, too!
      and there's no clock for babies. 😉
      have a wonderful weekend!

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