IN CONCLUSION
A week in the life, week after week.
Intermission
Life is life-ing right now, and I couldn’t be more grateful. With plans and the busyness of my current season it means that In Conclusion is taking a brief back seat for the next week or two. For all three of you who read this, I’ll be back end of the month. I can’t wait to recap the weddings, birthdays, travels, and the in between.
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite reads: The Alternative to Thinking All The Time
One of my favorite listens: The Science of Happiness
And a song I’ve had on repeat for extra credit: Motels by Royel Otis
I hope you let life, life and Tetris your priorities every now and again too.
See you so soon.
Week of March 25th - March 31st
I am
Someone who is thankful Jesus rose from the grave
As I write this, it’s Sunday afternoon after a long day of church, family, and food. It’s Easter after all, and those elements are the trifecta that constitute this holiday. In the past I’ve been disappointed in the message because it’s felt inauthentic and forced. Perhaps I’m biased, but the service at Exchange Church this year was amazing. I definitely thought that last year, too. If you’re Christian you know Easter is the Super Bowl. Pastors and churches leave it ALL on the proverbial field. I won’t say it’s any different at my church, but Pastor Josiah met me where I needed to be met and reminded me of the gospel in ways I needed to be reminded. I am ashamed to say I take the resurrection for granted, like obviously Jesus rose from the dead, so what? SO WHAT? Do I even hear myself?! When was the last time someone I knew rose from the dead? It’s kind of a huge freaking deal. And I water it down, forget abut it actually, so, so often. Many Bible stories feel like fantasy to me, as if these accounts were made up. Today I felt the weight of the reality of the gospel. That Jesus rose from the grave, that He is alive, and the same power that rose Him from the dead lives in us. Also, a key thing to remember is that it’s very normal to doubt. The people who literally saw Jesus after he rose doubted. Doubting is part of the gospel story and it’s something God can handle. If you find yourself questioning or want to listen to what Easter even means, here is a link to the service I attended today: The Day Death Died - I can assure you it is something I will re-listen to often so I am consistently reminded of what the resurrection means for me.
I want to be
Someone who is forward thinking
What I mean when I say forward thinking is considering the actions I take today that will impact my future. James Clear posted the following question on Monday, “Is what I’m about to do today connected to what I’m going to value over the long-term?” It’s a question I think about after a decision has been made, or in the in between when I am wishing I had thought it while at a crossroad. How does one habituate being mindful and less impulsive? I don’t think there is a straightforward solution, but it’s something I am seeking to imbed in my day to day.
I bought
Potential dresses for a Friday wedding event:
At this point, whatever fits is what I’m going with.
These earrings are definitely keepers though, I’ve decided that I’m in my pearl era.
This is the third pre-order book I’ve purchased this year and I am sooooo HYPED. The New Happy is a newsletter I look forward to every morning. It delivers me bite size pieces of inspiration to start and think about throughout my day. When I saw they were publishing a book the confirm purchase button was the only option!
I want to buy
I am due for a haircut and a highlight touch up, which means I won’t be able to afford anything else to buy for the foreseeable future.
I am doing
Miami
I went to Miami TWICE in one week. And I have officially hit my quota for the first half of the year. Some of the notable outings were Pura Vida in South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Omakai Sushi in Wynwood, and El Patio (Lol). My favorite thing about Miami is I get to speak Spanish and not come off like a try-hard. It’s simply the best and I need to get down there more often. Someone hold me accountable!
To do
Free writing
It is so liberating to just let it out on the page. Whether typing or writing on paper, the benefits for me are equal and I would like to do it more habitually. I’ve been writing more these past couple of weeks and I want to continue the habit. I encourage you to try it, too.
Week of March 11th - March 24th
I am
Someone who is finding the time and getting focused, walking with my mom, and stretching myself
The website took a backseat last weekend as I was in Nashville for a work conference, so this will be a two week look-back. A lot can vary across 14 days and I’m finding it hard to condense this entry into that time frame. While I can’t say I’ve been finding the time to do the things I need to do 100% of the time, I have felt more focused than I have in a while. I’m doing a better job of not beating myself up for getting fatigued, and embracing the times of day when I feel inspired. And when I don’t feel inspired, I suck it up and just do it when there are things to get done. Usually all it takes is starting.
I wondered if I would write that I went on a walk with my mom because in reality, it was only one time in two weeks. But it was so lovely that it is worth writing about and a reminder that I need to prioritize doing that more often. We do a 3 mile loop and talk about life, family, the future. It’s beautiful and I am so grateful I get to have these moments with her.
Stretching myself is a work in progress. I am going through the mental shift of building out and doing the habits of the person I want to be. For example, as few weeks ago I wrote about wanting to be someone who is patient. All it takes to do that is putting time between a desire and satisfying that desire. The only way to accomplish that is by DOING it. And that is uncomfortable and it stretches me. Right now I don’t necessarily feel like putting this post together. but I am doing it and being stretched. Little by little.
I want to be
Someone who is living in the present
This one speaks for itself and I don’t have it in me today to go deeper.
I bought
Apparently I have large veins and if I want to avoid leg pain in the future I am a slave to compression socks moving forward. The cardiologist said I should wear them during the day, so if you see me with knee high socks and shorts, mind your business (and now you know why). These aren’t my number 1 preference style wise, but they are the pressure I need and came quick. No complaints and would definitely recommend.
I want to buy
My roommate in DC and I only reference Revolve as Revolve Dot Com. That won’t be changing any time soon. For obvious reasons, Revolve Dot Com is my weakness. I could spend hours, yes hours, just scrolling. I have a handful of weddings coming up so below are some of the dresses I have on my wishlist.
I am doing
Like I mentioned I was in Nashville last weekend for a conference. It consisted of walking around Vanderbilt, the Parthenon, brunch at Adele’s, dinner at Bob’s Steakhouse, and a visit to the Studs store for some new earrings. Now that I’ve been back I am getting back in the routine and it includes a lot of grilled chicken. If anyone out there has a favorite recipe, I am all ears.
To do
Enough and less at the same time.
Week of March 4th - March 10th
I am
Someone who is trusting, sharing, and learning to be satisfied
For the past 28 years I’ve lived in my own delusional world where I convinced myself I am not someone who desires control. I now know that if you are human, you crave control. It’s just what we desire to control that varies from person to person. This week I felt the release of that. That need to control will no doubt come back, but right now I’m trusting God will figure it out for me the way He always has.
This week my grandma turned 86 (!!!) and she is still kicking better than the rest of us. I baked sourdough bread for her party, of course. The greedy and maybe controlling part of me didn’t want everyone to eat all of it so I could have some for later. That feeling bubbling up paused me in my tracks. Parties and gatherings are to share our time and resources with one another. I quickly snapped out of it and wanted everyone to enjoy as much as they wanted becasue honestly, I can make myself a whole loaf anytime I want. It felt good to release that feeling and see how much others enjoyed it. AND there was plenty left over.
I am learning to be satisfied with what I have. Notice I said learning. I’ll be back when I have it locked down.
I want to be
Someone who applies boundaries
I listen to a lot of podcast and in all of these podcasts boundaries come up often. What I’ve learned after hearing about them so much is that boundaries are about what YOU do. They can’t be put on other people to do. So if my boundary is not talking about a certain topic with someone, I can’t expect them to not talk about it. But if I ask them to not talk about it, and they do, then it’s up to ME to remove myself from the conversation because we can’t control others. It’s hard because boundaries often inconvenience us in the moment, but in the long term hold us accountable to being the people we want to be.
I bought
Blake has a Nespresso machine and it makes me soooooo happy. Mine is still in storage so getting to have a delicious cup when I am at his house is best. Since I will probably use it more than him it’s only fair I stock up.
THIS. This is a game freaking changer. I have mixed feelings about hair ties these days unless it’s the giant silk scrunchies I mentioned last week. I prefer clips if I can, but when I’m working out its impossible. Enter flat claw clip. This lets me do workouts on my back without the fear of it digging into my brain, but these let me do what I need to completely comfortably.
I want to buy
If you’re on Instagram or listen to podcasts, you may have heard of Just Thrive Probiotics. I recently listened to the founder of Just Thrive on an episode of the Skinny Confidential and I’ve drank the Kool-Aid. When it comes to probiotics, from what I’ve learned, they do it right with their spore-based formula. My gut health is trash and if this helps I am willing to try.
These sandals are my tried and true. I wear them everywhere because they are so comfortable and cute. It’s been a little over a year and my current pair are beyond worn down. It’s time for a refresh.
I am doing
Florida Renaissance Festival
Beach hangouts
Grandma birthdays
30 minute runs
To do
60 minute runs
7 hours of sleep
Therapy
Week of February 26th - March 3rd
I am
Someone who is “resting” and slowly, but successfully, more consistent and focused
The idea of resting and being consistent was originally counterintuitive in my brain, but hear me out. My morning routine consists of a workout 86% of the week. I mathed it up and what that really means is 6 out of 7 mornings I’m usually getting some movement in. Most of the time it’s a weight forward circuit class at IntensityX3. This week (and every week) they primarily target lower body. So on Wednesday my fifth alarm went off and I finally woke up for a 6AM Legs and Core. The difference to any other day is that I just could not do it. Instead I gave my legs and brain the needed rest via an extra 2 hours of sleep. It’s crazy to think I used to sleep through 10 alarms, truly no exaggeration. I would subconsciously turn the alarm off so quickly by clicking the side button - I would actually click all buttons so fast that I would have screenshots of my alarm. Embarrassing. Eventually it would hit me that I actually had to be somewhere and I’d jolt up in full fledged panic. A memory that haunts me is from my senior year of college when I was supposed to babysit for an ADPi alumni who was in Gainesville, FL. She had a big meeting, I slept through my alarm, and she had to bring her daughter to the meeting WITH her. My exhaustion and irresponsibility at that time of life is beyond my belief. You could say I’ve grown up a bit since then. I now have the opposite problem where I must wake up and I must do something in the morning. I know it isn’t a bad thing, don’t get annoyed with me! But, it is important to readjust the plans we make and take rest when needed, while still being consistent.
Which brings me to my next point, consistency and focus. On Wednesday, I slept in, but I also hit extra steps on my walking pad and did a quick arms workout between meetings throughout the day. I think the key to staying consistent, for me, is to be flexible. Don’t get me wrong…I am still very much learning this lesson. This consistency by way of flexibility has come to life for me this week in reading/listening to the Bible, keeping up with better eating habits (a lot on that later), and working on MisoMel. And this has been built on previous weeks of a flexible routine of setting apart dedicated time, keeping that commitment 86% of the time, and if I don’t, finding the next best time to keep it moving.
I want to be
Someone who is patient and has better memory
I say I trust God, right? But what does that even mean??? It hit me recently; having patience is having trust in action. There are certain parts of my life that I wish would fast forward because I want to know the outcome. In work, relationships, this website - I want to know how the story ends, but the chapters that make up the story are in the now and the discomfort of waiting. I think thats where God shows up…it’s not rushing but trusting (read: knowing) God is doing His thing and does not fail us. What I forget too often is that what I consider failures and what God considers failures are not the same. And 10/10 times it’s for the better.
You guys…my memory has gone to sh*t. The other day I had to drive back to my house after I left to confirm that I closed the door. Who does that?! I’ve been second guessing myself a lot lately and forgetting my thoughts and it’s freaking me out. Conveniently Fresh Air by NPR had a podcast this week on memory and it made me feel a little better. Of course I don’t remember the main points, but it offered relief in the moment. Anyway, if someone has solutions or wants to confirm I’m not dying I would sincerely appreciate it.
I bought
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10%
This is for sure cheating because I bought this on a subscription basis several months ago, but it arrived this week and deserves to be acknowledged. My skin, body, odor, and body acne are in decent condition because of this product. I lather it on 93% of my body when I shower and let me tell you, it murders bacteria. Since I am still learning what a boundary is, I’ll freely share that I smell and get body acne. My Instagram handle is in fact smellywright and it could be taken a few different ways: Smelly was a cute nickname for Melly given to me by my cheer coach and team in high school, I am obsessed with fragrances and perfumes are very important to me, and last, and honestly most true, is that I just freaking smell. Obviously I keep up hygiene so people don’t realize this as soon as they meet me but if I workout or wear a shirt all day…there will be signs.
Snickers who??? These are candy bars that just so happen to be protein bars. I chop one up and put in my greek yogurt for breakfast or snack situation, my boyfriend thinks its weird…he’s not usually wrong, but in this case he is very incorrect.
I want to buy
It is so exhausting to constantly be in a state of want, and if we are honest with ourselves, if we live in America and have a job it is probable we all have too much. But, for the sake of sharing something that’s on my mind, I’ll indulge you.
I just finished my bag of french vanilla and am thinking of trying the cinnamon cereal. The only reason I haven’t bought it yet is because I still have some extra Designer Whey (the one they sell at Trader Joes). One of my new years resolutions is to actually finish the things I buy, crazy concept, I know. So once thats finished I’ll be pressing go. If cinnamon cereal isn’t the right choice though someone please let me know!
I am doing
Listening to Aventura
You guys. Aventura is “back together” and going on a final tour. I don’t think I know how to dance bachata but when I turn them on I am convinced I’m an all star elite professional bachata dancer. Therefore it’s only reasonable I go to one of their shows and break it down - till then I will playing them on repeat.
Getting it off my chest
There is nothing like saying what you need to say. This is usually a skill I pride myself in having but the last few months found myself lacking. Last weekend I summoned the courage to share some things that were on my mind and heart, and it felt really good. I’ve been more brave this week and want to continue to use this muscle in the moment and at the right time. There is an art to saying what you need to, but at the proper time. Still working on that last part…
Went to Aldi
One word. Hate. Why did I feel like I was in the movie Left Behind and in apocalyptic times while I was in there? The aisles were disheveled and too spaced apart. The lighting and store vibe felt like the sepia filter. You have to pay a quarter for the shopping cart…like you’re kidding. I don’t know about you, but I go to the grocery store as an escape, a sort of therapeutic experience. Aldi was the antithesis of that and I will only be returning if I am chaperoned by a friend.
Starting Old Testament
Genesis is the most underrated book of all time. Notice I didn’t say least popular because duh, everyone and their mother knows Genesis. But why aren’t we talking about it?? Angels and humans potentially reproducing? The ark was one and a half football fields long? There was no negative impact from inbreeding while the population was growing because the gene pool was not impaired? Fascinating. Don’t sleep on the OT!
To do
Last week I said I wanted to take time to do my Excel course and journal, have I done either? Well, I journaled two times and didn’t even click the Excel link so that is a no. I’ve been feeling more inspired to journal out my prayers so this is the week to do so! I have no further comment regarding Excel.
Do the things
In one of my journaling sessions I wrote out a list of my daily and weekly “tasks'“ that I am striving to do. The categories in which said things were the following: faith, work, fitness/health, website, reading, cooking, and miscellaneous. Maybe this all comes down to a mindset shift right? I GET to do these things. Yep, that actually helped. Let’s see when I check in next week…
Week of February 19th - February 25th
Week of February 19th - February 25th
I am
Someone who is determined, creative, and has ambition
On Monday I felt energized. I had the day off but wanted to get ahead of the week’s tasks. I did a morning workout, read my Bible plan segment, and set off to a new coffee shop I was so excited to try. VI Coffee Bar in East Boca was so quaint and exactly what I envisioned for my morning work session. I ordered a cappuccino with whole milk, obviously, and about 45 minutes into working I decided to give in to my self indulged distracted thought to text a friend who lived nearby. She works from home so I figured I’d check in to see if she was being productive, turns out she was so I joined her at her home. Like most plans that start off with good intentions, we digressed and went down a rabbit hole of making the most of our creative ideas. Passion projects, websites, Pinterest…you get the idea. That conversation has led me to this very place. Right now I feel determined, creative, and ambitious, and I am going to lean into it.
I want to be
Someone who is more productive with my time and harnesses my creativity into a place where it materializes.
I believe I have good ideas. But my ideas seldom make it out of my brain, my notes app, or my short-lived jolt of follow through. It’s interesting, in my 9-5, my boss, external validation, fear of shame, and my salary are the FIRE that keeps the productive candle lit for me to execute the tasks at hand. However, in the spare hours that my personal and creative can be actuated, they don’t make it past the aforementioned gates that I hold the keys to. Why? How is it possible that my desires and reality of a fleeting life don’t evoke the necessary drive to just do. I want to marry my gift of ideation with my lackluster self-motivated skill of follow through. I want to be the person whose innermost thoughts live in the real world and come to life.
I bought
So glad I got off the fence and bought this. Great quality and instantly elevates a casual cool weather outfit.
I’ve been using these for everything, but mainly to sleep at night in a bun to wake up with natural heatless curls. I haven’t tried the Sleepy Tie, but I have a feeling these are just as good.
The Bible can be confusing. I’m 28 and am taking on reading the whole Bible in a year for the first time. This is probably my third attempt, so trust me, I’m as much a quitter as the next guy. There are moments I read the same passage three times and still cannot comprehend…enter Bible Recap. Tara-Leigh does a great job breaking down the text so my human brain can make it click.
The juiciest lip gloss! It’s giving 90s, it’s giving Bratz doll. I love the Status Update chocolate color.
Keep reading, I’m a sourdough girl now.
I want to buy
No really, I’m a sourdough girl now. Also, I totally already bought this, but have yet to use it, so we can pretend.
Mark my words, if I get this vacuum, it will literally become my entire personality. And for that reason, it will sit in the cart a while longer to spare everyone’s sanity.
I am doing
Sourdough
Okay, I promise this is the last time I’ll mention it. But I finally get the hype, and what I think it is, is that sourdough starter is nostalgic. Did anyone else have to create an ecosystem in the 4th grade where you stir some dirt, rancid water, grass, and a roly-poly in a mason jar. Then wait for it, put in a warm location and watch it evolve? I know it was mold growing in there, but still. Same, same. So sourdough is reminiscent and you get a little treat at the end, too. And no, I didn’t make the starter myself, I’m not Martha Stewart?
Weight training circuit classes 3x per week
A year ago I joined a kickboxing gym and let me tell you, if you talk to me, you know I go to IntensityX3. I started off so hot, 2 workouts per day, kickboxing focused workouts at 6:30am every day of the week until I hit a wall. All this talk about HIIT spiking cortisol and inflammation is making me question whether that’s been impacting me, so I’m tweaking my workouts a bit. I’m currently prioritizing the weight focused circuit training classes over their kickboxing classes + walking on my walking pad during the workday. All I’m gonna say is the jeans are a LITTLE bit looser.
Bible daily with the 365 day plan on Bible App
Not to be dramatic, but this really has changed my life.
Duolingo
What in the sorcery is up with Portuguese being hard for Spanish speakers to learn, but not the other way around. Is God giving Portuguese and Brazilian people a win since Spanish is basically second most important language in the world?
To do
If I could have dinner with anyone I think the only obvious option is Andrew Huberman. And if he confirms the journaling is good for you, no one can tell me I have any excuse in the book to do otherwise.
James 4:17 says, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” I don’t think James was referring to me doing the excel course I’ve had for over a year, but the lesson still hits. I really just need to do it and stop asking my boss to teach me how to do a V-Look up. I’m embarrassing myself.