looking back at my first seven months living in New Orleans

my life just feels so full. i'm firing on all cylinders, and i feel like i'm accomplishing so much.

i'm so excited to get up every day, and i feel like my time is being used in a way that is valuable.

i've never experienced having so much (life-wise!), and also so little (money-wise!).

through my practicum, i've been able to speak with directors of incredible youth programs all over the country. people are doing big things, and they're doing them because they passionately believe that they make a difference for these kids. it's actually beyond believing, because they're seeing the differences in these kids. people have been so kind, so open and honest and forthcoming with my time. they've taken my calls and answered my emails and shared so much with me.

that's not even to mention all of the people in New Orleans this summer, those associated with Youth Run NOLA, coaches, staff, students, teachers, the board, parents. all of them volunteering their time and caring passionately about the future of the program. their commitment to the program, and to the work that they do, has kept me excited, engaged and committed to my own work. i was so scared when i started this process, but i really dug in, and i'm getting there through pure hard work and tenacity. i have seen changes in myself, changes in my confidence in my work, my brain, my value, my energy.

i'm excited for where this role will take me, for the skills i've built and the directions it will take me. i'm also excited to stay involved with this program, into the fall and beyond. i'm excited to meet the kids this fall, and to see my plans put into action. i really feel like the work i've done will impact the health of the children of this city that i love, and directly support volunteers doing work that is invaluable and important. that lights me up. it gives me goosebumps.

i'm happy and engaged with my work at Lululemon, too! i really feel like i'm building a community of coworkers and friends. i've never been in a work environment where so much attention is put on relationships, building a sense of community, encouraging everyone in their goals (both inside and outside of the company), and people are consistently recognized for what they're doing right. i love that about my workplace, and have never felt those things before (to that degree). i'm managing community events, like our weekly in-store yoga and our soon-to-launch weekly run club, which i've spent a lot of time planning. i've met a lot of exceptional people, who i look to for support and who i run into all over the city. i've been able to try new things: yoga on rooftops and in the park, spinning and circuits and crossfit and dance and paddleboarding. i'm proud of the work i'm doing.

i've carved a place for myself in this city, and even though it's only been eight months here, i feel so at home. i've run with the bulls, run in a red dress, run over a bridge and a 10k across the city. i've seen music outside and tropical storms and mardi gras parades and eaten foods i'd never heard of before. i've met a lot of people that i already consider close friends.

there's a lot left to explore, and i'm excited for what's to come. i'm so thrilled to be coming home, to be able to reset, relax and get some perspective. but i'm already ready to dive back in! big things are coming this fall, i can feel it!