Hello My Dear Darling Friends!
This past week was a busy one! I was curious to feel out the flow of a typical week at school since the first week was out of the norm –we had a sub on Thursday and no class last Friday. I managed to maintain my workout habit along with my academics, but I did miss a few dance classes. This is honestly a good thing because it means that I am learning how to prioritize my time and my energy.
There was one major issue that turned into a theme this past week. I could NOT get myself to concentrate and focus. I would sit down to study and read, but my mind was constantly somewhere else. Part of me wonders if it is because I stopped drinking coffee 3 weeks ago? I am trying to stay away to save money and to be able to be more naturally alert. Yesterday I decided that my focus is suffering because I am not getting enough calories. As many of you know, I have been working hard to lose weight, but I am also super busy with school. In my first week of the quarter I was very sick. In this 2nd week, I was feeling better, but could not concentrate. I noticed that after each class I was absolutely famished and would pick up food on the way home. I did make healthier choices than I have in the past, but I want to start preparing my own food. I know that making my own food will also help me save money too.
Yesterday I made a nice big meal then went on a 5 mile run, but I had a stomach bug that sent me to bed super early. Thankfully I woke up feeling a little better and I went to zumba this morning and got a great workout in. I am a little bummed because I did not get any studying done yesterday. I am trying not to look back and just move forward from here. I needed that rest and after I finish writing this post I will get to work!
I am proud of the fact that I pushed myself academically this past week. I studied every day (except this past weekend) and when a list went around the room to volunteer to facilitate seminars I chose the very first one which happened this past Friday. That meant that I only had 1 day to prepare for our 2 hour long seminar in addition to preparing for a test and to write the paper which was also due on Friday. I was super stressed and scared, but I got through it and got lots of positive feedback from our seminar.
I am especially proud of myself because I know that in the past I would have chosen to co-facilitate with another student and let them take the lead. Also, I would have chosen a much later date with more time to prepare. This time around I decided to turn over a new leaf and chose the topic I was most interested in! My paper was not the best paper I have ever written, but now I know what the expectations are.
OCTOBER:
ZEAL
- Hone in Focus. I really struggled with this this past week and am going to do better this week. I hope that eating better food with more nutritional value will help me here.
- Examine True Rules. I am so busy with school, but will start doing morning pages again so that I have time to examine my “true rules.”
- Stimulate the mind in new ways. I want to start programming again too. I need to make time to do all the things that I want to do. The time is there, I just need to make it a priority.

This week my intention is to “Plan ahead and prepare.” I am going to write my menu down the night before. I am also going to write out a clearer schedule for myself so that the days do not feel like a surprise.
What intention are you setting for yourself this week? Please comment below to share!
Be Real. Be True. Be-YOU-tifully YOU.
❤ Alana Xoxoxo