I first entered the corporate world, as an interior designer, lived in a new city, and had to figure out how to balance this new lifestyle. I was used to time freedom and flexibility and now had to prioritize my day to include my 9-5 job, plus a 30 mile commute! Once I finally felt like I was getting my bearings, the pandemic hit. I literally worked from home for a day and half and then was furloughed for what would later be 6 whole months. In what was very uncertain times for just about everyone, I felt it applied to me especially. 

Now my schedule changed again – as in it became nonexistent. I had too much time on my hands and didn’t exactly know how to fill it or what to do and I felt hopeless in my situation. Looking around and seeing my friends and family still have their jobs, I thought I was the only one going through this period of unemployment. Up until that point, it was unheard of in my life to lose your job.

After a few mental breakdowns, I slowly began to direct my time and energy towards more proactive activities, rather than mind numbing ones. I started reading (to make my mornings as long as possible), took up listening to podcasts, and spent a lot of time outside. I knew I needed to do whatever was possible to help my mental health.

When my initial one month furlough was extended an additional 12 weeks, I knew I would go mad if I did nothing in my day. Thus, leading me to my personal training certification. I immediately began training with an outdoor boot company and fell in love with being in charge, helping people be healthier, and seeing how people left my class happier than when they arrived!