BACK IN THE HUSTLE...

Summer came and went in a crazy whirlwind of joy, work, and sunshine. I had the opportunity to lead two productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, spend a lot of time with my momma and sister, and even go to take a European adventure with my husband. Incredibly grateful and not taking that season for granted. 

But, we are now back to school, back to the hustle, and back to meal prepped days living the dream. Personally-- I was not fully prepared for that reality to start back up. I have felt behind. If you have texted me you are probably aware of the insanely delayed response time. I have the consistent fall to-do list we all have that somehow is never 100% complete. Plus, I injured my hip by going full-out even though I wasn't warmed up and cross-training correctly So, its time to just stop. Breath. Reset. 

Because we as humans often glorify 'hustle culture' its easy to get caught up thinking about our dreams and doing all we can to run ourselves ragged while achieving them. Then, there is often a glorification about how much we have done. But, the question becomes what happens when you get the dream and you are too run down to continue it? 

We need to look at how to find joy and contentment in our lives--understand that the dream is coming-- there is a reason we have been given our passions. 

For me, this comes through simple practices (which I am terrible about keeping for myself). So! Through sharing them with our T.A.P community we are holding ourselves accountable.

1. Prioritize morning quite time (no screens): A dear friend recently mentioned soft morning. How perfect is that for fall? So let's make it happen. It so easy to wake-up and immediately check those notifications. Even if a good one is in the pile of many others, its so hard not to invade your morning space with the news, comparison to others, and consumerism. We are going to look eventually, but what if we stalled it just 30 min.?  Instead, light a candle, enjoy your morning beverage of choice, and then either sit quietly, stretch, or journal. 
2. Schedule in cross-training to avoid injury: I love to dance. Dancers love to dance. To the point where I only dance and walk as my two forms of exercise. Of course, the moment I popped back into my fall schedule I immediately re-injured an old injury. So, I am re-committing to actually cross-training at the gym and through yoga.
3. Meal prep enough to last one-week: Root veggies are my friend this time of year. But also! I am back to protein intakes that are a little higher, salad kits (cause who has time to make a homemade salad), and easy to pack bars and electrolyte drinks.
4. Schedule a weekly Artist Date: If you haven't read the Artist Way, highly recommend. But, whether its a coffee date by yourself to reset your creative base, and imrov jam with no goals in the studio, or walk to go get fresh flowers. Do the thing. Remind yourself why you create. Nothing feels better than re-igniting creativity.
5. Have one date a week with a friend: My community in NYC is one of the most precious things to my heart. It may feel like a lot to schedule in a moment, but let me tell you...always worth it. I always leave on a high from seeing the precious people that are on this journey with me.
6. Make decisions for classes, unpaid projects, and auditions based on goals set for the year: I think that is understood without explanation.

You do you, boo. This list is what I need right now. Figure out what your list is, and just commit to it. So then, by the time the holidays come around you feel ready to enjoy celebration, versus a burned out depression.

back to the hustle spotify playlist