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When I find something I love, I dive right in and never look back. I’m sure that on some level, you can all relate, whether with a hobby, job, relationship, or workout routine. But I didn’t do it with just one thing. I went from living at my mom’s house in LA to running a business from my own apartment in a new city. Then I launched a second business that I had dreamed of for years and found this awesome workout that made me feel amazing. Finding balance isn’t in my nature, or it wasn’t until I really needed it. For the longest time, I didn’t think it existed.

On Not Overdoing it and Finding Balance

Life went from pretty crappy to pretty awesome. Sure, I had my moments of loneliness and my share of struggles (don’t we all?), but I was much, much happier. I did deal with some stress and anxiety, but it’s gotten so much better. For the first time in a while, I am truly happy. I don’t know what it was, but everything was so much more extreme than it needed to be. I dove face first into work, a relationship and went a little nuts with my workouts 5x a week. You can only function that way for so long until things begin to feel awful.

CrossFit

Looking back, I was so obsessed with CrossFit that I couldn’t see clearly, and everyone (and I do mean everyone) who had ever met me or heard of me knew about it. I was all “CrossFit is the best I love it everyone should do it there’s nothing better. And also paleo is the best and everything should be paleo and I’m going to hashtag it every five minutes.” I’ll bet that was annoying. Sorry, guys. I still love CrossFit. I definitely don’t think it’s for everyone, but it’s great for me. And now I’m more like, “I really like CrossFit” and then I just stop talking. Fun, right? I’m still paleo, too, but don’t think it’s the only healthy way to go. It works for me, but I don’t need to talk about it all the time. I’ve come a long way from the time I checked in every time I hit a new PR or any time I worked out. I’ve found a little balance, and it feels so good.

Finding something less intense

Earlier this summer, I tried scaling back with cf and added spinning (which I loved) and sweat on state (cf without heavy lifting) to see how I’d feel. In the end, I missed lifting, but the fact that I got to a point where I’d even entertain the idea says a lot. I get excited about hitting new PRs, but I don’t push myself the way I used to. Focusing on what I’m good at (pull-ups and toes to bar) and stopped caring about weight lifting altogether. I don’t have to try to be the best.

Being less rigid

I cheated on paleo a lot this summer and didn’t give it a second thought. Drinking on patios is fun, especially when there’s a taco or some fried chicken. Or french fries. And also, I really like ice cream cones. I started my 2nd paleo challenge on the 2nd, but it feels so unbelievably different this time. No, I’m not really drinking alcohol right now (I know, I know. So boring.) and yes, I’m eating strict paleo. Still working out, but it’s just different.

I overdid it, pushed too hard, and compared myself to others.

But time passed, I grew up, and I learned a thing or two. That’s what life is about, right? I wrote this post because I want you to take some time to think about who and what you give yourself to. About what you value and why. If I can find “balance” anyone can. I’m working out to be the strongest and healthiest version of myself that I can.

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Finding balance is possible but in the end, something has to give.