Forget fear.

Is it better to do what you love and be poor - Or be rich and miserable?

Many say money doesn't matter but sometimes you really need to pay the bills. (and benefits are nice)

This year I get to graduate twice! The University of Winnipeg is giving me a degree and I'll get a diploma from Red River College. This is a very exciting year. I've been a student for the past 19 years and I've finally perfected the art. It's all coming to a bittersweet end and reality is beginning to set in. Unfortunately there's no job openings for a professional student anywhere.

The pressure to get a job is more intense than ever. Now I must use those pieces of paper I've earned to get me a 'real' adult job. Without going into too much detail, I've found two jobs I'm head over heals for: one in promotions and one as a PR yogi. I have my two dream jobs! (While working my retail job - this girl needs clothes!) So what's the problem?

Do they pay the bills? For now they do.
Do I love my bosses? That's an understatement.

I still worry. That's the problem. Logic says I should be working a big girl job one that's 9-5 Monday to Friday that has a pension and a good blue cross package. The smart woman I've become has been taught year after year that is what is expected of her. This is why I've been putting so much effort into my education. I've put in the effort now it's time to find a real job and reap the benefits. If I'm not working one now, I should be actively seeking one. Except I'm not.

For my work placement this semester I decided to take a step back from being in control and let the world decide where to put me. My thinking was where ever I go I'll make the very best situation out of it. There's no bad work placement. It's what you make of it that counts. (This is very different from my perspective last semester where I was very determined to get out of town - and I did)

Fate, if that's what you call it, introduced me to one of my dream jobs as a PR yogi. I couldn't believe how crazy wonderful this opportunity was and I felt as though it presented itself to me. I didn't actively seek it out. It was similar to my promotions job. The sequence of events have been odd and it's been about being in the right place at the right time and meeting the right people.

I'm not actively seeking a 9-5 Monday to Friday job for two reasons: 1) I'm still in school 2) I'm ridiculously happy doing what I love.

They say if you love what you do you'll never have to work a day in your life. I think that's how the saying goes. I feel truly blessed to have these opportunities and honestly I want to go to work, it's fun, and I can't believe I get paid for it.

When I start thinking about the future fear creeps on in. Am I making the right decision by staying at part time jobs that are semi unstable? If I want that big house with two dogs and a good retirement fund I should start looking for that desk job somewhere.... It doesn't help that both my parents are well educated government workers who've worked their way up and have wicked jobs.

Then I'm reminded I'm 22. I've got a few years to enjoy these jobs and who knows what doors they'll open. I need to stop getting caught up in the expectations that come both internally and externally. It's time to forget fear, stop thinking 'what if?', and do what makes you happy. Choose the path that puts a smile on your face and gets you out of bed in the morning. I've decided poor and happy is the right fit for me - for now. I've chosen to believe when you're happy on the inside the rest will fall into place.

It's flu season. Watch out!

Dearest blog readers,

I hope you're feeling good and keeping your health in check. I got the flu this week and it knocked me out! I couldn't believe something so little could make you feel that bad. I'm pretty sure I got it at the Keith Urban concert (which was a blast I dare say even though I'm not a true country girl). 

The flu was three days of un-fun. I made that a word.

At first I didn't think it was the flu... I was just at a concert all night - but then the more the symptoms added up the more I tuned into the answer.

My symptoms:

• Fever - that was fun. Then came the sweats. And then the Chills. I'd say the chills were the worst. I couldn't stop shaking for 20mins and my finger nails started turning blue. Ew.
• Headaches and/or body aches - Ouch. I couldn't decide which side to sleep on - back - front- side- they all hurt. 
• Fatigue. Still feeling weak today. There's barely anything in my system. My body is slowly rebooting. 
• Nausea, vomiting, and...well you know that happened. 

How to avoid the flu:

• Get the shot - So obvious. I don't ever go for one because the last time I got the flu was when my mom bought home the new Swan Princess on VHS ... a.k.a 1994. From now on, flu shot please! They just came up with an inhale method to get the vaccine. For kids. I'm a big kid. 

What to do once you have the flu: 

• Getting plenty of rest. SLEEP. Seriously it's the best remedy. Amen to sleep. 
• Drinking clear fluids. Water, tea, and G2 was my go to - I needed a sport drink to replace the electrolytes I'd lost to prevent becoming dehydrated.
• Humidifiers are good especially in winter to help you breathe better  
• Hot showers and warm blankets. There's no other way to calm the chills. 

If you get the flu, which you might, a good reminder is just try to make it through the day because the end is near. Mine only stuck around for two and a half days. It's short lived but it certainly sucks. You might still be contagious for another week afterward so be careful. Good luck comrades! Stay happy, stay healthy! 

There's no place like Om.

I'm a Prairie Yogi!  All thanks to Monique Pantel and Rachelle Taylor, two CreComm Alumni, who are beautiful both inside and out. They've created the Prairie Yogi community where us yogis get together in the best venues to do some relaxing and often much needed yoga. You get to meet some amazing people, laugh a lot, and feel good. It's the best. 

This past weekend I had the pleasure of participating in my 3rd Prairie Yogi event. It was their Body Mind Soul Cleansing Workshop. We did some Bikram style yoga first then settled in and got to see Kalee Mund in all of her cooking glory making an ayurvedic meal for us. 

What is an ayurvedic meal you ask? Let me give you the gist. Ayurveda is an ancient medical system in India. It's about treating the mind, body, and soul in a holistic manner to heal itself. It's a system of living that involves a healthy dose of diet, exercise, and meditation. It comes down to balance and taking care of yourself as a whole. The meal Kalee made for us was called Kitchari. It's a cleansing dish to aid in digestion and energy. In it's simplest form it's a soup made from rice and mung beans. After dinner we chatted while enjoying some stuffed dates and tea. It really hit the spot! 

If you want to find out more about the recipe or Prairie Yogi go to prairieyogimagazine.com.

Sunday was a such great day alongside one of my best friends Amanda as we sweated it out and ate a delicious meal. Thank you to Prairie Yogi for putting on another successful, wonderful, and inspirational event! Can't wait until the next one!