Happy Thursday! How’s your week going? Anyone doing anything for the Fourth of July? I’m actually working the weekend at the hospital, but still hoping to plan a few social outings.

I thought it would be fun this week to share some stuff I’m loving for summer.

*Current Fragrance: Replica Beach Walk

*Restorative Yoga: This gentle style of yoga focuses on stretching and calming your brain and body. You use, like, all the props and basically just lie there, periodically shifting positions. It’s an amazing complement to other forms of exercise. I always sleep so well after an evening session. I wish the studio I frequent offered it more often!

*Catch-up dates with friends and contacts. Having more control over my schedule has finally given me the freedom to plan meetings I’d put off for way too long. It’s been so nice to see people in person instead of exchanging countless emails, texts, and Facebook messages.

Oh, and I have news! I’m going back to school, sort of, this summer. For the next year, I’ll be completing an online health coaching certification program through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. It’s been on my radar since before I even went to school to become an RD. It was really important to me to get the science and medical background first, though, and I’m glad I did, as I use that stuff on a daily basis. Even outside of the hospital setting, it’s incredibly important to what I do. That said, I have my sights set on some places that I need to spread my wings a little (or a lot) to reach. I’m looking forward to filling in some of the gaps in my education and learning new skills. It was a decision I spent a really long time on, and since I’ve been completing the pre-course materials to gear but, I’m feeling really good about this choice. I’m curious to see what the next year brings.

I was recently featured in the quarterly newsletter for the Greater New York Dietetic Association, and the last interview question made me want to crawl under a rock and sleep off my impostor syndrome. The interviewer asked me if I had any advice for younger members or members just getting started. Advice?!  Me? And yet, the answer came quickly: Don’t get caught up in the game of comparing yourself too others.

I need this advice just as much anyone, probably, but I can say that as I’ve worked on calming the comparitis, I’ve noticed a huge shift in my anxiety, stress, and productivity.  When I saw this post on the Women IRL Instagram feed the other morning, it basically made me want to weep with joy.

What are you loving lately? 

This post has been part of another Running with Spoons Thinking Out Loud link party, where randomness is the name of the game. Thanks to Amanda for hosting.