This time of the year brings me back to the last two years when I was working retail, and it was absolutely insane going into work each day. I think about some of the people that came in and definitely let the weather and stress of the holidays get to them, and then I think about the people who were overly understanding and so kind. BE THE KIND AND UNDERSTANDING PERSON. It makes such a difference when you are understanding about what someone is going through. It is very hard to work in that environment, let alone work in that environment and have someone be a total jerk to you. This is the time of year to be thankful and cherish everything that we have. Next time you're in line at a Dunkin Donuts drive through, pay for the order behind you; next time you're frustrated about being in traffic, let a person out from a difficult turn; next time you're shopping at a hectic store, ask the worker how their day is going! It makes such a difference if you pay it forward, especially during this stressful time of the year.
     It is such an easy task to be kind to other people, and somehow that is the first thing people forget when they get stressed and caught up in their own lives. You never know what other people are going through so definitely give them a smile, and ask how they are doing. This is the season of giving. There is nothing that makes me more excited than giving my friends, family, and boyfriend gifts for the holiday! Giving is something I want to focus on everyday. Therefore, this is my promise to do 3 kind things a day to random strangers. Now, I'm not going to go out and buy dunkin donuts for the whole world, but I definitely will be more aware of this while I'm driving, (since I am a total masshole driver), shopping, or even interacting with people at work. Remember during this holiday season to pay it forward, be a kind human, and be understanding!!

         Recently, I had someone take my class again for the first time since the first class I've ever taught. They came up to me at the end of the class and told me how completely different my class was, how much more confident I was, and how my playlist flowed so well. This really opened my eyes up to how much I have evolved and changed since the very beginning. I am now six months into teaching. I used to get so INSANELY nervous before teaching every class. Now, I get SO excited and ready to go. I used to spend HOURS making each and every playlist, listening to it over and over making sure I had the counts down. Now, I am able to whip up a playlist in 30-45min and trust my knowledge of the music with only listening to it a couple times. I used to overthink every little thing I would say during class. Now, I just go for it and do the damn thing. I think what I realized was that I have really come into my own person as an instructor. My first class, I was a nervous reck. I knew what I was doing, but I had no idea what to expect. I had NEVER taught to a room full of people before. You eventually adjust and are able to be completely confident and yourself to that room full of people, and thats what makes it YOUR class. You connect to your class in a specific way and are able to make your students and clients feel a certain way about a workout.  Being an instructor is about forward motion and progression. I believe that I have come so far from where I began, but that I still have a long ways to go!