Attitude of Gratitude

A friend of mine said it best: You love New York when you move here, you hate New York once you are settled and realize how overwhelming it is, and you become a true New Yorker when you accept that you will forever have a love-hate relationship with this city. I am currently transitioning into this last phase. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving and gratitude, I am dedicating this post to loving the things about New York that I hate.

Thank you, Q Train, for the incredible views on my daily commute

1. I am grateful for you, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (aka MTA).

I could start this post with nothing other than the bane of every New Yorker's existence, the MTA. You are consistently late and unreliable, you make questionable decisions, and every time I hop on it feels like falling back into an abusive relationship. But I forgive you, MTA. I don't hold it against you. Thank you for making all five boroughs of Manhattan easily accessible 24/7. Thank you for giving me freedom and independence. Thank you for forcing me to witness humanity close-up from so many different perspectives that I might not otherwise experience. But most of all, thank you for transporting me to bagels.

Working on a photoshoot with Mary for ivivva in Times Square

2. I am grateful for you, Times Square. 

If you have spent any extended time in New York City whatsoever, you will avoid walking through Times Square at all costs. Even reading the words "Times Square" made you New Yorkers shudder, admit it! Times Square is the most quintessentially "New York" part of the city, but it tends to lose its magic after becoming a resident. I am grateful for the way it continues to light up the faces of all the visitors I bring. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided, from photoshoots to Good Morning America appearances. Walking through Times Square is an exercise in patience, which is practice for being a good human. You may be my least favorite part of Manhattan, Times Square, but I appreciate you and all of your twinkling wonder.


3. I am grateful for you, people. 

Yup. Every single one of ya. I am grateful for you, deranged preacher man screaming at me before 9AM on a train running local. I am grateful for you, tourists that walk (slowly) on the sidewalk, inevitably in a formation eight people across. And I am even grateful for you, grumpy bodega owners that sell expired goods and grumble at me when I attempt to pay with my debit card. You all teach me to be better. You create innumerable life experiences for me that I am lucky to have. Being exposed to such diversity on a daily basis helps me to be more compassionate, more open-minded, and more unwavering in my pursuit of my goals. That is, after all, why we have all gathered in this magical place.

Not featured: the sea of people we had to push through for these views

There are many other facets of New York that continue to annoy me, such as endless lines for Shake Shack, walking through the farmers market at Union Square, and the expense of real estate, but I am still in search of gratitude for those. I can only do so much at one time. What are you going to love this week? 😇

Create Your Own Reality

A beautiful reminder in NoHo

This has been a truly transformative summer for me. I moved back to New York City, started a new job, and lived one of my biggest dreams by attending the Invitational Week of the Rockette Summer Intensive. Every day has felt new and life-altering. I feel like my life is finally aligning with my goals and I'm so excited to wake up each day. It hasn't been all roses, however. Living in New York can be very draining. Life after RSI was hard to adjust to. It's very difficult to spend a solid amount of time completely immersed and invested in something that means so much and then have it all stop. On top of those withdrawals, immediately following RSI, I had a heartbreaking audition experience that shattered my confidence. I spent a couple of days pouting and licking my wounds in the comfort of Netflix and junk food before I realized how harmful that behavior was. Every decision you make creates the reality in which you live. If you don't like it, create a new one. Take the reins to your own life. You will feel so much happier if your life is the result of your actions. Don't stand by and let life happen to you, happen to life and watch the world change! Here's how:


1. PERSISTENCE This is my number one piece of advice. If you have ever met me, I hope your one take-away is that I am a girl that never gives up. One of my goals was to work at lululemon, my favorite activewear company. I applied for that job 18 times over the span of a year. I called stores, talked to managers, and sent in application after application. I grew frustrated, but continued to apply. With the support of my dear friends Cassidy and Nicole, I applied an 18th time. Then I finally got it. What if I had given up after try #17? Pursue what you want with ferocious tenacity. Do not give up. Push until you break through.

2. PATIENCE Good things come to those who wait. Be patient and understanding with life. That audition in July went that way for a reason. It hurt at the time, but now I understand that I was just destined for something else. What's for you will not pass you. (Repeat this to yourself over & over again.)

3. ORGANIZATION Dedicate time to planning out your success. Set deadlines and hold yourself accountable to them. Write detailed plans and hash out step by step exactly how you plan on achieving your goals. Then follow through. If you feel lost, map out how to get to where you want to be. Spend time journaling, organizing your calendar, and preparing for your amazing future. Become familiar with your intentions.

4. SQUAD Surround yourself with people that only lift you higher. It's cheesy, but true. Surround yourself with those who have similar visions and your life will be elevated. Form your posse and stick to them. Lean on them. Together we're better.

5. POSITIVE LANGUAGE This is especially important to those in my industry. Say yes to your own self. You are worthy. Do not let anyone make you feel less than! Compliment yourself. Spread love to others and it will return to you 100 times over. Positivity is infectious. Take charge and stand up for optimism, even when it feels impossible. Especially if it feels impossible. And if you do feel sad, recognize and honor that. Identify the cause and see if it's something you can prevent in the future. Life has natural ups and downs. Revel in the ups; do not be overcome by the downs. Bad days exist to remind us how grateful we should be during the good days. Don't be too hard on yourself. Life will do that anyway. :) 

On to New Adventures

The inspiring chalkboard wall at Ivivva

I have been back in New York for a little over a week now, and I am finding my new rhythm. For the last five years, I have always been a part of a program of some sort, whether it was college or the Professional Semester. This is the first time I have been completely on my own in regard to time constraints or obligations. Having so much freedom feels wrong, but I am learning to live in this feeling. And a few days at the beach on Coney Island have certainly been helping me to adjust...

Behind the scenes at GMA

Since I returned I have been busy building my future. I was hired by my favorite athletic-wear company, lululemon, as an educator at Ivivva (their children's store) and for their social media team.  It has been a dream of mine for years now to work for them, and it has been everything I have ever hoped it would be and more. I love the company because it is so goal-oriented and truly makes the most fashionable fitness gear. I will admit, I am an addict. My first day began with a discussion of my visions & goals and ended in a glitter-covered yoga studio getting my namaste on. The team is a dream, the atmosphere is inspiring, and the work is something I am passionate about. I am excited for many years of growing in my new job.

I was also grateful to pursue an opportunity available to me because of my training at Broadway Dance Center. Our connection to the amazing faculty resulted in casting for a segment on Good Morning America. On National Selfie Day, GMA set out to create a world record for most selfies taken on air during the span of one hour. Our job was to rotate through the studio taking selfies with Sara Haines, the lifestyle anchor on GMA. So for one glorious hour, my fellow ProSems and I smiled for millions of viewers to see. It was a very fun experience, one I will remember for years. We even got to share a set with Anna Kendrick!

Now I am gearing up for my next adventure: Invitational Week of the Rockette Summer Intensive, which begins tomorrow. (!!!) For the last four years I have worked tirelessly for an invitation into this elite training program. When I received my e-mail, I cried for hours. To finally achieve something that I have worked so hard for and that is so near to my heart is an indescribable feeling. I can't wait for this magical week to begin. I might not be able to sleep tonight. It feels just like Christmas! Over the course of the next week, I will spend my days training exactly like the Rockettes do: rehearsing from 9:30-6 PM at St. Paul the Apostle Church, the Rockettes' rehearsal space. We will be learning several routines from the Rockette repertoire to perform at a showcase on Friday afternoon. It's one step closer to living my dream. I'll write a huge post about it once I have had time to process the experience!

Say Yes to Your Best Life

Flywheel's gorgeous TriBeCa location

Yesterday morning I checked off another item on my NYC bucket list by taking a spin class led by Holly Rilinger, celebrity personal trainer and star of Bravo's fitness docu-series Work Out New York.

Spinning is slowly becoming my newest fitness addiction. It's 45-minutes of pure dedication and physical exertion. A spin class is unlike any other fitness class I have ever taken, as it takes place in a dark room to take the focus off of what you look like. You are encouraged to close your eyes and simply connect to the rhythm. As you match your pedaling up with the beats, the instructors guide you with inspirational mantras and praise.

Holly told us something that I really connected with. At the beginning of our class, she reminded us that we only have one chance to do today. It is completely up to us to decide how our day is going to go. We have the option to sit out or show up for ourselves. She asked us to always show up for ourselves and give ourselves the gift of a full life by always saying yes. I resonated with this because I feel as if I have been living by this motto since my move to New York. I am so aware of the chance I have been given and am determined to make the most of it. Living in a city of such infinite possibility, I know that every moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could ultimately change my life.

The incredible views from the Roosevelt Island Tram

I have had so many adventures since moving here that began with me saying "yes", my favorite being my sightseeing escapades with my dear friend Trinity. After meeting for brunch earlier this week, she asked if I would be interested in riding the Roosevelt Island Tram. I had never heard of this, and excitedly ran off to the subway with her.

The Roosevelt Island Tram carries you from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island through buildings and skyscrapers, across busy city streets, and alongside the Queensboro bridge. I was mystified the entire ride. City skylines remain one of my biggest sources of inspiration. As I was gliding through Manhattan, I was reflecting on the days that have passed since I moved to New York. It feels surreal. I'm not sure when my life here will ever feel like reality.

My program at Broadway Dance Center kicks off Sunday evening, and although my "vacation" is over, I am so happy to begin dancing full-time. That is all I have ever wanted.

New Home for New Adventures

As the new year quickly approaches, so does my new adventure. I will be moving to a new home in January (!!) and wanted my blog to have one as well. healthybunhead has been my brainchild for almost two years and after many long hours, she is finally ready. Welcome to the world, my dear!

In January I begin training at Broadway Dance Center through their program called the Professional Semester. I auditioned for this program in Chicago this spring and was accepted that day. The program is targeted at dancers who want to establish their professional career in New York City. I will be taking at least twelve technique classes a week, attending weekly seminars and master classes, participating in mock auditions, and rehearsing for the final showcase. The ProSem has turned out many successful students who have gone on to become Radio City Rockettes, back-up dancers for Beyonce, and tour nationally for several Broadway musicals.

Living and dancing in New York has been my dream as long as I can remember. This is a goal I have been working toward for many years and I can't believe that it will soon be a reality. It is an adventure that I am both excited for and afraid of, but I know that I am ready. Buying a one-way plane ticket to NYC felt like an out-of-body experience, but the countdown is on! I leave January 4th!

This blog will be my home for all things dance, fitness, and my life at large in the Big Apple. I can't wait to share my stories & experiences!