Things Are Looking Up

I have a lot of goals for myself while I'm in Kentucky. If you talk to me outside of this blog I know you have heard this a hundred times, but that is the best way I know how to explain my mindset right now. I am in no way trying to be selfish, or a loner for that matter (I hate being lonely!) but I want to work on myself and my goals for the next 5 years so that when I graduate from Spalding I am not only Dr. Kaila Smith :) but I also have grown in other areas of my life.

My main goals are:
1. My Fitness. This has always been important to me, but I feel dedicated more than ever. I want fitness to become a big part of my life, not only for my body, but so I feel good. When I am active I am always more positive and I could use all the positivity I could get being in a graduate program!
2. Make Connections- This is important for me to have a future career in many areas. Now is the time to make connections with people. I may not be able to have a dream career right now, but I will soon and these connections will come in handy!
3. Become Financially Stable - well as much as I can while being a student. This is why I want to have a job and work as much on my free time as I can. I want to come out of school somewhat on my feet, not falling on my face. And I want to be able to have fun (and sometimes fun costs money) while I'm out here. Visit other states, fly home if I want, go on adventures! The fun stuff!
4. Learn New Things I've Always Wanted To Try- Fishing, Hunting, Kayaking, Concealed Weapons License! Look at all the fun stuff I can do! I don't want anything holding me back. Now is the time to do it all. That way when I get back to San Diego I already am a pro and can take my dad fishing and hunting and show him up! (I wish).
5. Enjoy My Me Time- This means if I want to relax, I can. If I want to go on adventures, I can. If I want to learn new things, I will. I guess this applies to #4, but I want nothing to hold me back. That means if one day I just want to sleep all day, heck, I will! Indiana is across a river. Ohio is somewhere close like that, Tennesse is a short drive and, well, I'm still learning the others states. But if I want to go to a different state every weekend, I will! What better time than when you're 22 and in a doctoral program.
6. Oh ya- Get My Degree- I guess I just see this happening along the way...accompanied by many sleepless nights, coffees, redbulls, mini breakdowns, and friend making. This is the ultimate reason I am in Kentucky. Don't get me wrong, getting this degree will be no easy task, but I've always kind of liked school, and always done better when I'm busy. I think after 5 years of striving for all my other fun goals I'll be like oh ya, I got my degree, I'm a freakin' psychologist. Whoa.

I'm sure there will be many more goals to come, but this is where I'm at---Day 6 in Kentucky. I'm going to focus on enjoying my time here by accomplishing goals for myself. Yes, I will probably be busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am already on my way to accomplishing my goals. I have a job, and a possible opportunity to move up in the company if I stick with it. I have a possible coaching opportunity within the next year, which is like a dream come true. I have many places around me where I can try new activities, and many people to help teach me! And I start my PsyD program next Monday!!

It's all about making the best of the situation you are in.