Today was one of those days where I felt like I was juggling a lot of different parts of my life at once. And somehow, it all made sense.

The Two-Hour Workout

I started my day at the gym. Two hours. Following a plan created by my trainer through Kickoff, a program covered by my health insurance. (If you’re interested in knowing more about this comment or respond to this email)

I have a goal: Lose 50 pounds in 2026.

And I'm not messing around.

The two-hour workout wasn't just about burning calories. It was about something deeper. It was about proving to myself that I can commit to something and follow through. That I can show up for myself consistently, without shortcuts.

When I finished, I felt accomplished. Not just physically tired, but mentally clear. Especially because I ate cheesecake, boneless wings, buffalo chicken dip, and mac and cheese. Did I say that????!!?!

Because this isn't about someone else's expectations. This isn't about looking a certain way for other people. This is about me investing in my future. My health. My body. My life.

And that investment? It's mine alone.

What the Gym Taught Me

Two hours at the gym means I have options. I have a plan. I have an answer to my problems.

Before, when I felt stressed or overwhelmed, I didn't know what to do. I'd scroll. I'd eat. I'd spiral.

Now, I have a routine. Well trying. I have structure. I have a place to go and a plan to follow.

And that structure is changing everything.

Because routine and habit stacking creates consistency. And consistency is what builds real change.

The Director Position

Something that is new for me is my new position: Director of Youth Enrichment for the Hui O Hawaii of San Diego social club.

I got this position around Christmas. It's my first leadership position outside of highschool or college. And it's completely new.

But it's also something I've been dreaming about for years.

My job is to encourage and inspire the youth of our community to participate in events, apply for scholarships, and preserve Hawaiian culture through youth involvement.

I've always wanted to work with youth. I had a dream to start a youth center in my hometown—a place where youth could channel their strengths, hobbies, and dreams into positive outlets. A place to network, grow, and meet other people. I still have that dream and can still make it happen.

And now, I'm doing that. In my community. In my culture.

Reconnecting With My Hawaiian Culture

Growing up, I was deeply connected to my Hawaiian culture. I could speak the language. I could dance. I could fellowship the local way.

But when I moved to San Diego, something shifted. I hid that part of myself. And that was my own fault.

Being a Director of Youth Enrichment means I get to reclaim that. I get to bring that part of me back to life.

It means the world to me.

Because this position isn't just about youth enrichment. It's about me enriching myself. About reconnecting with who I am. About honoring where I come from.

The Grocery Store Adventure

Today, I had to find a grocery store.

Sounds simple, right?

But I live in a part of town that doesn't have mainstream grocery stores. I'm used to my normal store, but it's now 20 minutes away. So I had to find somewhere closer that carries the fresh, good-looking, everyday groceries I need.

It was harder than expected.

And then I realized: This is what moving to a new place means. It's not just about the studio. It's about everything changing. The grocery store. The parking. The people.

I have street parking now, which means I can't just go to the store whenever I want. My parking spot might not be available when I get back. So I have to plan my grocery trips strategically.

It's a small thing. But it's part of adapting to my new environment.

Nala's Potty Training Crisis

And then there's Nala.

My dog. My family. My responsibility.

Every time we move, Nala has to relearn her potty routine. And I thought when we first moved into the studio that she'd be fine. That she'd adjust quickly.

But she hasn't.

So I installed a doorbell. A special one that she can use to let me know when she needs to go outside.

It's not just about potty training. It's about Nala adjusting to her new home. It's about me being patient with her as she figures out this new space, just like I'm figuring it out.

The Bigger Picture

Yesterday I said things were chill. What does chill mean? Well, it’s not chill! LOL joking. It’s a lot tho. Two hours at the gym. A director's meeting. A grocery store adventure. Potty training etiquette with Nala.

But it all connects.

It's all part of me showing up for myself. For my community. For my future. For my family (including Nala).

It's all part of the bigger intentional shift I'm making. Moving toward health. Moving toward cultural reconnection. Moving toward commitment.

And moving away from shortcuts. From hiding. From not showing up.

What I'm Learning

I'm learning that commitment looks like two hours at the gym. It looks like taking a leadership position in my community. It looks like finding the right grocery store. It looks like being patient with Nala as she adjusts.

It looks like showing up. Over and over. For myself. For my people. For my culture. For my dog.

And that's what today was about.

What's something you're committed to that requires showing up consistently? What's the thing you're investing in for your future? I'm curious what other people are building.

Reply

Avatar

or to participate

Keep Reading