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The Final Push

January 7, 2013 by Lindsay 55 Comments

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Hi Friends!

It’s Monday. But not just any Monday. My break is over and today is my first day at my school food service rotation. This rotation is 4 weeks long and i’m hoping it will go by quickly. Actually I’m hoping the whole rest of my internship will go by quickly.

My mom posted this quote on my fb wall the other day:

2013

It couldn’t be more true for me. Almost exactly 4 years ago, I left work early and drove down to the local community college to attend the first night of my “going back to school” adventure. It was a Sanitation and Safety class and it bored me to tears.

Over the next 4 years I went on a whirlwind ride. I went from just going back to become a Diet Tech to deciding I wanted to take it all the way to becoming an RD. I took more math and science classes than I ever wanted to. I spent more hours studying for those classes than I care to admit. I worked full-time while taking 3 classes a quarter. I quit my job to go to school full-time. I got accepted to Ohio State. I took classes at two schools simultaneously while working a part-time job. I graduated. I gave a speech as valedictorian. I passed my Diet Tech exam. I made new friends. I learned A LOT about nutrition. I took tests. I did so many case studies that if I never have to do another one again, it will be too soon. I worked my ass off to maintain a 4.0 GPA. I applied for internships. I spent dozens of sleepless nights stressing about internship applications. I got matched to my first choice internship. I graduated again. I started my internship. I completed 16 weeks of said internship.

It’s been a LONG road, friends. And I’m tired. I’m tired of being a student. I’m tired of being an intern. I’m ready to be done.

You’re probably wondering why I’m tell you all of this…but there is a point!

The point is this: There were so many times on this journey when I could have given up. When I could have taken the easy way out…done something that would have taken less time. There were so many times when I could have done less, not worked as hard, just slid by. But here’s the thing:

dream

So I didn’t give up. I worked harder. Because I’m doing this for me. So that I can spend the rest of my life doing what I love. And yeah, 4 years seems like a ridiculously long time…but like the quote says, those 4 years would have passed anyways. And if I HADN’T made the choice to follow my dreams, it would still be 4 years later, and I’d still probably working the same job- no better off than I was before.

Instead, I DID take those risks. And I’m HERE now. I’m happier. I’m smarter. And I’m less than 3 months away from finishing my Dietetic Internship!

It’s time for the final push.
3 more rotations.
1 big exam.
One dream COME TRUE 🙂

And then what happens?

dream2

Then it’s time for new dreams! Bigger dreams.
Stay tuned, friends- big things are coming!

So for those of you out there that are sitting around giving up on dreams just because you think they’re too big, or too hard, or that they’ll take too long…Remember this:

IMG_6824

Dreams are meant to be scary.
They’re meant to push your limits.
And some of them may take a while to achieve.
But you know what?
That just means that when they do come true,
they’re that much sweeter!

 Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

PS. The winner of my Oakley Sunglasses giveaway has been chosen!

winner

Congrats girl! I sent you an email 🙂

 

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About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    January 7, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    Congratulations!!! I can’t wait to see what you do with your degree. 🙂

    I’m not gonna lie… I’m a little jealous. One day I’ll grow a pair and make a career change… I think…

    Reply
  2. Julie says

    January 7, 2013 at 1:09 AM

    Good luck Lindsay!

    Reply
  3. Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says

    January 7, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    You should be SO proud of all the hard work and effort you’ve put into getting where you are. Amazing!! I can’t wait to see what you do with it all.
    PS- The “dreams don’t work unless you do” quote is one of my favorites!

    Reply
  4. Tami Grandi says

    January 7, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    Lindsay, you don’t have any idea how timely this post is- I have it saved in my google reader so I can come back to it and respond with more but I wanted to at least comment. Oh, and interestingly enough- I have a post scheduled for Tuesday about dreaming big dreams!

    Reply
  5. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says

    January 7, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    You got this!
    I remember hearing someone complain about taking a year to work on something. The year’s gonna go by anyways – wouldn’t you rather have X goal completed by then? People are always shocked when I tell them it took me 2 years to lose 60 pounds because it seems like forever. Well, it was, and that was 4 years ago and every day I’m grateful I stayed with it!

    Reply
  6. Kami says

    January 7, 2013 at 6:58 AM

    This is a very timely post for me as I am working full time as a teacher and my first day of grad school is next week. I’m not going back for the usual teacher stuff like administration or a master’s in education. I’m going for mental health counseling which is a completely different and unexpected route for a music teacher. It will take at least four years to complete and two years after that to be state licensed. I’m also working on losing around 80 pounds, so it is a dream big time in my life right now.

    Reply
  7. Carissa says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Girl I LOVE this post! And I have felt the exact same way and wanted to give up so many times. I start my first internship tomorrow in the hospital. Keep pushing, you’re so close!

    Reply
  8. Maureen says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    You got this! You inspire me daily & I love following your journey toward THIS dream! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Purelytwins says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    best of luck girl!! you can do it…you have done so much. hang in there because we know you will be doing great things (even though you are already are doing great things!) so happy for you

    Reply
  10. lindsay says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:23 AM

    oh woman, i have been in your shoes. And let me just say, you do it with more joy and poise than i ever did. True PASSION! Go get em!

    Reply
  11. Gabby @ Gabby's Gluten-Free says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    Best of luck!! I’ve been there (hello, grad school) and it’s tough towards the end. Your passion is infectious! DO IT!

    Reply
  12. char eats greens says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    Such a great post and it makes me even more certain in my decision to go back to school too! I felt so uncomfortable going back last year and thought it was a mistake almost immediately, but I’m glad I got past that initial shock!! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this new path (for both of us!!)

    Reply
  13. Anne says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    Now THATS how to start a Monday 🙂

    Congratulations on everything!

    Reply
  14. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    You got this girl! The light is at the end of the tunnel! And just remember what a difference in so many people’s lives you are making!!

    Reply
  15. Ashley says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    Hear, hear!!!!

    Good luck getting through the day! Before you know it, 3 months will be over quickly! I applaud you for setting your goals and sticking to them!

    Reply
  16. The Candid RD says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    Good luck Lindsay!! Let me know if you want to come and help me update ALL my clients to ADIME status 🙂 Talk to Julie, she’ll know what I’m talking about!

    Funny, I just pinned that quote your mom sent you, YESTERDAY. Ironic. I love it.

    Reply
  17. Becky @ Olives n Wine says

    January 7, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    Congrats!! You are so close to being done 🙂

    Reply
  18. Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:10 AM

    I just LOVE this post. There’s not much more that I can pick to use other than that word. I’m so proud of you and hard you work to become who you want to become and to go where you want to go. That’s how it should be. My husband gets upset sometimes when I spend a lot of time with my nose in the books, and when my 4.0 shows up at the end of the semester, he understands. It’s just what you do when you’re passionate and hardworking. (And he’s just as nose-to-the-grindstone when it comes to work. lol)

    Here’s to your final 3 months, girlfriend!!!

    Reply
  19. Miz says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    GO GO GO GO GO LINDSAY!!!!!!
    it’s time for some new dreams here, too.

    xo

    Reply
  20. Betsy says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    That is so awesome! Congrats!

    Reply
  21. Michelle says

    January 7, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    I love this! It’s so true that the time passes by anyway – so you might as well suck it up and push for your dreams! I can’t think of one thing that I’ve pushed for or even failed at that didn’t help me in the long run. You just have to keep reminding yourself that it IS worth it.

    Good luck with your final push!

    Reply
  22. Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness says

    January 7, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    What a brilliant post I love this! Best of luck with your new career!

    Reply
  23. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says

    January 7, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    You are so cute, love your quotes. It is a long journey but it’s a great career choice. I’ve never regretted it and all those long hours will make you a better RD. Hang in there!!

    Reply
  24. misszippy says

    January 7, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    Congrats to you for working so darn hard for so darn long! What a great reward for all your hard work–doing a job you love. Well done!

    Reply
  25. Andrea says

    January 7, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    You are amazing and deserve every wonderful thing in the world dear Lindsay! Congratulations! I can’t wait to feel the same way you do- I still have one more year to go!!

    Reply
  26. Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says

    January 7, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    You are getting SO.CLOSE, Lindsay 🙂 I’m so excited for you. Your hard work and determination will pay off!

    Reply
  27. Jessica @ Prayers and Apples says

    January 7, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    reading about everything you’ve accomplished so far is *so* inspirational! u are AMAZING 🙂 and so, so close to your finish line! really excited for you – you should be super proud… it’s going to be GREAT once you’re done! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Avery @ Southern Belle Living Well says

    January 7, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    You should be so incredibly proud. You’ve worked your butt off and it’s all about to pay off! Push through these next 3 months celebrating all along the way, and get excited!

    Reply
  29. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    January 7, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    Such an inspiring post! So excited for you! Can’t wait to hear about the next set of dreams you make come true. 🙂

    Reply
  30. Angela @ Health's Angel says

    January 7, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    Congrats and best wishes! This is really inspiring to read about. I just graduated college a year and a half ago and I’m still struggling to find my “path.” It’s extremely overwhelming. I’ve been trying to be more in tune with myself and what I really want out of life! A lot of soul-searching. I hope I’ll be able to find something to do that I love, like you are. 🙂

    Reply
  31. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    January 7, 2013 at 12:39 PM

    You have absolutely every reason to be proud of all your hard work and what you have accomplished. Pursuing your dreams IS scary and not many people have the guts to do it and you have. I’m so excited for you that you are almost done and can’t wait to see what’s next in your adventure because truly, you are one talented lady. xox

    Reply
  32. Emily says

    January 7, 2013 at 1:28 PM

    I SO needed to see this. Thank you. Sometimes I feel like I have so many dreams and not enough time. Truth is, I have my whole life. There’s no reason to give up just because it’ll take time … like you said, time will pass anyway. I might as well be striving towards everything I want (and deserve!).

    Reply
  33. Lauren says

    January 7, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Thanks for such a wonderful post, Lindsay! I have similar feelings about my journey and it is so nice to read such real and inspiring words from someone who is in a familiar position 🙂 Three. More. Months. So excited for you!! See ya tomorrow 😉

    Reply
  34. Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says

    January 7, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    Congrats to you!!! Your words are encouraging and right – the last quote you have is one of my favorites. It’s okay to be a little sacred by your dreams – in fact, it must mean they are really good.

    Reply
  35. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    January 7, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    I’ve pinning that quote- if your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. Love it- so much truth. You are almost there! Can’t wait to see all the amazing things in store for you, friend!

    Reply
  36. Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says

    January 7, 2013 at 4:10 PM

    So excited for you! You go girl!

    Reply
  37. Adrienne @ Happy Ramblings says

    January 7, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    Great post! I am in a similar situation right now. Ready to make a career change, actually going back to school to be a RD as well. I keep putting it off, but know I just need to do something before this year goes by. Thanks for posting this and being an inspiration!

    Reply
  38. Kelly @ No Sugar Sweet Life says

    January 7, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    This post resonates with me 100million% 🙂 I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for you!!!!

    Reply
  39. lynne @ lgsmash says

    January 7, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    Great post, Lindsey! Love your attitude and determination – you’re almost there!!

    Reply
  40. Tina @ Best Body Fitness says

    January 7, 2013 at 4:34 PM

    I am SO excited for you and SO proud of you!!!!!

    Reply
  41. Jim says

    January 7, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    “You go Girl,anything worth having,is worth the work”!! Many,let life pass them by,just working a so-so job,hate every day of it.I had the schooling,and worked all my life,loving my job.But,I went to school(5 days,6hrs. each),then worked 8hrs. 7days a year,for a year,then someone come hired me,without looking for a job.You work hard,someone will notice you,and you may be offered more than you could think about!!!

    Reply
  42. Annette@FitnessPerks says

    January 7, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    LOOOOVEEE this!! AMEN.

    I’ve been working pretty hard on some of my dreams & they’re starting to come true. It’s an AMAZING feeling! <3 Congrats to you & good luck, girl!

    Reply
  43. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says

    January 7, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Love this post girl! You are almost there!! When you are done…. we need to celebrate and finally have that meet up! 🙂 I’m so incredibly proud of you girl!

    Reply
  44. She Rocks Fitness says

    January 7, 2013 at 6:30 PM

    ROCK STAR! Truly amazing and admire your hard work, determination, and attitude of NEVER GIVING UP! Way to dream big and follow those dreams. XOXO

    Reply
  45. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    CONGRATS! 4 weeks is nothing compared to 4 years. You are one strong, hard working, determined woman! Go get it girl!!!

    Reply
  46. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:24 PM

    Congrats girl, you’re so close and YOU CAN DO IT!! 🙂

    Reply
  47. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says

    January 7, 2013 at 11:24 PM

    What a long journey!!…but, you know it will be so worth it in the end! The thought of going back to school has crossed my mind too many times than I’d care to admit, but I always dismiss the idea because of time, money, etc. Good for you for continuing and being so awesome at it!

    Reply
  48. Michelle says

    January 7, 2013 at 11:34 PM

    Ahh I love that first one because here I am 25 years old and just starting the whole nutrition program. I’m like ehh do I really want to be 28 and still in school? YES! Thanks for the extra push and motivation to finish, I love reading about all of your experiences. Congrats and good luck in the future!:)

    Reply
  49. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    January 8, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    You got this! You’re amazing! I don’t know how you get everything done, but it’s inspiring to say the least! xoxo

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      January 10, 2013 at 6:49 AM

      thanks for your never-ending support Lisa! xoxo

      Reply
  50. Sharla says

    January 8, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    Perfectly spoken. I just realized it’s been 8 years since I finished my undergrad and already 4 since grad school!!! And there were MONTHS during both that I just knew it would never end. Way to go 🙂

    Reply
  51. Pavement Runner says

    January 8, 2013 at 5:47 PM

    Love the motivational signs… off to pin and share the love.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      January 10, 2013 at 6:43 AM

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  52. Danica @ It's Progression says

    January 8, 2013 at 9:06 PM

    So you know that I’m struggling with some huge decisions right now, but this post totally had me teary-eyed by the end…you’re such an inspiration and you’re also absolutely right–if I’m scared to go after a dream then it’s probably the one most worth going after!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      January 10, 2013 at 6:42 AM

      you’re so right, girl! you know i’m behind you 100%!!

      Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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