Whether you are a morning person or not, the first few moments of each day help set the tone for what’s to come over the coarse of the next 12 hours. What do you do in those first few moments after opening your eyes? Read on to learn more about my morning routine and two books that help me set a positive tone for the day ahead.

The New Year naturally brings a time of reflection for most. Like many of you, I took time during the first few days of 2018 to reflect on the past year. Not only was it my most challenging year both professionally and personally but it was also the most rewarding. From taking my first solo international trip, to road biking 192 miles with over 6,000 strangers, to having difficult conversations at work, I forced myself out of my comfort zone SO many times throughout the year.

For me, exercise positively increases my physical and emotional state of being. It’s my 30-90 minutes a day of "Abby time" where I focus on the workout at hand and let go of all the distractions that surround us each day. Like most of you reading this, there are days when I can get up at 5:30am without a problem and workout BUT then there are days when I have zero motivation and just want comfort food and my bed!

For a year and a half I have been a Jess Lively groupie! I found her podcast through a magazine article and after listening to just one episode I was hooked! Her positive outlook on life and relationships was contagious and exactly what I needed to get through 2016.  Jess Lively is dedicated to helping people live from their intuition and values based intentions. At first, I had no idea what she meant by "intuition" and "values based intentions" but I am now incorporating both into each and everyday.

After busy work trips I always find myself coming home and wanting to connect with the outdoors. It forces me to slow down and be present which can be challenging in the fast past world we live in. Whether hiking, running, biking or going for a walk I crave the fresh air and beauty that surrounds us. It has a calming factor and puts life into perspective. I always wondered if others felt this way so I took to the internet in search of other like minded, outdoor females.

On August 3rd I left for Los Angeles California to attend #BlogHer16. I had never heard of the conference before my career at Hologic started in February. Hologic has been exhibiting at the event for a few years to raise awareness of their women's health products. Although I was attending the conference as an exhibitor I was extremely excited about the opportunity to connect and listen to other digitally savvy female entrepreneurs.