With Love, Rachel Elizabeth

Life Story

I had to write a paper about my dream job in undergrad. I wrote that I didn't have a dream job; I just wanted to make the world a slightly better place and be the person I needed when I was younger. And in many ways, this job (even on the hard days) has lived up to my undergraduate goals for my dream job.

Nov 25

Nov 25 Shop Small

I made this blog with the hopes that your holiday shopping is easier than holiday photos with our little family. But in all seriousness, this is not your average holiday shopping guide. This blog not only contains over twenty small business for you to support this holiday season but you will get to know them along the way.

Nov 6

Nov 6 Happy Suggestions

Oct 26

Oct 26 Asking For A Friend

Take yourself back to kindergarten or first grade. It's the first day of class, you're in the outfit you so proudly picked out for yourself (or your parent picked out for you), and you're full of excitement and nervousness. During playtime, you go up to another student in the classroom and joyfully ask, "Can we be friends?".

Sep 8

Sep 8 Thoughts That Demand Attention

Mental health demands to be acknowledged. At first, it will nudge at you, tickle at your thoughts. Upon being ignored, it will take gaining your attention very seriously by surging over you in waves. Demanding to be felt, seen, and heard just like the waves of the sea.

Apr 26

Apr 26 Just a Number

The thing with number is that once you hit that number, you are not filled with happiness. Once you hit that number, you just realize you want the next number. Sometimes that can be motivating like doing a rep at a heavier weight while lifting or getting one more pull up, but sometimes that number can be a slippery slope and can lead to lifelong challenges and unhappiness.

Mar 29

Mar 29 Scout

Family

Hi, I’m Scout. I like turkey stick, string cheese and cuddles with Mom and Dad. I have been with my family for a year so I wanted to introduce myself to you.

Mar 13

Mar 13 Can We Be Friends?

One of the main goals for my blog is to be a friend for the friendless and to provide a sense of community for the people who feel like a misfit because that is a feeling I know all too well.

Mar 8

Mar 8 Simply Ordinary

This past month has been simply ordinary. All month long I was feeling very on edge for no apparent reason, and not content where I am in life. Nothing particularly terrible happen, but my mood was more negative than usual, and I can tell you the most significant factor why: social media.

Feb 13

Feb 13 The Chapter Left Unfinished

“My decision to walk away from track and cross country was my decision, and mine alone. At first, I had the intention to just take one step away. One step back, to regroup and refocus on me. Focus on my physical challenges…Focus on my mental challenges.”

Jan 28

Jan 28 The Skinny Standard

I found myself standing at a split in my road of life. To my right, was the healthy path filled with a balance of food and exercise. To my left, was the path of unhealthy decisions surrounding food and my health. I had taken a few strides down the left path. I wasn’t eating enough at the time, barely hitting 1000 calories a day while still running almost 50 miles a week and lifting for upwards of three hours a day. I was not healthy, both physically and mentally. It was in that moment that I knew I had to walk away.

Jan 13

Jan 13 Recap of Hawaii [Oahu & Maui]

Travel

This recap is a collection of memories of a trip full of laughter, lots of sand and lovely family moments. Scattered throughout the recap are pieces of advice about what to eat, what things to do and just general tips for people who are thinking about traveling to Hawaii. I know I cannot transport you to Hawaii with us, but I hope this gives you a glimpse into the Eickhoff’s First Christmas Vacation.

Dec 15

Dec 15 Closing a Chapter

With all the unexpected turns that college presented me, I firmly believe that those changes built up the strong aspects of my character and challenged me to examine my weaknesses. My undergraduate experience was an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding one and will continue shaping aspect of my character going forward.

Dec 2

Dec 2 Everyday Gratitude

Positivity

This week my anxiety has been paralyzing, and I am overwhelmed, stressed and frustrated. Weeks that are stressful and soul-crushing remind me that I have so much to be grateful for. I am thankful for the challenging moments and the moments of blissful joy because these moments allow me to reflect and be grateful.

Nov 14

Nov 14 Recap of Boston, MA

Travel

“Boston captured my fascination for the history that is contained and the beauty that is tucked around every cobblestone street. As Arona McHugh highlighted, there really was a feeling of beautiful and aspiration that permeated throughout Boston and it was absolutely intoxicating. I look forward to returning again in the near future and absorbing more of America’s history.”

Nov 6

Nov 6 Quest to be a Lifelong Learner

“Learning does not end when you take off the cap and gown, learning should be a continuous journey and present each and every day. We should make it our goal as a society to strive to foster and celebrate learning so that we raise a generation that is curious and eager to learn.”

Nov 6

Nov 6 Our Engagement Story

Wedding

“I have imagined this precious moment for years but the actual proposal was a hundred times better than I could ever have dreamed of.”

Oct 29

Oct 29 Small Acts of Kindness

Positivity

Oct 23

Oct 23 An Open Letter to the People Who Make Me Stronger