Treehouse: Lessons from Lacrosse and Whoppers
So here's the deal. I'm an assistant manager with a bachelor's degree landing in my hands this month, and somehow, between folding polos and attending lectures, I find myself frequenting Burger King.
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No shame, not an ounce of it.
People give me that look, like I should be living on some kombucha cleanse or whatever green concoction is trending in mason jars this week. And sure, wellness isn’t a bad thing—but me? I grab a Whopper between study sessions and feel fantastic. Fries? Yep. Maybe even a milkshake if I'm running on fumes. Look, I play lacrosse, run around, and hustle every day. That’s my balance. That crown-shaped lunch? That’s my reward. Honestly, those trendy juice bars? Half the time, I think they're just selling milkshakes in fancy outfits. Three bananas, honey, "natural" syrup—it’s no magic potion, just a $12 sugar bomb. And don't get me started on the smug attitude that comes with it.
But hey, I’m not here to argue about food choices. If kale sparks joy, by all means, eat it by the bucket. I just think food should fuel you and make you happy. My Burger King trips? They check both boxes. Crisp polo, rolled sleeves, receipts piling up in the cupholder—it’s messy, sure, but it’s my version of balanced chaos. Degree in hand, lacrosse stick in the car, and absolutely no regrets about any of it. That’s me. And it works.
What people don’t realize is that my life isn’t just a highlight reel of Instagram-worthy moments or curated snippets of "wellness culture." It’s a juggling act—managing shifts, meeting deadlines, and never showing up late for lacrosse practice. Sure, I’ve got dreams, and yes, they’re big. But every step toward those dreams is fueled by living life on my terms. Some days, it means sweating it out on the field. Other days, it’s pushing through a tough shift with a protein bar in one pocket and a to-do list in the other. And occasionally, it’s savoring the simple joy of hot fries in the parking lot, a moment of calm before the chaos resumes. That’s just how it goes.
Am I saying burgers and milkshakes are some key ingredient to success? Nope. But I am saying that you have to find what works for you and own it, unapologetically. Life isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mold or subscribing to every trend that comes along. It’s about balance, about knowing when to push harder and when to give yourself a break, even if that break comes with extra cheese. To me, juggling priorities isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and carving out a little happiness along the way. That’s my version of thriving.