Life is what we make of it

I have started a new chapter of my life… sort of. My current chapter moving back home, being closer to my family, getting a job, and accepting who I really am is still being written. Though, this time is slowly coming to a close. Trying to find an apartment, figuring out if the choices I have made are the ones that will give me the most out of life, and balancing the transition with my current responsibilities have been a challenge. Though, I have to say I feel so blessed right now, and a lot of reflection has occurred during this process.

Around this time last year I was writing about graduating from college and the reluctancy of what this past year would bring. I have to say I never expected all that has happened this year. First, the opportunity to have a great job with so much promise, in a field that has provided me with great insite into the world of public health was something I had only hoped for. Secondly, being able to maintain and gain new friendships over the year has been such a wonderful surprise. Growing up I didn’t really have that many friends, and to know that I now have a handful of amazing individuals in my life can only be described as blessing. Lastly, to know moving forward with my life is the right decision.

I remember I was so unsure of what I was to do next with my life this time last year. I look to my friends who have just graduated and are going through those same uncertain feelings and I want them to know it’s okay. When we look back at college what we see are the many years of school that proceeded before and the sense of a need for a career choice. Though, one of the great lessons I have learned firsthand this year is that everyone’s story is still being written. Marie Carrier, a national public speaker that I meet through work conveys this message best. That life is truly a chapter book. She talks about how it is important to know that you are the author of your life (as cliché as that may be) and we can always start a new chapter. Everyone makes choices that may not be the right ones, but taking a chance on something that you really feel passionate about is not a failure. You can make a mistake or make a series of wrong choices, but there is always an opportunity to turn your life towards the path you ultimately want. Though, you can’t just sit around and wait for life to happen you have to make choices first. Also, when you do make choices that are not conducive to life you want it may take a while to set your life direction.

I do have to admit I haven’t been this crazy life chancing individual over the past year, but I did make uncertain steps towards my future. Working getting a internship at the health department which lead to a job, and trying my best to get into graduate school were just a few risks that I took towards my future. Life is all about the choices we make and by just trying something, a new chapter can start before you know it.  

As the night progress on and a new day grows closer I find comfort in playing the guitar. The power of music is a wonderful thing.

Yet another night where I can’t go back to sleep. The constant thinking has gotten me dazed and I have a lot of things to get done tomorrow. I hate the feeling of having so much to do, but it’s to early to start them or just plain tired.

Life is so uncertain. I wish I had a crystal ball so that I can see my future. I feel like you can plan all you want, but you never know what twists and crossroads you have to face along the way.

This past month I officially started my first real world job. Like many other newly graduated students finding a job has brought about more questions than answers. Can I afford to wait it out for the job I really want? Do I take job that my 16 year old cousin has? Will I ever be able to find a job that pays? I have a college degree, what type of job market is this?! 

Fortunately, I was able to find a great job that utilizes some of my interests, college major, and personality. Though, it is only part-time this is the perfect job for me right now. With all things I still want and need to do with my life a part-time position with flexible hours and a nice work environment is exactly what I needed. 

Like I said I am definitely one of the lucky ones. So many of my friends are still trying to find their way to what makes them happy and to a career that will take them where they want to go in life. Though, I to am 100% sure what life path I will partake in, I have learned a lot already for what the real world has in store.

Officially joining the ranks of the yupie life with the crazy coworkers, business attire, working lunches, and enough passwords for me to forget my own name has really been a whirlwind thus far. But I couldn’t be more happier to be doing something that makes me smile.