In the spirit of Easter, I wanted to take a brief moment to talk about letting go. In yoga class this week we meditated on this idea that we all have something we are holding onto that perhaps we need to just give up with and move on from. Whether it's an ex, or that job/internship that you just have to have, or maybe even an idea about how your life is supposed to be going: forgive them, think about another day, and let go of that perfect vision you have in your mind.
I struggled so much this year with all the pressures of trying to choose a career path. Finally I gave up on this illusion that I had to have it all figured out and to be honest, I think my future has found me. Opportunities have opened up to me in the past week that I never thought I would be worthy of receiving.
As far as the personal life goes, it has been a trying time. Forgiveness is hard to give out so freely, but I believe it's the only way you can truly move on from something.
But, seriously: Life can sometimes feel completely out of our control. Like no matter how hard we try, we just cannot seem to keep it all together. Maybe, just maybe we have to let go of whatever it is that we're holding onto so tightly and take it day-by-day: enjoying the small things and being thankful for the air that still fills our lungs and the oxygen that still pulses through our veins: Feel that? That's purpose. And that is something to hold onto.
Love, Your 20-Something Forgiver XOXO
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Ready for a Little Adventure
Last week I had interview with one of the companies I'm very interested in working for. Unfortunately this job would require to move half-way across the country to Scottsdale, Arizona. As much as I am ready for a change, it is going to be extremely tough to completely uproot my life and leave all my loved ones for my career.
They are now performing a background check- which I am told is a very good sign. And hopefully my one speeding ticket won't deter them from giving me an offer!
When I first received notice of this I was ecstatic. I started looking for apartments and researching the community (lots of golf courses!! Woo!) and I emailed my mentor. She shot me back a message immediately with praise and a list of questions to consider while I'm making such a monumental decision.
- Are you set on sales? What about your passion for social?
- Do you know anyone in Arizona?
- This is not a job change. It is a life change.
- Who would your manager and team be?
- Did you LOVE them during the interview process?
- Could you live with them?
- Do you have any other possible opportunities?
This sort of caused me to stop in my tracks. Honestly, I love the company but it's so incredibly hard to put something like this in perspective when we really are talking about a "life change" here. Some days I'm ready to run to a new place and meet new people and the next I'm falling in love with Buckhead/ Atlanta and thinking there is no way I could ever leave my incredible friends. HELP! But, seriously.
Then I did what most girls would when they are stressing: Yes, I called Mommy. She's never been gun-shy about adventure and her advice was if it seems like a good opportunity, take it! You can always come home but you'll regret the things you didn't take advantage more than the ones that you did. This would be an incredible adventure and she has a point. Last year, I almost didn't study abroad in Australia because none of my friends were coming with me. I ended up making some amazing new friends and literally having the experience of a life time!
I'm not making my final decision yet just because of logistics, but what IS so wrong with change and adventure? We fear change and new places and yet those are the things that can bring us the most joy and ultimately happiness
I will keep you all updated, but I'm more inclined then ever to make a change.
Below is a picture of my study abroad group being silly in front of the Sydney Opera House where we sat and wrote our bucket lists - probably one of the best days of my life!
XOXO - Your 20-Something Adventurist and Over-analyzer
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Lean Into It
This week, instead of flooding my social media outlets with senseless stressful garbage I decided to take some initiative and manage my weekly woes in a healthy way. On Tuesday, I attended a hot yoga class. After a few hours of trying to convince some of my friends to join me, I ended up venturing alone. This is the most tactile decision I've made in a some time.
Pure. Clarity. By the end of this session I see clearly again and it's as if everything that seemed impossible before now feels like a footnote.
During the class, our instructor read us a quote from none other than the talk show mogul herself, Oprah Winfrey. Normally I don't take many of her words to heart but this really made me step back and take a look at how we as a society handle our lives.
When everything is said and done, we are human and we only have this short little amount of time to live a life. One life. No second chances, no do-overs. So why do we constantly focus on things like careers and money and fame when none of it really matters? When we leave this world, the only thing we carry with us is our soul and the love we've been able to permeate to the those around us.
Here's this little tidbit from Ms. Winfrey - but for now I'd like to call her Yoda:
"I keep a little bottle of bubble-blowing potion and a bubble wand on my desk. And when the day gets too heavy and I'm feeling overwhelmed, I may actually blow a few.
Blowing the perfect bubble requires bringing your attention to your breath and placing it in the space of the present moment. Kind of like bubble meditation. Being fully present automatically lifts your spirits. Clears your mind of distractions. Brings clarity. Even some joy, if you're open to it.
Blowing bubbles reminds me of happiness. It makes me think of lying flat on my back on a bed of grass, taking in the sky (sky meditation). Or standing in a grove of trees (tree meditation). Or walking through the woods with my dogs (dog-walking meditation). The best is when I get to do all three in one day.
In our current economic state, we have a choice: We can reside in a place of desperation, panic, and fear—or we can literally give ourselves some breathing space. Take in a few deep breaths. Exhale. And focus on what we need instead of what we've been striving to have.
When was the last time you thought about what really makes you feel good? Just thinking about that walk through the woods with my dogs brings a smile to my spirit.
What fills you up? What matters most to you?
For me, it's finding teachable moments in every experience. I'm happiest when I'm either learning or teaching. But I can do neither without giving my full attention to whatever or whoever needs to be in focus. That means listening with my whole body, all senses attuned to the moment.
Meaningful things happen when you give someone your undivided—undistracted—attention. Because that's what everyone is really looking for: to be validated, appreciated, heard. To be raised up by their interactions, and not put down.
I know for sure: When we connect to what's alive in another person, the feeling is mutual.
And we both get a lift."
Being fully present is something that I'm challenging myself to do. So often we get lost in a day-in-day-out clock-in-clock-out lifestyle and I fear we've forgotten how to actually be here and give those around us the respect of your full presence in that moment.
I'm going to be cheesy again for a second and quote one of my favorite movies People Like Us, with Chris Pine (LOVE HIM!)
"Lean into it - it means that the outcome doesn't matter - what matters is that you were there for it."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6R_mGTLszE
Anyway this is my piece for today, I apologize if I got a little to deep and cheesy!
Love, your 20-something wanna-be guru and yoga enthusiast. XOXO
Pure. Clarity. By the end of this session I see clearly again and it's as if everything that seemed impossible before now feels like a footnote.
During the class, our instructor read us a quote from none other than the talk show mogul herself, Oprah Winfrey. Normally I don't take many of her words to heart but this really made me step back and take a look at how we as a society handle our lives.
When everything is said and done, we are human and we only have this short little amount of time to live a life. One life. No second chances, no do-overs. So why do we constantly focus on things like careers and money and fame when none of it really matters? When we leave this world, the only thing we carry with us is our soul and the love we've been able to permeate to the those around us.
Here's this little tidbit from Ms. Winfrey - but for now I'd like to call her Yoda:
"I keep a little bottle of bubble-blowing potion and a bubble wand on my desk. And when the day gets too heavy and I'm feeling overwhelmed, I may actually blow a few.
Blowing the perfect bubble requires bringing your attention to your breath and placing it in the space of the present moment. Kind of like bubble meditation. Being fully present automatically lifts your spirits. Clears your mind of distractions. Brings clarity. Even some joy, if you're open to it.
Blowing bubbles reminds me of happiness. It makes me think of lying flat on my back on a bed of grass, taking in the sky (sky meditation). Or standing in a grove of trees (tree meditation). Or walking through the woods with my dogs (dog-walking meditation). The best is when I get to do all three in one day.
In our current economic state, we have a choice: We can reside in a place of desperation, panic, and fear—or we can literally give ourselves some breathing space. Take in a few deep breaths. Exhale. And focus on what we need instead of what we've been striving to have.
When was the last time you thought about what really makes you feel good? Just thinking about that walk through the woods with my dogs brings a smile to my spirit.
What fills you up? What matters most to you?
For me, it's finding teachable moments in every experience. I'm happiest when I'm either learning or teaching. But I can do neither without giving my full attention to whatever or whoever needs to be in focus. That means listening with my whole body, all senses attuned to the moment.
Meaningful things happen when you give someone your undivided—undistracted—attention. Because that's what everyone is really looking for: to be validated, appreciated, heard. To be raised up by their interactions, and not put down.
I know for sure: When we connect to what's alive in another person, the feeling is mutual.
And we both get a lift."
Being fully present is something that I'm challenging myself to do. So often we get lost in a day-in-day-out clock-in-clock-out lifestyle and I fear we've forgotten how to actually be here and give those around us the respect of your full presence in that moment.
I'm going to be cheesy again for a second and quote one of my favorite movies People Like Us, with Chris Pine (LOVE HIM!)
"Lean into it - it means that the outcome doesn't matter - what matters is that you were there for it."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6R_mGTLszE
Anyway this is my piece for today, I apologize if I got a little to deep and cheesy!
Love, your 20-something wanna-be guru and yoga enthusiast. XOXO
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Drama, Drama, Drama
Soooo I won't go into detail, but I've got to say drama is always apart of spring break: this year was no exception. We laughed, we cried, and we buried our feelings in some Mai Thai's and the white, sandy Destin beaches.
I had a great time with my friends this year but I'm not as upset about heading back to school as I thought. Only six weeks left until graduation!!! We've got a lot of exciting Athens events coming up like spring parties, twilight and of course Cinco de Mayo. More posts to follow later this week. Also, I received some awesome news this week: I got second round interviews for one my favorite companies. Fingers crossed for me!!! Bring on the stress!
Much 20-Something Love, Yours Truly, XOXO
P.S. Here's a lovely picture of myself at... a... foam party in Destin. Needless to say it was my first and probably my last.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Spring Break -
Okay... so I'm not sure what has changed in the past two days, but I've gone from stressing about everything to literally not caring at all. This is only excusable because spring break begins tomorrow and my friends and I are heading to Destin on Sunday! For the next week I'm planning on completely forgetting about my life outside of best friends, the beach and (of course) having an epic time. Don't you dare ask me about interviews or school or graduation. I will have permission to inflict physical harm.
My plans simply include sipping Pina Coladas at the hotel pool bar, dancing the night away, and possibly attending a Luke Bryan concert in PCB.
This could get a little crazy, but we are entitled to a little time off! The picture below is a throwback of me and my good friend Eryn last year at Fripp Island. I'm only hoping this spring break will be as much fun! I'll be posting updates and pictures throughout the week! XOXO - you're 20-something partner in crime.
My plans simply include sipping Pina Coladas at the hotel pool bar, dancing the night away, and possibly attending a Luke Bryan concert in PCB.
This could get a little crazy, but we are entitled to a little time off! The picture below is a throwback of me and my good friend Eryn last year at Fripp Island. I'm only hoping this spring break will be as much fun! I'll be posting updates and pictures throughout the week! XOXO - you're 20-something partner in crime.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Check, Please!
To be completely honest, I started this blog on a silly whim the night before one of my big midterms. Yes, I am freaking out but that first post was written in a state of panic: I had four exams, two interviews, and two papers due in a matter of week. Can you say caffeine-induced comatose overload? For the first time in my life, I have to juggle interviewing for big girl jobs, dating, making good grades, and trying to keep up my floundering social life.
Yesterday I began reading a book by motivational speaker and author, Christine Hassler called "20 Something 20 Everything". Now, you're probably thinking oh no, you dragged yourself to the self-help section of the bookstore, didn't you? No, I actually had this book given to me because I am Christine's social media intern. Funny, right? I've been tweeting for her for over two months now and I hadn't even cracked open her book: which is 100% relevant to my 20-Something, chaotic life. This may have been fate because Christine describes a quarter-life crisis in the first chapter and gives a 10 question check-list to prove that you are in-fact experiencing such a dilemma. I answered yes to 10 out of 10. Go figure. I am an expert in crises, where is my award?!?!
Here are the questions and maybe some of you out there can relate:
1. Do you feel the need to "have it all"? Duh, gimme dat penthouse apartment and my corner office!
2. Do you feel older for the first time in your life? Yes, which is ridiculous because I am barely even legal!!!
3. Do you feel pressure to grow up and get your adult life in order? Six months ago, not at all. Now - this is all I can think about.
4. Do you often feel depressed, overwhelmed, lost, and maybe even a little hopeless? Sad, but true.
5. Do you ever feel that time is running out when you try to figure out your career when you decide whether you want to get married and/or have children? Well, I've thought it but --- this isn't something I need to worry about now - HA
6. Are you stressed out by choices that will seemingly affect the rest of your life? Check!
7. Do you feel you have failed because you don't know what you want to do with your life? Ehem, yes.
8. Do you overanalyze yourself and your decisions? Well I'm a girl, so overanalyzing is apart of our DNA.
9. Do you ever feel guilty for complaining about your life when you've only lived a quarter of it? Yes - pathetic.
10. Are you embarrassed that you haven't figured out or accomplished more? Yup.
If you are feeling any of these, join the club. And I highly recommend buying Christine's book (even though I'm a little biased as one of her employees). Seriously stop stressing! (And I have to tell myself this every day) It will all work out and having a quarter-life crisis is completely normal. Girls in their twenties these days have a lot to live up to: We deserve at least a few freak out sessions and some Fro-yo binges!!
Until next time!!! --- I'll be sharing some more words of wisdom from my girl Christine Hassler and how it relates to my life. Get excited.
Yesterday I began reading a book by motivational speaker and author, Christine Hassler called "20 Something 20 Everything". Now, you're probably thinking oh no, you dragged yourself to the self-help section of the bookstore, didn't you? No, I actually had this book given to me because I am Christine's social media intern. Funny, right? I've been tweeting for her for over two months now and I hadn't even cracked open her book: which is 100% relevant to my 20-Something, chaotic life. This may have been fate because Christine describes a quarter-life crisis in the first chapter and gives a 10 question check-list to prove that you are in-fact experiencing such a dilemma. I answered yes to 10 out of 10. Go figure. I am an expert in crises, where is my award?!?!
Here are the questions and maybe some of you out there can relate:
1. Do you feel the need to "have it all"? Duh, gimme dat penthouse apartment and my corner office!
2. Do you feel older for the first time in your life? Yes, which is ridiculous because I am barely even legal!!!
3. Do you feel pressure to grow up and get your adult life in order? Six months ago, not at all. Now - this is all I can think about.
4. Do you often feel depressed, overwhelmed, lost, and maybe even a little hopeless? Sad, but true.
5. Do you ever feel that time is running out when you try to figure out your career when you decide whether you want to get married and/or have children? Well, I've thought it but --- this isn't something I need to worry about now - HA
6. Are you stressed out by choices that will seemingly affect the rest of your life? Check!
7. Do you feel you have failed because you don't know what you want to do with your life? Ehem, yes.
8. Do you overanalyze yourself and your decisions? Well I'm a girl, so overanalyzing is apart of our DNA.
9. Do you ever feel guilty for complaining about your life when you've only lived a quarter of it? Yes - pathetic.
10. Are you embarrassed that you haven't figured out or accomplished more? Yup.
If you are feeling any of these, join the club. And I highly recommend buying Christine's book (even though I'm a little biased as one of her employees). Seriously stop stressing! (And I have to tell myself this every day) It will all work out and having a quarter-life crisis is completely normal. Girls in their twenties these days have a lot to live up to: We deserve at least a few freak out sessions and some Fro-yo binges!!
Until next time!!! --- I'll be sharing some more words of wisdom from my girl Christine Hassler and how it relates to my life. Get excited.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Quarter-Life Crisis of a College Senior
Seven weeks until graduation. Seven. Weeks.
Then, it's all real. Right down to that shiny, hard diploma and that terrifying job search I've been attempting to start for the past six months. Don't get me wrong I love my family, but even the thought of having to move back home with my parents has me feeling like a cat climbing a tree with the inevitable fortune of being dragged back down from my powerful perch. The untethered freedom of the past four years seems a little less feasible and finding my own way a perfectly daunting adventure.
Part of me wants to drop everything and literally run to another country for a year or two. Work my way from place to place and become completely lost in another culture - but I fear this would only be to escape reality which I guess is counter-productive to the whole "starting your life" thing.
Here I will complain/vent/rant/divulge all of my twenty-something woes and joys.
I hope you enjoy/laugh/cry and share in the pain and happiness that is about to be the last two months of my college career.
P.S.
Spring break is a week away and I am legitimately concerned about what is about to go down on my trip to Destin - Seven college seniors on their LAST SPRING BREAK. EVER. I'll keep you posted but you may not want to know.
Then, it's all real. Right down to that shiny, hard diploma and that terrifying job search I've been attempting to start for the past six months. Don't get me wrong I love my family, but even the thought of having to move back home with my parents has me feeling like a cat climbing a tree with the inevitable fortune of being dragged back down from my powerful perch. The untethered freedom of the past four years seems a little less feasible and finding my own way a perfectly daunting adventure.
Part of me wants to drop everything and literally run to another country for a year or two. Work my way from place to place and become completely lost in another culture - but I fear this would only be to escape reality which I guess is counter-productive to the whole "starting your life" thing.
Here I will complain/vent/rant/divulge all of my twenty-something woes and joys.
I hope you enjoy/laugh/cry and share in the pain and happiness that is about to be the last two months of my college career.
P.S.
Spring break is a week away and I am legitimately concerned about what is about to go down on my trip to Destin - Seven college seniors on their LAST SPRING BREAK. EVER. I'll keep you posted but you may not want to know.
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