Sometimes we don’t choose our path, sometimes our path chooses us.
My whole life, I’ve planned things “perfectly”. I knew I wanted a career in education, and I knew how I was going to get there. During my junior year of high school, I planned out the next fifteen years of my life, neglecting to realize that I also needed to have a life.
Meticulously planning life events caused my anxiety to spiral. While most days I’m grateful for the path I set for my future self, it also has its downfalls. Plans change! And I’m learning to be okay with that.
Right now I'm at a major crossroads and trying to figure out which path to take is scary AF, but it doesn’t have to be.
Sometimes you just gotta let go of your controlling tendencies and let the universe do its thing.
Go with the flow
This was a hard pill to swallow. Recently I’ve been presented with some really amazing opportunities. Within the past few months, I’ve been promoted twice at work and received some wonderful internship opportunities that would enhance my writing and career as an educator. While I wish I could be in four places at once, I can’t, and neither can you! I had to stop worrying so much about the future that lied ahead because it was taking a toll on me mentally. Actively becoming a more go-with-the-flow type of person has really helped chill me the hell out. I wasn’t going to get anywhere spinning in constant circles. So instead, I took a deep breath and set my worries free.
Once I had time to just let go, it was easier to understand what I really wanted, and in the end that was to feel supported in a work environment where I could learn and enrich the education of others. As great as both internships were, I decided to intern with the company that best fit those needs (as a bonus, they offered me a very flexible schedule, I need to have a life too!). Having my true goal in mind helped me make a choice without feeling like I was letting others down.
One piece of advice I wish I’d followed a long time ago is to just go with it. What’s meant to happen, will! There’s no point stressing over things we can’t control. Worrying about the future is natural, but keeping yourself up all night because of it isn’t. You’re going to end up following the path you were meant to, so go with the flow!
Talk to your mentors/trusted friends
I rely on my mentor for so many aspects of my life, to the point where my mom has asked her what she’s charging us for therapy. Every time I have a question, concern, or doubt about the path I’m on, I immediately call her to talk about the situation I’m facing and she never fails to give me amazing advice.
Talking to your mentor about potential opportunities is so important. They’ve walked this road before and will help you choose options that best support your career and lifestyle.
Not everyone has a mentor, and many of us don’t necessarily need one. So who do you turn to then? Your friends, that’s who.
Sometimes your friends know you better than you know yourself (I know mine do). What feels like an impossible decision to you, may be clear as day to them. Try leaning on them for a change and seeing what they have to say! The people closest to you want you to be as happy as possible, so don’t rule them out when you’re making these decisions.
Guidance from others is super helpful, but don’t be afraid to make choices even if they don’t align with others’ advice. Follow your heart, but a little supportive guidance never hurts!
Take a risk
Don’t be afraid to dive in headfirst!
Taking a leap of faith can be absolutely terrifying, but it will be so worth it in the end. You never know how much a choice you make could change your life for the better.
Any time I’m afraid to take a risk, I remind myself just how much I can learn from a new experience. We only have one life, so allow yourself to take advantage of every moment.
You deserve every opportunity the universe gives you. Don’t let the fear of failure prevent you from taking the road less traveled.
Take the twisty turns! I promise you won’t regret it!
You can always turn back
As Bon Jovi says in his song Who says you can’t go home, “Who says you can’t go back?”
Whether you’re hesitant about moving across the country or changing jobs, know that you can always go back to what you love if it doesn’t work out. One of the biggest reasons we fear change is failure. We get nervous that the change we make will be the wrong decision. And if it is, that’s okay! Not everything you do needs to be perfect. Life is about learning from our mistakes. You’ll never know if the road you take isn’t for you if you never try. If you fuck up, that’s okay. It’s a wrong road worth taking!
If the path you take isn’t what you expected, you can always turn back.
Believe in yourself!
Yes, the world throws us curve balls. However, your dedication and passion made these possible! All your hard work is paying off.
You’re facing a crossroads because of the hard work you put in!
Keep putting energy into everything you do! The world is your oyster. Find your passion and follow the path you want, not the one someone else wants you to. When you’re doing something you love you never work a day in your life. Don’t feel pressured to take an opportunity because someone else wants you to. It’s your life! You’ve created all the amazing crossroads that lie ahead. Follow your heart.
Trust yourself and the path you're on.
~Trust the good vibes and spread all the love,
Soph