Tuesday, April 27, 2010

project real world

Hello, doves. I must first apologize for the horrendous mood that I am currently in. I blame it on the weather, a chilly mix of rain and snow. Really, Syracuse? I'm pretty sure it's springtime, and almost May, and... I digress. Since I cannot seem to be any sort of productive at the moment I will blog, and today, with a purpose.
As I briefly mentioned yesterday, I cried this past weekend once my parents had left. I cried because I didn't know what else to do in that moment. How else should I deal with the end of most things that I know and love and the beginning of the everything else? 
This overwhelming drama of feelings and thoughts is hardly new. I went through a similar thing when I graduated from high school (although, let's be serious, it was probably on a smaller scale, even if I didn't know it at the time) and then again as I embarked on my year of studying abroad (I couldn't have known it would be the best decision I've made so far). As a control freak of a perfectionist, I like to plan, and be prepared, and most definitely end up successful.
"You've achieved so much and now you're finally ready to get out and do something with it," a special someone told me this past Sunday. True. I have been in the education system for eighteen years, I have survived all of my twenty-one years of non-academic experiences, and I have done it all with flair. How. exciting. So, basically everything I already need is within me now?  
I would really like to hope so. Though, the funny thing is, the truly best parts of life just happen. Where does that leave me and the rest of us? Making the most of that early twenty something discovery, I suppose. Christie Hassler, a life coach, has a few tips:

  • Be Present. Stop Comparing. Don't Settle for Other's Expectations. Tune Into Your Intuition. Make Choices. Make mistakes. Revel in Your Independence. Build Your Tribe. Be of Service.

With that in mind, I am doing a bit of foundation building with a few measurable healthy living goals for the time being. They include creating and sustaining an exercise routine, as I've already spoken about, being conscious of food combining (because my body appreciates it), eating as many greens as possible (for overall energetic wellness), and budgeting my finances wisely.

And lets not forget about my 2010 Top Ten: make time for yoga, graduate without regrets, rediscover artistic passions, keep in touch, travel some place new, prioritize giving back, race again, find my calling, become comfortable in my own skin, and... blog with a purpose.
As far as a job, and my first apartment, and school loans, and taxes, and all other "grown-up" things go, I've accepted the fact that I'm no expert. I'll probably figure it out eventually ;). For now I will focus on going out with a bang => surrounding myself with my favorite people, doing well on final assignments and exams, and having the absolute time of my life.
Life is a series of transformations but I don't believe that we ever really change. We merely evolve, and in turn, we must allow that evolution take place. I need to let myself find happiness and fulfillment and have faith in the fact that I most definitely will. It's not going to be easy, but it will sure as hell be fun. Or interesting. Interesting works too.
"I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." 

Take a deep breath and cheers. What changes are you dealing with? How do you handle transition? Thanks so much, in advance, for sharing :).

21 comments:

  1. Love that last quote! I need to post that on my refrigerator, as I am struggling with changes too. Soon I will be graduating college and living on my own as I enter graduate school. Being an adult is scary, and I'm not sure I'm ready to let go of childhood just yet.

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  2. You don't need to be an expert. Like the rest of us you will learn along the way, make mistakes, but hopefully will be able to enjoy your present as you pave the path for a great future.

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  3. I felt so similar when I graduated last year. We definitely do best when we are not comparing ourselves and tuning into our own intuition. I completely agree that we don't change but evolve over time. Since graduating, my life has taken many unexpected turns but I wouldn't take anything back. Don't stress, we are all here for you!

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  4. It's crazy what school can do to our life and emotions. it takes time, but patience and passion make it happen. i know you can do it!

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  5. Such an exciting time in your life! Enjoy it. You have a great attitude about it. And I lvoe your goals for the year!

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  6. BroccoliHut: As do I my friend, I am right there with you!

    Travel Eat Love: Wise words, thank you!

    afreshdille: It's so comforting to know I'm not alone. I'm glad to hear that you've had a good experience so far, thanks for the support!

    TryingtoHeal: Patience and passion, what a novel combination. Thanks!

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  7. peacelovenutrition: Thank you so much, I am definitely trying my best :)

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  8. Oh girl, I have been there. I know how you feel. I'm in a bit of a transition myself. Though I've been out of college a few years, I'm about to get my first apt. on my own and have ditched the bf so I'm really going full-out independent at this point. I'm excited and scared, but you know, all you can do is take it as it comes. I'm like you--I like to have the next step planned before I take it, but that's not always an option, so we learn to balance. If nothing else, I have it on good authority that the 30s are better than the 20s, so no matter how much you find yourself challenged in the next couple years, it's bound to get better. :)

    I'm no expert, but do feel free to give me a holler if you need some empathy!

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  9. New to your blog and I have absolutely NO idea how I came across it, but I love it:) Just curious as to what exactly you eat every morning, all I know is that it looks delicious.

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  10. Diana: You are a visionary! Good for you for taking control of your perspective and staying positive. You're such a great blog friend :)

    Racheal: Aw, well I'm glad we "found" each other :) breakfast is always, or almost always, a bowl of rolled oats cooked in the microwave with almond milk. I then usually add a banana and almond butter and, if I'm feeling a little crazy, a handful of berries. At home I usually cook it on the stove though. Feel free to check out that recipe if you're interested: http://www.danielleabroad.com/2010/01/some-punkins.html

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  11. I need to put that quote up where I can see it. I'm only a year out, but I definitely remember the wave of emotions that flooded through me all of senior year... and I still feel like I'm "in transition." It's a strange time with lots of firsts (first paycheck, first time paying rent... why am I only thinking about the $$$?!) and there are no easy answers, at least in my experience.

    Always here to share my two cents and hang with you, lady!

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  12. I needed to read this post. It has opened my mind to the negativity & fear I have surrounding graduation from graduate school. Thank you! Keep the great posts coming & I know that whatever life throws at you, you will be able to handle it.

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  13. Hey Danielle! Thanks for commenting on my blog, I get so happy when I get new comments, since I'm starting and everything!! I was reading your blog and I love it! You have a lot of experiences and adventures... this post is truly awesome. Cycles ending are scary but you seem like a very capable, adventurous, intelligent and happy girl and I know you'll make the best of anything the future brings. I love the last quote. :)

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  14. Katie: I think we all do :) although it's tough, I'm glad that you can relate. We should catch up soon!

    Lexi: Aw, hun, I'm so glad that it meant so much to you. It's hard and it's sad but it can also be exciting, right? I like to remind myself that at least :) thanks for your confidence in me. I wouldn't stop blogging for anything! Or almost anything.

    Lola: I noticed... that's why I couldn't help myself. It's the most rewarding part of the "job" or hobby :). I'm thrilled you are enjoying my blog! Thank you for the encouragement!

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  15. I understand the mood. It was SNOWING here yesterday in a gross sticky wet kind of way and I just decided to work from home...safer for everyone involved!

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  16. Horrid weather like that will do me in, too. I loved what you said here though: " For now I will focus on going out with a bang => surrounding myself with my favorite people, doing well on final assignments and exams, and having the absolute time of my life."

    You go, girl. Enjoy each. and. every. moment. That's the best thing you can do, right NOW. The future will lead its own path :-)

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  17. the20somethinggirl: Yuck! Lucky you that you got to stay home though!

    sophia: I actually was getting annoyed with myself for being in a bad mood simply because of the weather... and then put myself in worse mood. Great :) But thank you, enjoy I will!

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  18. You are so ready for the real world, Danielle! I just know it. I'm also amazed that i'm almost HALF way done with my college experience (in just two weeks!), and will probably be studying abroad just a year from now--spending my days and nights in a completely different country! That just scares and amazes me all at the same time.

    But stay positive, enjoy yourself and have a great time these next few weeks!
    Oh, and I love that quote-- in bold, under that soror-house salad pic (am I right?!)....the pasta looks great too!
    Enjoy it all girl :)

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  19. jesslikesithot: Thank you for believing in me sweetheart! The only thing I'm sure of is that a year from now you are going to be having the most amazing experience and quickly forgetting everything that scares you right now :) I sure am trying to! I love that quote too and yes, it is a salad that I made in the sorority house. Delsih ;)

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  20. i am so behind on reading the thoughts of my favorite people, but i had to backtrack and comment on this one. you are amazing. this post made me want to hug you.

    i adore the concept that we don't change, we evolve - i can't help but think how in the past several years, each experience of mine, each mindset has influenced the next. we're just collections of all the experiences we've gone through, really.

    anyway. i don't think we'll all ever have this transition thing figured out. i don't think we're supposed to. we just have to trust our instincts and accept that we will do our best given the circumstances we're in. we control what we can, we try our best to achieve our goals, and we surround ourselves with good people who will keep us grounded when we feel lost. those are my tools, at least.

    live, live, live it up these last couple weeks at school - don't focus on the end, just on enjoying the time you have. :) but seriously, i personally cannot wait to have you permanently close by!

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  21. leslie: Oh Leslie, thank you! You are equally as amazing, if not more so, and I appreciate every word. I will certainly do my best to live it up and then continue to do so in your vicinity. I hope you're ready ;)

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