Word Wednesday: Volume 3

Hey y'all!!

I am one of the biggest advocates for staying in your own bubble, familiarity, and habitat. I don't really do things that challenge my comfort level...because who wants to be uncomfortable? Over the weekend, I stepped out of my comfort zone majorly and acted my age instead of the usual age of 80+ I like to act.

Surprisingly, I had the most fun I've had in such a long time. I met new people, made new friends and stayed out later than I should have, but it was worth it. I know what you're thinking, DUH GIRL. I know, I know. I've heard it all before.

To be honest, I thought I was going to have a horrible time, feel super uncomfortable, and go home early, JUST because it was something I never experienced. I'm learning to step out of my comfort zone and not jump into bed at 9:00 on a Friday night. If you're in a similar spot, I encourage you to do the same. It might be a total flop or you might instantly know what you're doing next weekend again. Either way, you know for next time and you grow a little in the process.

Tips for stepping out of your bubble:

• Get you a friend (Sammy, the real MVP) who will make a code word with you for when y'all are ready to get the heck out of there. Let's be real, we've all done this. We didn't use it because we were having fun, but it's saved for next time.
• Don't make up your mind about how you feel as soon as you walk in the door, let it sink in. You'll end up staying for hours and not even realize you said, "I wanted to be in bed by midnight" until you get home well after midnight.
• Let yourself have fun, friend. You deserve it.

Big shoutout to the one who drug Sam and I out of our comfort mansions-of-zones. Thanks for sticking with us and being so encouraging!

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Word Wednesday: Volume 2

Word Wednesday: Volume 1

Word Wednesday: Volume 2

If there's anything in life that I am not, it's patient (among other things including Beyoncé, a skilled chef, or an actual mermaid). Patience has always been something I've struggled to have with myself. I would have to say that I've struggled the most with it in the last 5 months.

I graduated from UNC Charlotte in December of last year with a degree in elementary education, in the middle of the public school year. I moved back home and began my job search with no luck. Until about a week ago, the job website has been scarce since I'm focusing the search between my county and the neighboring county. To say the least, the past few months have been trying and discouraging. Patience has been key and it. has. been. hard.

I've learned a lot about myself during this time including:

• It's okay to not have a "big girl" job as soon as you graduate
• It's okay that I didn't pass my licensure exams before I graduated (those things are passed now PRAISE)
• It's okay to live with your mama and daddy during this time
• It's okay to want bigger things for yourself
• It's okay to be anxious, nervous, and unsure at times
• It's okay to pray about the silly, little things (thinking in retrospect) along with the big stuff
• It's okay, girl

Looking back to where I was when I graduated and how hopeful I was stepping into this world, I need to get back to that girl. This time in limbo has helped me realize that not everything is going to be instant and certain and that's okay. It has been a blessing in disguise because I had time to focus on my licensure exams, really think about where I want to live, and where I want to focus my job search. I've had time to think about the fun stuff too, like how I want to decorate my first apartment or even the apartment picking process itself.

The hardest thing I have dealt with since graduation is having patience in knowing things are exactly where they should be. I know my job search is coming to an end soon. I've had the opportunity to grow as an adult and I know I'm going to have to make some tough decisions soon. This is the time to be frustrated with myself and that's okay.

A year from now I'll look back on this and realize that the frustration and patience and happy dances and job applications and arguments and tears and laughter and whispered prayers were all stepping stones. Girl, it's okay. YOU DID IT!

Word Wednesday: Volume 1

Helllllllllo readers!

So, I've been doing a lot of self reflecting lately, especially since graduation. I've been thinking about what I want to do, my attitude, my future, my plans...really where my energy goes. What do I really need to be worrying about?  I've received some constructive criticism recently that hurt my feelings, not going to lie. I've probably thought about it too much and y'all know how your head can take things out of proportion.

I haven't been able to shake it and I find that silly. I'm not one to usually care what anybody thinks. In short, it was about my negative attitude recently. When I first thought about it, I thought it was a little crazy. I don't feel like I am that person, but don't get me wrong, ya girl knows how to throw a good complaint. Then I started thinking about how much I've actually been complainy or negative lately, and it was a lot y'all. I was embarrassed thinking about it.

After I came to this slap-in-the-face realization, I decided I needed to redirect some energy and put the old "turn over a new leaf" cliché to good use. That's where I'm at right now, because I don't want to be seen as a negative person, that's a version of me I don't like. So here I am on this Wednesday, doing some major attitude checking. Check yo self before your wreck yo self, amiright? Trying to be a better person and all that. It's so easy to complain about something rather than say nothing at all. Needless to say, I was right to have my feelings hurt because it made me think. Think hard. I need to do more of keeping my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. I can't say I'll contain the facial expressions, those things have a mind of their own. However, I am working on what flies out of my mouth.