I’m writing this post partially because I really need to hear it again myself. Often when I really want something, I won’t stop until I’ve reached my goal. However, I know that good things often take time and it’s okay to take things slow. I just need the reminder every now and then to stop and enjoy where I am in life right now. Everything goes by so fast and I don’t want to look back later and regret focussing on the future too much and forgetting to enjoy the moment.
Pressure
I’m sure I’m not the only one that experiences a lot of pressure to get your life together in your twenties. We see people with seemingly perfect lives on social media all day and sometimes that might make us feel like we’re falling behind. You “need” to get a degree, pay off student loans, get a house, find yourself a good relationship, have an awesome job and have a social life on top of that. That’s a lot of expectations to meet.
And the worst part? We’re doing it to ourselves…
When I turned twenty-one, one of the first things that crossed my mind was that the things I’d do would start to become less impressive because I was considered an adult now. And with each year passing, this feeling becomes a little stronger. The pressure to do certain things by a certain age is always in the back of my mind and I know I am not alone in this. A lot of people have told me they struggle with this too.
Plans
I love to fantasize about my future and make plans. I think it’s great to think about what you want out of life and try your best to make them happen. The problem is, once I figure out what it is that I want, I become a little obsessed with achieving it. I can’t wait for it to be in my life and instead of giving me something to look forward to and work towards, it becomes something that makes me feel unfulfilled with my current circumstances. And when I think about that, I feel it’s such a shame that I feel that way…
So, let’s turn it around!
It’s okay to not be where you want to be right now
Let me start by telling you (and myself) that it’s okay if we aren’t exactly where we want to be right now. It’s perfect actually. Imagine having reached all your goals in your twenties? Then what would you do the rest of your life?! It’s awesome to have goals and think about our futures, but we have to stop obsessing over it. Your time will come. It doesn’t have to be right now. As long as you’re on a path you enjoy, you will go places!
Gratitude
My favorite method of dealing with negativity is being grateful. Being grateful is very important. I believe it to be the key to happiness. When thinking about all the good things in our life and focusing on what we have, we instantly feel better about where we are. It can take some practice to implement gratitude into your life. Here are some simple gratitude exercises to start focussing on all the wonderful things in your life:
- Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
- Start your day by thinking of one thing you’re grateful for (and end your day the same way).
- Put a small pebble (or any other small object) in your pocket and everytime you touch it, think of something you’re grateful for.
- Download a gratitude app.
Let’s start right now: let me know in the comments what you are grateful for today!
You’re DOING great!
Let me conclude this blogpost by saying this: wherever you are in life right now, you’re doing amazing. Let’s be excited about all the possibilities the future holds for us and simply be a little more patient.
Good things take time... Click To TweetWith much love,
Maud
