You know that point in your life when you are sitting on your couch (jar of peanut butter in hand) thinking, “what’s next?” Oh, you’re unfamiliar with such a feeling? Well carry on, sister…
But seriously, you know what I’m talking about. Whether it’s moving on from a failed relationship (NEEEXT), making-do in an unfamiliar place, hating your job and wanting a new one, or just figuring out what body wash to buy next. (You know that’s a toughie; don’t lie). The anxiety of trying to predict and control what’s coming next is sure to give you a serious case of heartburn. That, my friends, is why I encourage you to let life happen. Quit trying to control everything; it’s useless. The man upstairs obviously knows what he’s doing.
I moved from Midland to Lubbock in 2007 with high hopes of starting a new life at Texas Tech University. Ever tried to start a new life an hour and forty-five minutes from your hometown? It ain’t easy, baby. I was a Varsity cheerleader all through high school, and captain my senior year. Needless to say, my life, reputation and even what I ate for breakfast (T&T Donuts while skipping class), was everyone’s favorite subject. I didn’t always make the best choices in high school, but I was sure moving off to college would solve all of my problems.
I moved into the dorms, went through rush, and pledged a fantastic sorority. Doesn’t that sound great? Perfect start to college right? Wrong. If you have been through rush at a major university, you know how cut-throat and mean girls can be. If you haven’t, let me tell you…they show no mercy. I spent half of rush crying, and the other half on the phone with my mother while she tried to calm my anxiety. I couldn’t sleep, and all I could think was “What’s next? What if I don’t get the sorority I want? What am I going to do? I’ll have to drop out. I’ll be a loser forever. Life is over.” The funny thing is, all of the mean-hearted comments and useless rumors pushed me into the arms of a house of women with infinite love to share. I had no idea pledging my sorority would change my life for the better, but I wish I had. It would’ve saved me some sleepless nights.
Sophomore year, I had the honor of being VP-Membership of my sorority. I was in charge of formal recruitment (rush) for a full year. Isn’t it funny how things work out? While I had one of the toughest jobs on council, the question “what’s next?” was heavy on my mind. I knew I had really tough classes coming up in school and internship hunting was right around the corner. I was constantly comparing myself to those over-achievers who had their shit together. I mean really together. While I was busy figuring out my life, I ended up with the highest grade in the hardest class, landed two coveted internships, and discovered my passion for writing.
I graduated from Tech, with honors, in 2011 with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management. As soon as I walked across the stage and sat down, guess what popped in my head? You got it..”what’s next?” I had been studying for the LSATs for the last few months of college thinking law school was my next step. It was a goal; and God knows, I am a goal-driven woman. I had a high-profile career and New York on my mind; boys were just simply not on my priority list. I had stopped looking. I gave up. Chivalry was dead. Boy was I in for a surprise…
Right after graduation, Prince Charming popped up where I least expected him. At Cricket’s (a lovely little beer joint in Lubbock). I blew him off, saw him two weeks later, he asked me on a date, took me on the most romantic date of my life, and the rest is history. It’s been two-and-a-half years so I’ll bet you’re thinking “what’s next, girl?!” Yea, I’ll touch on that in a different post. 🙂
As life would have it, I did not get into Tech Law School; and it was a devastating road bump to say the least. I had to figure out what to do next. I landed a fun job with a local ad agency doing social media. Learned a lot, met a lot of people, and quickly realized the ad world was not for me. So…what next?
I took over a job for a friend recruiting physicians. You ever dealt with a lot of high-profile doctors on a daily basis? Quick way to lose a lot of weight really fast. I don’t know how you nurses put up with it…
Long story short, it was really time to reevaluate my priorities. Was I working just to say I had a job or was I working because I loved it?
Last week, I realized I had a true gift of being able to help people. My obsession with fitness, fashion and hair tied directly into my passion for writing. What better way to help share my thoughts than a blog? With all of the love and support from my family and friends, I have decided to dive into this head first. It’s time to quit asking myself “what’s next?” This is next. This is here, and this is now. I can’t wait to share my motivations, inspirations and thoughts with all of you.
