It's been exactly eight months and four days since I officially graduated from university and here's the sad part: I still don't know what I want to do with my life. And frankly, I find this actually f*cking hilarious {but also in a why-am-I-such-a-failure?-ugly-cry type of way}. When you are young, people ask you "what do you want to be when you grow up?" and then when you go to college, they ask a similar type of question really meant to invoke the same answer: "what's your major?". That's your cue to whip out the perfectly curated answer that you have been working on since your childhood days. But here's the thing, unless you're going into a field that requires eight billion years of school beyond college, all that sh*t is going out the door. {Granted, some people are exceptions to this... and you guys are just rockstars!} And if you're not, my case in point is: you'll never really know what you want to do--and that's OK, you're still a rockstar!
To preface this, I am sure that these things seem pretty redundant or you've heard it before, but this is a topic that hits home for me and for those of you who are feeling it too, I want to be a voice behind you telling you that you are doing fine. Because honestly, sometimes that's all you need.
1. You never really knew how important time was until you started working full-time.
It's funny. When you're in college, you have so much time and so little money but when you're working full-time, you have little money and no time {and so many student loans}. I mean, how is that even fair? You just have to start putting what matters to the top of your list. That means less of what you did in college and more chores chores chores. And yeah that means you won't see your best friends every day, but that just makes seeing them that much more special. To be honest, I don't see the positive thing in this one either. I'm still figuring it out.
2. Prioritizing (in an adult way) is the key to success.
This one kind of goes hand-in-hand with the first one. You basically have to become a master prioritizer. {I know. Not a word.} Your student loans are in vengeance mode, credit cards have got to be paid, friends need to be seen, there is so much to do and little time to do it. So yeah, learning how to get your ducks in a row is pretty important. Those student loans? Super unforgiving, FYI.
3. You should get comfortable with the "unknown" because you'll always be lost.
You. Will. Always. Be. Lost. And if you're not right now, you will at one point in your life. You'll think you know what you want until another door opens around the corner and you say "oh! that's the one!". There we go, back at square one. They say there's beauty in not knowing, so I guess that's a perk. If you're anything like me, who likes to watch the same movies over and over because you know exactly how it ends, then this rule is going to suck for you.
4. Change is absolutely normal and you'll do it 8,000 times.
Because of #3, you'll basically change your mind all the time. One day you'll think you know what you want and another, you'll do the complete opposite. Change is normal. It's all a part of growing up, getting to know yourself, and adapting. Basically, change is inevitable and you better get used to it.
5. Rejection, sadly, is also normal and depression is not the answer.
Another thing really, really crappy thing? Rejection. I know this one all too well, especially when it comes to the job hunt. For every {insert # higher than 7} of applications, you'll get 1 yes. And what's even more terrifying is that you just have to get used to it. I tried the whole fake depressed thing, it really doesn't help. My parents still made me get a job. Boo hoo!
6. Another major key? You gotta put yourself out there.
With rejection and depression comes bravery. Not really, but you have to try, because that's the key to success. Being able to rise from the ashes and put yourself back out there. No it doesn't just apply to job hunting, it applies to life. Be brave and confident! That's how you win, win, win no matter what. What's up DJ Khaled!
7. Lastly, go with the flow.
Understand you can't control anything in life {other than the things you say}. So just ride the wave and find your passion as you go in life. Everything will eventually fall into place and you will find happiness. If you don't, you just get up and try again.
xo, carolyn
Other
Sometimes you realize what you're doing before you do it, stop yourself, and commend yourself for making the right decision. Other times, you don't realize it until it's too late. But there are good and bad parts to both of those decisions. Because at least if you did it, you'll know it wasn't right and some part of you will never be constantly wondering 'what if'. Sure, you can sulk and regret that you did it but look on the bright side, at least you realized it's not what you need. And that, is the road to starting new again. Heartbreak might lead a person to do crazy things, but in time, you will pick your head back up and realize that you deserve more than just a midnight call/text. But I am here to tell you that now is the time to make those mistakes. Be young, reckless, and full of life. Life is going to pass you by and if you didn't takes those chances, then you'll be back at square one realizing 'what if'. You can't learn from a mistake, if you don't make it. And if you're worried about finding love, just be patient and love yourself first. The "one" will come.
Another Year, Another Number
Oct 6, 2016 • Other
As I ring in 22, I can't help but think: what am I going to do differently this year? Now that I am a year older, is there anything I should be doing? Most importantly, can I still shop at Forever 21? Every website, blog post, or older person I have spoken to thus far has either warned me that "everything goes down hill after 21" or to embrace the exciting rush of being an adult. I don't know exactly which to believe, but for now I will just take the day as it is and hopefully everything will go somewhat smoothly.
Now I am never one to stick to my resolutions {let's not track back to the ones I actually accomplished because I'm sure I can count it on one hand}, but this twenty-second year of my life, I am going to try and view or do things a little differently. Here are a few things to make 22 different:
1. Find a passion and pursue it.
Graduating college can be a tough time for someone who has no idea what they want to do and as for me, I fit exactly in this category. The important thing about your future is finding and pursuing a career in something you love. Do what you love and you will be happier in life.
2. Be yourself and love every minute.
There's no time to waste in your life wishing you were someone else. I am completely guilty of this, but the grass is always greener on the other side. The person you wish you were is probably wishing the same exact thing about someone else, so appreciate what you have. I know I should.
3. Travel often.
Be more adventurous and open your eyes to the world. There is so much out there and so little time to do it. Don't waste it doing something you hate. Explore and immerse yourself into the different cultures. It will pay off. The world is your oyster!
4. Try new things.
I am extremely guilty of this. I hate trying new things and that is something I need to get over. You live only once, so we need to make the most of the things in this world. Don't be afraid of the unknown, because it's probably just as afraid of you as you are of it.
Holiday Gift Guide 2015
Dec 3, 2015 • Other
Yay for messy hair buns, fluffly blarfs (blanket + scarf), and SNOW!
The holidays are just around the corner and there is just so much to be happy about! When we were kids, being able to believe in Santa Claus, baking cookies, spending time with family, and of course, opening presents on Christmas morning! (We all know that is everyone's favorite part…) Getting to open gifts are fun, but when you become the person who buys the gifts, the holidays can become a stressful time. Having to search for just the right gift, hoping that the person will like it, or deciding how much money to drop? The reasons are endless! I know I stress out about this same situation. Every. Single. Year.
Well, luckily for me, I have gotten much better at gift giving over the past couple years. And, lucky for you, I'm going to share some of my favorite gifts and shed some ideas on what to get for the important guys + gals in your life!
*TIP: You can never go wrong by gifting (a girl) either a scarf, beanie, or sweater! You don't have to worry about fit, because the first two are usually one-size fits all and oversized sweaters are totally all the craze!
Take out your notebooks, make your list, and hit the stores! xo, Yours Truly.
*MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE UNDER $50!
*MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE UNDER $50!
FOR HER [from top to bottom, left to right]
FRED & FRIENDS / wake up heat-sensitive mug (Affordable and quirky cute!)
BLOOMINGDALES / airport passport case (Under $50 for your travel-obsessed loved ones!)
UGG / fleece-lined socks (Just perfect for the holidays!)
NORTH FACE / 'triple cable pom' beanie (You can never go wrong with a beanie, scarf, or sweater.)
J. CREW / marble phone case ("Marble is the new black," said everyone, ever.)
MADEWELL / doubletime ring (ON SALE NOW!)
FOR HIM [from top to bottom, left to right]
W&P DESIGN / the gin & tonic carry-on cocktail kit (Stop wasting big bucks in the sky!)
W&P DESIGN / "shake: a new perspective on cocktails" (Get creative + get drunk!)
J. CREW / corgi heavyweight solid socks (Heavy duty + perfect with the ugg 'butte'.)
NATIVE UNION / clic wood iphone 6 case (Tech-savvy + stylish!)
J. CREW / leather flask (Shh! It's just water...)
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