Life after graduation was better than I've ever imagined. One year ago, I was freaking out about my future and what to do with my life. Today, I have many passions and dreams that I am accomplishing one at a time. The future is much more clear to me but I also like taking a leap of faith into the unknown, not knowing where life will take me next. I've let go of all expectations for myself and others and am living the life that I truly want.
Trust the timing of your life.
Many opportunities came up when I was letting go of what I thought I should be doing, living my purpose. When I stepped out into the universe and show up. When I started networking, having conversations that moved my dreams forward. I've found my tribe and became a part of projects that were meaningful to me and made a positive impact on the lives of others. Not only was I able to help others from as far as Nicaragua, but even a close friend or someone 50 years my senior.
Your happiness comes from creating happiness for others.
At this moment in life, I want to travel and grow as a person. I want to see the world, immerse myself in another culture, and step out of my comfort zone. I want to meet people from all over the world, expand my mind, and make a difference. Now is the time. I can literally do whatever my heart desires.
Follow your call to adventure.
In less than two months I will be leaving to work in South Korea for an entire year without seeing my family and friends. Some friends may come to visit, but even then this is my first time traveling and living overseas alone.
It's been calling out to me for some time now, and I am happy to say that I've manifested my dreams after applying to EPIK twice. Even when you encounter setbacks, when you know that it is something that you must have and you're willing to sacrifice for it, then it will happen.
Keep Going and Just Believe.
My strong desire to travel lead me to many gigs where I was paid to travel. Although I chose to spend the Christmas holidays with my family and friends and didn't end up working on a cruise ship, I decided that I also want this experience. It will happen eventually.
Those who are certain of the outcome, can wait and wait without anxiety. - Gabby Berstein
All of these experiences are stepping stones to help me become the person that I am today. It's starting to make a lot more sense now, with all my passions interrelated leading to me where I'm supposed to be right now.
I used to hate change, but now I embrace it. There are so many changes this year, but the best one was definitely my mindset. I have never been more optimistic and open-minded in my life to new experiences, new people, and most importantly my perspective on myself and my future.
You are exactly where you need to be, to learn the lessons you need to learn, to become the person you are meant to be. - Anita Wing Lee
There are way too many things I want to do, at this time, right now. I want to have it all figured out and I want everything to happen all at once. I know that I need to slow down and not overwhelm myself with too many things at once. Looking back, I couldn't believe that I was involved in 7 different organizations just this year. As much as I love to volunteer, I don't want to be a jack of all trades. I want to master a few things that truly matter. I need to keep my priorities straight and I've been learning to live more in the present moment. I'm still young, and better things are coming.
Focus your energy on what matters to you most now.
Once you start living life a little differently and you meet like-minded individuals that lift you higher, you realise that there's no going back to the life that you've always lived. It's okay if the people that you've known forever don't understand what you're doing or see things the way you do. Stay open-minded but be true to yourself.
Let go of what no longer serves you any purpose.
Both networking and mentorship have been a huge part of my growth this year. I've never thought that I would be complimented on my networking skills or have several mentors that contributed to my success today, one who has changed my life completely. I myself even mentored a few people and the feeling of helping others and witnessing them succeed is incredible. Networking is all about connecting with others and building relationships, and I've met so many amazing individuals this year that inspire me and unconsciously gave me permission to shine and dream a little bigger.
Life is a journey, not a destination.
2015 was so unbelievably amazing in that I accomplished 99% of my goals and learned so much - that even the adversity and 'bad' experiences were all a blessing in disguise.
Cheers to a New Year, I can't wait for 2016. Another year of change, growth, and travel.