Happy Self-Love Sunday!

There are song lyrics by H.E.R. that I feel best currently describe my life and all of the emotions I’ve felt since I last wrote.
“Lately, I’ve been going through some changes, been running out of maybes… I know ya losing patience with me.”

Lately, my life has been in transition. I graduated from college, began renting my first solo apartment, and started my first job. I’ve experienced so many firsts in such a short amount of time. And with these firsts, came a period of transition and adjustment. Living alone is completely different than living with family or in a college dorm. Working my first corporate job is totally different than being a full time college student. While I was aware life after college would be different, I didn’t just how much of a transition it would be.

I feel like people don’t really speak on the transition from college to life after college. But this is a topic that needs to be discussed! Life after college shouldn’t be solely focused on getting a job. Because once you get that job, what’s next? How do you adjust to a new routine, a new career, and a new lifestyle? The refund checks are over once you graduate, unless you go back to school. And therefore, learning how to properly maintain and retain finances is so important. But once again, these things aren’t always harped on when it comes to life after college. Society wants us to focus on becoming employed and becoming employed in a field relevant to our college major. But just know, that isn’t always the case. And that’s totally fine.

My life after college hasn’t been perfect. I’m still adjusting to living alone and waking up every day for a 8-5. It’s all nerve wrecking and exciting at the same time. When I reflect, I realize how blessed I am. It was only yesterday I was in school and now I’m in corporate America. But just because I have a job in corporate America doesn’t mean everything is rainbows and butterflies. Now I have to make new friends and since I moved, make friends in my area. Not saying I ditched all my college friends, because I definitely haven’t. But our schedules are not the same anymore. When I’m free, they’re in class or work and when they’re free, I’m at work. I value all of the people I’ve grown close with because of Kennesaw and I know that I will continuously make an effort to remain friends. However, I miss being able to walk to my friend’s room when I’m bored. So I’m trying to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and make friends at my new church, small group & apartment complex.

Sometimes transitioning can start off a little rocky. Things don’t always go as we planned or imagined. But transition is necessary. It allows you to enter into a new phase of your life. How can you grow if you stay the same? Just know that you are not alone. There are plenty of others in moments of transition just like you. And there have been plenty of others who have stood in your shoes. So you aren’t alone, even if it feels that way. Reach out to a friend, a loved one, God, and even take some time with yourself. You are exactly where you’re meant to be for this moment in your life. And you can and will make it!

Love yourself, even when you transition. Maybe love yourself a little more. Because things will be scary and unfamiliar, but also exciting and exhilarating. There are endless possibilities before you. So don’t allow yourself to hold you back due to fear or uncertainty of the unfamiliar or unknown. And because of this unfamiliarity, you’ll be looking for comfort and love in so many things. Unaware of the great affection and comfort you can provide yourself. So love yourself, even when you’re adjusting to your transition. They say there’s beauty in the struggle, so why can’t their be beauty in the unknown, too? Have faith and know that this is just the beginning for you to accomplish any and everything you want. Love yourself and embrace your transition, whatever it may be.