I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked me what I plan to do now that I’ve graduated. In fact, people started asking me those questions well before I graduated. Heck, I could probably be in the Bahamas by now if I would have legitimately charged for every question!

Disclaimer: Before I get too far into this, I don’t want it to seem like I’m irritated at all the question askers out there. They all mean well, and I’m sure at times I have been among them. Finding out what someone is going to do with their life is just so interesting! 

Well, What Are You Going To Do With Yourself?

All those askers out there have a valid point though, what AM I going to do with myself now that I’ve graduated? I’ve got a Bachelors of Arts in Communications, a minor in Family Life and absolutely no concrete life plan. To be honest, it’s terrifying. I don’t think I can even put a number to the amount of times I’ve burst out crying (and I’m not talking TV tears here. I mean the ugly, snotty, gasping-for-air stuff) since getting my diploma.

It’s absolutely demoralizing to be asked such an exciting question and respond with “I don’t know” or “I’m currently unemployed, but I’m working on it”. It feels like you’re not only letting everyone down, but that you’re a complete idiot. I feel like because I don’t have a big elaborate post-grad plan it automatically makes me a failure (which I know is not true, but don’t we all feel this way sometimes?).

More often than not when people ask me that fateful question, I end up almost apologizing to them for not having a 9-5 and tell them all the things I don’t have. Sometimes it seems easier-almost necessary to put yourself down in social situations in order to shut down the current conversation and move to a new topic (once again WHY DO WE DO THAT?) .

Luckily Payson is much wiser than I am, and instantly picked up on what I was doing. Then he gave me some of the best, most obvious life advice on the planet.

It’s not about what you’re not doing, it’s about what you ARE doing. 

DUH.

Why was that so hard for me to process!? It’s the old glass half full mentality. Since graduating I’ve secured a super tiny 10 hr/week, do-from-home marketing job that I really like. I run this blog and all it’s social media accounts. I opened an etsy store. I started a book club. And most importantly, I’m learning to take time for me.

Graduation was great, and I’m so thankful for everyone that showed me their support. I graduated with some of my very best friends and had an amazing time. Although the road was rocky, I’m thankful I stuck it out and can forever hang my BYU diploma on my wall. However, now is just the beginning for me–and really for all of us.

Life is so much more meaningful when we look at what we ARE doing or what we DO have instead of longing for something different. I know this isn’t really a newsflash, but it’s something I think we could all do well to remember.

Do you have any good life advice tips you’ve received recently? Leave me a comment and let’s make a train of good advice!