So, it's been a while. And a lot has been happening over the past few months that has made me really think about things and reevaluate myself. I have officially started my quarter life crisis.
Now, I know you're not supposed to have one of these until you are 25. Mine has come a year early. And it's sort of hit me like a ton of bricks. So many things are happening and changing that I haven't quite been sure how to handle everything. So what am I doing? I'm writing a book.
Writing is really therapeutic for me. Though this blog has not been kept up to date, it really has served as an outlet for my thoughts over the past couple of years. My book is coming along slowly but surely, and my plan is to have it finished before I actually turn 25 (cross your fingers!). I don't know how much I'll be blogging over the upcoming months, but here are some things that I have decided I'm going to do/change in my life.
I have always been a people-pleaser. I learned this from my mother, whom I love dearly, though my complete avoidance of confrontation has not exactly been the best thing for me. I'm determined to tell people more of what I think about things. I do like to please people, but not at my own expense.
Being healthy is something that I have definitely gotten better at over the past 4 years. I slip up every now and then, but I'm determined to make my lifestyle a healthy one. This does not just mean eating right. I have a month left before I return to work. I'm determined to be at least 10 pounds slimmer before that happens. Hello gym. Hello fruit. Hello veggies. Hello happier Me.
I'm working on myself. Now, I know that being healthy is working on myself, but I mean I'm focusing on making myself a happier, better person. I have had the luxury of being spoiled rotten by the two most amazing parents anyone could ever ask for. I love my parents (and I guess my brother) more than anything, but I am slowly starting to realize that I am a grown up and need to act more like one. What exactly do I mean by this?
While my mom and I went to Florida recently, I was talking with my uncle. I was explaining how frustrating it was that my dad, who I know is only concerned about my well-being, continuously gives me a hard time about my job. I want to make something perfectly clear: I absolutely love teaching. I cannot imagine myself in any other profession other than education. With that being said, I knew that I would not be Ms. Moneybags because, let's face it, teachers do not make very much money. I did not go into education thinking about my salary. I went into education thinking about what I really wanted to do with my life and that was to make a difference in kid's lives. I am doing that, and I am so happy.
What I am not happy about is how much work my colleagues and I actually do and the amount of money that we make. Again, I am not going to up and change my career because I am unhappy with my salary. But there are obvious frustrations for a single girl with a mad shopping habit trying to make it work. So, when I say focusing on me and acting more adult, I mean I am going to be more budget conscious. I currently have the luxury of having parents who will spoil me and pay for some of my bills that my other friends roll their eyes at because "I'm 24 and my parents should just cut me off completely." Um, I'm sorry. My parents love me and want to support me while they can. Like I said, my parents are seriously the best, but I can't be dependent forever.
So, what am I doing to work on me?
1. Applying to grad school - hopefully will be starting in January
2. Setting up a meeting with a financial adviser to set up my 403B (the education equivalent to a 401K)
3. STOP shopping. I know. I can't believe I've said this. But really, I have shoes. I have clothes. I have bags. I have most things that I need in life. I am going to stop buying clothing as of August 1 (I mean, it's about to be back to school. I have to buy SOMETHING new for the first day of school!). I am not going to spend money on my credit cards (which are all mostly to stores) in order to get those paid off as soon as possible.
4. I'm only going to eat out one night a week. I know I've said this before, but I'm really going to stick to it this time. I can't afford to continue to eat out so much.
I really feel like by doing these things, I will be a happier, better person. And why am I working on myself? Because I'm getting to the point that I'm ready to find my Mr. Right. But Mr. Right will only come around when I am completely at peace and happy with myself. So, I'm resigned to do better, be better, and feel better, so that Mr. Right will be around sooner rather than later. :)
