Do you ever feel like you’ve been on the go for so long. . . that when you have a second to sit and process, you feel a little lost?
That is exactly where I find myself, right now.
In 2008, I graduated from Undergrad and jumped straight into my Graduate program at Saint Louis University
Love these girls. . . still miss you!!
I met Zach during my time at SLU and knew that right when when I graduated, I’d be moving to Chicago to be with him.
A picture from Switzerland — my parents graduation gift to me for graduating Grad School
About 6 months after I moved to Chicago, we thought that even living in different apartments was for the birds, and decided that once we were finished with our current leases we would move in together. Enter house hunting, and the anxiety of living with a boy!
Nearly a year into our lease, Zach popped the question and we were engaged 🙂
And subsequently, decided that now was the time to make the biggest move of our lives: Denver.
Thankfully, the transition to Denver was fairly easy thanks to us both having jobs and amazing families.
But of course, wedding planning moved into full force quickly once we were settled.
So you see . . . my life has been one-thing-to-the-next for really my entire adult life.
I tell you this whole long story because for as long as I can remember, I’ve been working towards or planning for something. . . the next big thing. But now, for the first time in my adult life, I don’t have that next big thing.
Part of me is living in the moment, and basking in the quiet. I need for nothing right now. I am happier than I have ever been, and that is pretty amazing.
But another part of me wants that next big thing.
I just have no idea what that next big thing may be. . .
So — I’m currently searching for inspiration.
What am I looking for?
A new “thing” that provides growth and self-improvement
Something that I can do to become a better person. For myself. For my husband. For everyone.
Is it through my job? Career?
Through the blog? I am inspired by my blog, readers, other blogs, and the community EVERYDAY. If only I could make my blog, writing, and my job one in the same 🙂
Through my family and friends? Lord knows I’ve got amazing people in both.
I have no idea — but I’m ready for whatever it is when I find it.
Question of the Day: Anyone else been in a spot like this? Am I totally crazy?
If you HAVE been in a similar spot — what’d you do?
Chocolate Covered Race Medals 
K, first- Switzerland pic = amazing. And “living with a boy”- hahahaha
And yes I can definitely relate. Right now I am in the go-go-go stage, but every time I get a free day to do nothing, I feel guilty for not doing something. It’s hard to remind myself that I am constantly busy, so it’s okay to have a lazy day every now and then.
I personally don’t think you can search for inspiration- I think it’s something that occurs naturally and will just slap you in the face one day. So I say, enjoy your down time and let the chips fall where they may 🙂
I like this advice. I feel like I am just so anxious to do something different for MYSELF now that I don’t have something on the horizon, but You are so right I need to just let it happen.
Patience never was my virtue…
I am definitely in this place right now! I’m 28 years old, love my job and have been with my boyfriend for 7 years. We’ve moved so much in that time that this will be the first year that we’re staying in the same city and even house! Marriage isn’t in our cards yet as we’re saving for to buy our own home first and I’m left with that feeling so what now? What’s in the meantime before the next big life event? So I’ve turned to hobbies…cycling, sewing, baking anything to inspire myself. To do something just for me and see where it takes me so far its led me to blogging which I never thought I’d do so you never know where it might take you… xx
I am definitely in this place right now! I’m 28 years old, love my job and have been with my boyfriend for 7 years. We’ve moved so much in that time that this will be the first year that we’re staying in the same city and even house! Marriage isn’t in our cards yet as we’re saving for to buy our own home first and I’m left with that feeling so what now? What’s in the meantime before the next big life event? So I’ve turned to hobbies…cycling, sewing, baking anything to inspire myself. To do something just for me and see where it takes me so far its led me to blogging which I never thought I’d do so you never know where it might take you… xx
Maybe the “next big thing” could be volunteer work. I’m sure your area will have a huge demand for clean up soon, so check out the united ways website to see how you can help!! that may inspire you in ways you’d never imagine! 🙂
And of course — what is my husband (i typed fiance first) doing this weekend? Cleaning up the river with Bank of America. He’s a better person than I am I tell you.
I’m a planner too. I like to know what I’m doing and when I’m doing it….que in husband and 2 little girls now and planning takes a back seat for most things. It’s hard to plan for stuff now because we never know how the girls will do but we also try not to let that stop us too.
Sometimes the next BIG thing doesn’t have to be BIG at all 🙂
Good luck….love reading your blog.
I love that advice! Sometimes the next big thing doesn’t have to be big at all. . . so true.
breathe, honey. just BE in each moment so thoroughly and so whole-heartedly that you won’t have time to think about what is next. you’ll be so immersed in what IS that the only thing that will matter is the moment. 🙂
that’s what i’m going for anyway 😉
i am loving all the advice i’m getting on this one. everyone is so wise 🙂
Great pictures 🙂 Have you thought of doing a 200 hour yoga teacher training? I chose to do this last year when my life was in a crazy state getting ready for such big changes and it was honestly one of the best things that I’ve ever done for myself. In the meantime, take a deep breath and ENJOY and bask in what you have right now. Such a special time 🙂
that is so ironic that you said that. . . because the teacher at my yoga class last night mentioned a yoga teaching program that is starting. there is an informational meeting about it next monday that i am absolutely considering. . .
you should go to the meeting! The training really helps you round out your practice. It can be a little intimidating, but you will learn so much.. about yoga and things about yourself that you never knew 😉
my concern is the cost — when you did the training, did you start teaching classes after? i’m just worried about making such a large financial investment at this part of our lives without much security. . .
I did not.. in fact, I just subbed for others..That and I taught many community classes.
I can see why you would be worried about cost.It is an investment.
One thing that I found was that by becoming an instructor, even if you are just subbing, many classes are free , or in exchange for teaching, and yoga classes do add up. You will also qualify for discounts ( not the best reason for becoming an instructor, but a nice perk) at Lulu, Prana and athleta.
That being said, I’m not teaching now, but my practice has become much more focused on proper alignment. I really stop and think about it when I’m in poses, and why alignment is sooo important. Feel free to email me if you have other questions… barefootgirl27@me.com
Next big thing, eh? You know what some people are probably thinking when they read that, right? lol I have my mom reminding me occasionally since we’ve been married for 5 years. :p
Definitely continue enjoying the quiet while it lasts. The next big thing, whatever it may be, will happen soon enough. 🙂
haha — no little Jara’s in this household for awhile if that’s what you’re hinting at ;).
I thought people might think that as I wrote it, but definitely not intentional haha