If you look back to ten years ago, I can almost 100% promise you are not where you thought you would be. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with setting plans and goals for the future, I am simply stating to not beat yourself up when you aren't there when that time comes. Nothing in life goes as planned, and setting goals that may not be attained and later being upset that you are not in that perfect state you wanted to be, is no way to live. Accepting that your plans will not go as you wanted, nearly ever, is the first step towards general peace in your pathway.

I can't begin to even tell you how different my trail went from my original "where I see myself in ten years." For one, I swore I would be married and starting a family...and here I am with a boyfriend and puppy that are hard enough to take care of. Now do I believe that within the next ten years that is in my future, you bet your butt. But until then, I can't continue to dwell on the fact that those around me may be at that point already. I know my time with come when its meant.

I definitely didn't see myself living in Florida working at Walt Disney World on minimum pay, still attending college. Ten years ago was 2006, at that point I was pretty sure in ten years I would be either a fashion designer, working for a magazine like Teen Vogue, or running my own wedding planning company. However, I know what I have accomplished and I am proud of what I have done this far. I have moved out on my own in three different cities, and three different states. I have traveled to multiple other countries in one trip, alone. I like to think I have found myself in ways I didn't think was imaginable. Although, I don't always have time to do the things I love as much the more I get older, I still know what I love, and haven't lost myself yet. I have found a love in a company that their main goal is to instill happiness in people everyday. I have learned the importance of how to budget money. I have never let fear get in my way of starting a new adventure, traveling the world and expanding my knowledge of culture, or believing in my dreams.

I think everyday for this age group specifically, we are often trudged to believe where we should be according to those things we see on social media, and where our friends might already stand. Its hard to ignore or push aside or even come to terms with, but its the only way to be accepting that maybe that just isn't your path, or not your time quite yet. Maybe you have the joy of attending others weddings or baby showers this year, like myself, and though you feel ultimately happy for them, you secretly are wondering when your time might come.And thats normal, but don't worry too much if its not on a time frame you had wished.

I know that I will sit here like many others, and write or think about another "where I see myself in ten years," but I also have learned that these simple guidelines, are just that, and more than likely I will look back again in ten years, and shake my head. But, I will be shaking my head because deep down I know I probably wouldn't be as happy as I am now if my plan went accordingly. I wouldn't have went through obstacles and grown as much if those were just handed to me. I wouldn't have learned to live and love as strongly. And wouldn't have taken as many chances, adventures, and opportunities life throws my way if I would have stayed straight on the path.