Too often I hear people planning their futures as if it is certain. These people proclaim that they knew when they were five years old that firefighting was their passion, or whatever five-year-olds dream about now-a-days. Sure, some people may seem to have it all figured out. Maybe they do; however, this is not about the certain ones, in fact, it is quite the opposite.
If you are anything like me, you cringe when people ask what your major is. I usually respond with a smile and "communications," followed by a long detailed description of blah blah blah. But, if we are being honest here, I have no idea.
Being expected to plan out my whole future when I'm still not even old enough to buy a drink seems a bit ridiculous. That's why I have decided I am not going to. Now before you think I am crazy, let me explain myself.
You only get four years of college. Four years to make the kind of memories they make movies about. Lately, it seems that everyone is too busy planning their future to realize what is happening around them. How often do you stop and actually look around? I know this is cliché but think about it. Did you notice that your best friend is having a rough day? Or that the cute stranger just smiled your way? I hope so.
We all come to a point in our lives where we are told to sit up straight, act our age, and to grow up. For God's sake! One day, I will. But for today, I'm still figuring it out and that's okay. Making a few mistakes along the way is expected so don't sweat it too much when it happens, and trust me it will happen. Brush yourself off and keep moving forward. Every time you fall and pick yourself back up, you are one step closer to your destination.
Silence the people that don't understand your journey. Some of us take longer to get there. Again, that's okay. Trust that things will fall into place. Being uncertain in college is normal. Embrace the unknown as a time for experimentation and excitement. If I have learned anything, it is to not make too many plans. Life has a funny way of always changing them. Allow yourself the time to grow; you might just surprise yourself with who you turn out to be. The future is whatever you create and I know something magic will come of it. Until then, try, fail and start over again until you find it.
Stop telling yourself that you're lost. You are not lost, you're on your way.
