The Vent Session

I went out with some lovely friends recently. These friends are at a similar life stage as I am and it was ridiculously refreshing. We spent the majority of our time together just whining about the impending change looming in front of us. But, if you know anything about girls, it was exactly what I needed. Boys punch things, girls whine. It's just a law of the universe.

Most people in my life at the moment cannot identify with where I'm at. Coworkers are much older with families already, friends have been out of college and in the working world for several years...or have several years left in college. Mr. Twentysomething has his whole life figured out and really can't understand my qualms. Everyone assures me that "it will be fine and you will adjust"....but, really, when did that kind of advice ever help anyone?

"It's okay that you have elephantiasis, Pam. Everything will be fine. Don't worry, you'll adjust!"

So, needless to say, some good whining was just the ticket. In other words, rumination...aka. think and talk about something until there's nothing left to be said and you want to gag at the thought of mentioning the topic one more time. Girls are known the world over for doing this. Boys ignore the problem and play video games or sports; girls ruminate. Just having someone that knows exactly what you're going through gives a sense of community and like you're not the only one that's freaking out about this huge life change.

I admit, I probably overreact to the situation at times. But, this has, by far, been the most fear-inducing event in my life. I am all about stability and simplicity, and this is anything but. The simple conclusion that we came to, but one that is probably the hardest to implement is the old saying, "roll with the punches." Many times in my life I have found that it is better to go with the flow and not hold so tightly to what we know or what we want. The fact is, college was not like high school and post-grad will not be like college, but it can still be good. Preconceived ideas of what life SHOULD be like and unrealistic expectations have always plagued me. As much as I liked my time as a college student, things change. They are neither good nor bad, just different (wow, Confucius anyone?) And I have to learn to be flexible. Don't worry...I'll keep you posted.

But for now, I'll leave you with more wisdom from my mother, "...you don't want to be one of those people that never leaves college." Thanks mom!