"Patience, young grasshopper," they say. As much as I can hear my dad saying it to me, waving his hand in front of my face to instil some kind of force, the word "patience" has a very negative connotation to it. When our moms and dads told us to "be patient" as kids, we saw it as a punishment. As a result, we obsessed more and sat in discomfort until we got what we wanted or needed. In all aspects of life, waiting is just one of those uncomfortable things we have to deal with. Whether it be waiting for a job offer, exam grade, interview results, etc., I constantly find areas in my life that require very strong acts of patience.
Waiting is hard, but waiting can be the most rewarding. Something as little as waiting for shoes to go on sale or waiting for a better job opportunity—proof in the pudding, waiting has shown to result in better outcomes. So, why do we insist on things happen here and now? Maybe because we think we're just entitled to everything, shouldn't have to wait, do the work, make the struggle, or who knows what. We like certainty and hate not knowing what the future holds.
For a while, I have been trying to figure out what I'm doing in college and what I want to do with my major. Especially with internships and the organizations that I am in, it seems that so suddenly all of the things I was hoping for have just kinda made their way to me and I am quite overwhelmed. I don't want to discredit the fact that I have worked very hard for these things, but it seems too real.
For one thing, I will be going to Europe in less than a month—a dream of mine I have had since I was seven. I'll be leading Her Campus next year, continuing my position on the board of DePaul PRSSA, joining the Bateman public relations campaign, possibly being a writing tutor, and interviewing for upcoming internship opportunities. Already, I am beginning to think that my waiting time has come and I need to make some well-judged and thought out decisions about what I really want to do.
I've also noticed that lately, I have worried so much about the future. Being proactive in goal making and being aware of the choices I make now will have an impact on where I end up is great, but stressing and obsessing over it has made me less present in the work I am doing right now and time just sighs at me. Like Natalie, take a deep breath and chill.
As much as I would love to say that my stress about the future will disappear—it won't. However, I have learned to cope with waiting and being patient; I am appreciating what I got now and putting in the work I'm passionate about, which has made me more so grounded.
You think now you are waiting for something bigger, better, higher, but I can tell you that what you have now is probably just as great. The joy is in the being. I think that honest work and passion prevail. What you do now with your time will be all worth it when you see just how far you come. With that, there are going to be great things ahead, so don't fear the unknown.
"Patience, young grasshopper,"- Master Po, Kung Fu
No one chooses to be uncomfortable, but more and more I am finding myself in uncomfortable positions in all aspects of life: in yoga, academically, socially, mentally, etc. Our comfort bubbles are what we are so used to being in that sometimes I feel like I need to be forced out of it. Transitioning to college was a huge uncomfortable phase and I'm sure there are more to come.
So, how do we tackle this discomfort? It could be from just an icky feeling in your gut or an overall sense of despair and fear. I still do yoga and am continuing this journey of discomfort in all of the poses I do and have done for the past five years. Today, my instructor taught us about embracing our fears—embracing this discomfort we are feeling and to let it go. Mind over matter.
I already know that this year and the upcoming school year will be very crucial times for me to get focused on my future. However, I'm taking up big leadership roles with a couple groups I'm in like Her Campus DePaul and PRSSA. I will be the president of Her Campus next year, and while I am very excited to be leading this amazing group of female writers, I'm already apprehensive about how much work I will be stressing over.
Sometimes the biggest things we want cause the most discomfort, more than you know. I guess worrying about it now doesn't do any good, but I'm always thinking a year ahead of everybody else. My life would be so much easier if I didn't care too much about things, so I brought this topic up because I'm sure I'm not alone.
It could also be my Leo/Virgo personality taking over, but I really think there has to be a time when we all just get comfortable being uncomfortable in all types of situations. I'll be going to Europe in a month (OMG) and literally have no idea what to expect. I know it will be great and I know I'm in a great group of people, but there are still a lot of things I don't know about where I'm headed.
In times like these, I think it's best to take a step back and just appreciate everything that's coming your way—good or bad. There's always a lesson to be learned and room to grow. Maybe you're headed to an interview, audition, getting a promotion, traveling, taking an exam, whatever it may be! I know that I got through it, so you can too. Enjoy it while it's good.
Recently I made a little hair change, one that was very needed. No, I did not chop it all off, but it's that time of year when things change and I needed a refreshed look. I got highlights last year and it kind of faded out into a muted brown color that just didn't do my natural hair justice.
My good high school friend, Natalie Grollo, knows her stuff! She has magical styling skills and I would highly recommend her to everyone looking for a freshen up or even a brand new do.
Sometimes change is good, even if it's just changing something about your look. I wasn't totally for sure about what I wanted to do to it, I just knew I needed something that looked like my natural hair, but better.
I feel like I'm going to get addicted to getting my hair done because the result is just unbelievable. Also, I just love sitting in the chair and chatting with the stylist, it's very therapeutic. We decided on a honey blonde balayage for my hair and I am beyond pleased. I didn't want to lose the length or add layers, but Natalie really achieved the color I was hoping for.
At the end of my visit, she recommended me a couple products that she used in my hair. I'll be honest, I'm not too keen on using a ton of products in my hair and I usually don't style it on the daily, but she suggested I used color locking shampoos and conditioners without parabens or harsh chemicals. Of course, I was interested because I want to maintain this hair color for as long as I can. Drugstore products, while tried and true, don't always cut it.
She advised me to use a small amount of the Amika Vault Color-Lock shampoo and conditioner to ensure that my color stays put for a few months and not to wash my hair as often as I normally do, which is sometimes every day after I work out. Not only does this shampoo and conditioner smell so floral and fresh, but it is also made with soybean oil, to protect the color from fading and stay vibrant. It also is made with an amino acid blend that strengthens my hair shaft and roots and boosts its overall health.
I am the queen of texture, so this Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray had to be added to my basket. When I do feel like adding an extra oomph to my hair, texture sprays are my best friend. Rather than just sticking my head with a stronghold hairspray, this gives it flexibility and added playfulness.
Doing your hair can be as simple as a clean new cut or as drastic as a totally new color. Whatever it is, I think everyone deserves to change it up a little and reinvent their look this season. It's a nice way to get back on your feet and work it.
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