After College

                 

Finals are here or around the corner for some of you and it can be a stressful time filled with all-nighters, finishing projects or pages upon pages of writing to do before the break. Although I'm no longer in school, some of my friends and loved ones are either in their senior year of undergrad or in their last year of graduate school. I know you are not only stressed about finals themselves but life after college. Yes, you can't wait to no longer live in a tiny dorm room or eat horrible food from the dining hall but there's a bittersweet side to ending school. This is the time where everyone transitions from college to the "Real World" and also the part no one warns you about after leaving college.

So I want to take a second and say, you got this! You may be in this moment of panic wondering "where will I live, where will I get a job, will I make enough to pay rent?" ...everything involved with Adulting. It's a lot to process and can feel overwhelming. Social media can also add to the stress when you browse your Facebook feed seeing people engaged, having babies, traveling the world or partying in NYC but this is just a small glimpse in their moment of happiness. You're Badass woman and you can handle anything that life throws at you.  

No one can have or live the life you live but you and it's up to you to make it the one to love. If whatever challenge is in front of you at this moment in your life just know it wouldn't be there if you couldn't handle it. It will either be a blessing or a lesson, good or bad and in the end you will win either way. 
I have in the past and sometimes still do create scenarios in my own head of what could go wrong or if I do this thing that's completely out of my comfort zone I may fail or get hurt. Trust me babes, it's all in our heads. 

You can't control a situation, a person or map out your future. Life has its own plans for you and it's up to you how you embrace them. 
When you hear that little voice whisper to you those mean comments, literally say out loud "STOP!" Tell the voice that it's wrong and that you have the strength and will to do it. Even list out loud why you're strong. "I'm smart", "I'm determined", "I have a goal", "I'm loved". Say anything that you know deep down who you truly are, even when it feels like the world is against you. 

Surround yourself with positive like minded people. Get rid of the ones who doubt you and say your dreams are too big or that don't think you can do it. That's their own insecurities they are pushing onto you. I've had people in old friendships and old relationships telling me I can't or couldn't do what I was dreaming of for my life.
Let me tell you a little secret. If someone tells me no, I get this fire in me to work even harder to achieve my dreams. It's basically that little push I need to work even harder. I wouldn't have the life I live and the friends I have today if I listened to those closed minded people. 

From now on I want you to remember to ask for advice; find a mentor that you can confide in. Read books that relate to what you want out of life whether it's to find love or how to kick some serious butt in your career. 

Here's a list of some of my favorite books. I've gotten a chance to meet and/or listen to some of these people speak. These helped me in my life and I hope they can do the same for you. 

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso 
Leave your Mark by Aliza Licht
How to get the Guy by Matthew Hussey
Why men love Bitches by Sherry Argov
Why men Marry Bitches by Sherry Argov
Front Roe by Louis Roe


Remember girl, you got this! 

Keep kicking ass!
Sade'