Six Months Post-Grad: Here's What I've Learned So Far

How does a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?

When I walked onto the Texas A&M campus at the ripe age of 17, I was practically drowning in excitement for what was to come. Four years of new people, new classes and new experiences. The possibilities truly felt limitless, and I had this impenetrable pre-conceived notion that I would somehow know everything about myself and the world by the time I walked that Reed Arena stage.

I now look back on those years of my life, as well as my most recent 6 months post-grad, and realize that my previous convictions about how I wanted to live my life seem a bit less rigid. Although I didn't necessarily have everything planned out at 17, I thought I would by the time I turned 22, but I am honestly so happy that I allowed myself to learn and grow throughout this time in my life. Because honestly, if I was currently living by the standards and expectations I had for myself at 17, I would be miserably unhappy.

In my opinion (but arguably objectively), the best episodes of Gilmore Girls are up until Rory leaves for college. They feel a bit more cozy, and the drama hasn't taken an entirely unrealistic turn. When I was younger, I would watch the later episodes of Gilmore Girls and scoff at Rory's decisions ("WHYYY DID YOU DROPPP OUT OF YALEEE?"). And although I still think they're not as well written as the first few seasons, I now find the storylines, and particularly Rory's turmoils, throughout these episodes to make much more sense. Rather than annoyance, I now feel sympathy and understanding.

All of that is to say, a person really can feel like they know everything at 18, but nothing at 22. And although it can be discouraging, and at times heartbreaking, embracing that truth has allowed me to be more forgiving towards myself as I continue to learn who I am.

Although I am no expert on post-grad life, it's honestly astounding how much I've grown in these last 6 months. Here are just a few of the lessons I've learned, or realizations I've had, along the way.

You can be alone without feeling lonely.

Although I've always loved to do things on my own, I have now found that I crave time and activities where I can be in solitude. It gives me the ease and mental capacity to reflect and just be really present.

There's a reason routines are encouraged - you will feel anxious when you don't have one.

Whether it's starting out the day, winding down for bedtime, or even just making my morning coffee, I feel completely lost and overwhelmed without a reliable routine.

Exercise can be incredibly fun when you find an activity you enjoy.

I have devoted so much time in the last 6 months to finding a new exercise that I enjoy. Stay tuned for an entire post on why I LOVE Pure Barre.

Your interests and hobbies make you unique, not undesirable.

If it's something that you find cool, then that's all you need. Be insufferably YOU.

Purpose is not a check in a box. It is something that is always evolving.

Purpose is something you find every day. It's easy to be driven by purpose, but once you achieve what you were wanting to do, it no longer makes your future pursuits meaningless. It's so important to see purpose in all you do, big or small. The time you devote to your passions and goals, no matter what they are, is valid and important.

Strangers aren't paying attention to you, but don't be afraid to talk to them either.

Go to the new bookstore, visit the new coffee shop or try the new workout class, and don't worry if you get that feeling as if everyone knows you're a "newbie." They were once newbies too, and, because of that, don't be afraid to talk to them. You may make a new friend, or just have a fun story to tell your mom about!