Post grad Life has been INTERESTING.
Interesting is truly the only word I can use to describe the past three months.
Well to start off, Graduation weekend was amazing. I turned 22 and had an amazing day/night out with some of my close friends, had the biology ceremony the next day (which made me extremely emotional in a good way) and then commencement (in which I was miserable, and cold but nonetheless happy to be graduating Loll)
The congratulations, the likes on the pictures, the calls were great. It felt like, “ Wow, I really accomplished something.” I felt really great about myself and I felt great to have made my family proud.
But then the congratulations stop, and real life started to kick in..
The questions of,” What are your plans?” , “ Do you have a job?” , “ When do you start grad school?” “ Are you going to grad school?” Where are you going to grad school?” “ What are you going to study?” started to become more and more. And yes, I know most people mean no harm when they ask you this, but these questions really became overwhelming.
Because in reality my answers to all these questions were a BIG FAT “ I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Due to these questions I became anxious, avoided certain family members, avoided certain social situations and to be honest it felt terrible.
And then going on social media and seeing people getting their new cars, starting new jobs and on vacations didn’t really help either. I basically felt like a Big loser. womp womp womp…
It was really strange because I should know better than to be depressed and I know what the word of God says about my future but some days it was just and sometimes it is still really hard.
But, I’m learning (don’t have it all figured out and never will) to just put one foot in front of the other each day and to do my part and then trust God with the rest.
A scripture that helps me is,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-3
I’ve fallen in love with this verse because it reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus. Not on what the next person is doing, not on my situation, not on what others may think about me, not on my mistakes but on Jesus. And the race that I’m running is not a race to my career or grad school. But a race of my faith and towards eternity with Jesus, which will give me joy, that will last forever.
Of course that doesn’t mean to not care about my future/ career but for me it just means to not obsess and worry myself sick over it and not focus on anything else. Because my ultimate goal is to hear,” Job well done my good and faithful servant” not just too climb up the ladder of success.
I also love this verse because it reminds me to strip off those sins that slow me down which personally are insecurity and depression. And that’s exactly what depression does slow me down , convinces me that I’m a loser, not smart, will never be successful , that I’m not good enough, and a whole bunch of nonsense.
Seriously, don’t believe the lies of the enemy and stay bound to sin/ depression. But continue to pray and ask God to give you strength and wisdom to endure this life.
And just some tips:
- I f you’re struggling with the post grad blues/ depression/ confusion don’t be ashamed to talk to others about it. You’re not the only one that might be going through it.
- Always remind yourself that you’ll be okay.
- Embrace the unknown and acknowledge that this will grow your faith and will bring you closer to God.
- Go out and do things that make you happy. Whether that is going to Dunkin Donuts and buying a dozen donuts or going to the gym, or hanging with your friends.
- Don’t forget to take a look at your life and notice how God is also working other things out.
Number 5 has been a big one for me because sometimes I get caught up in what I don’t have that I forget that God is working on me and those around me.
But , I Hope this post encouraged you and reminded you that you are not alone in how you feel and that you’ll be more than okay.
Love,
Giselle A. Parris
The Apple of God’s Eye.. 