Isn't it funny how easy it is to give really good advice to others, yet it's really hard to take it when it relates to you and your own life?? I have realized that a lot lately. I'm pretty wise when it comes to life, trials, falls, and other not-so-fun experiences. I give good advice to a lot of people, but what about those time when I should (and need) to listen to it myself? That's really tough for me.
Earlier today I wrote an email to a friend who is in a very similar situation as I am. She's far from her family, friends, and everything that she knows. She is lonely and misses her family so much it hurts. To most of us, she's at a place in her life that we could only dream of, but she's actually living out this dream. However, she's not happy. She thinks of "waking up" and leaving this "dream" behind.
Like her, I have been really unhappy lately and have been doubting my latest move to Colorado. I'm really sad that I'll be without my family on Christmas, and I've only been focusing on the negative things here on my own.
After writing the email and proofreading it about four times before sending it (remember, I am an English major!), I read it one more time to myself. I listened to the words and realized that I needed to take my own advice. Like her, I am living a dream. I have so many opportunities right in front of me that I'm missing out on because I'm choosing to focus all of my energy on the fact that I am alone during the holidays instead of taking advantage of the endless possibilities to potentially make this the best Christmas ever.
Today I vow to listen to my own advice. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I am making the best out of these moments. I will laugh, love, pray, discover myself, and have the time of my life no matter where I am or what I am doing.
So, if you are struggling today with life, love, location, or whatever it is, here's part of that email that I wrote. Maybe my advice will help you as much as it helped me today.:
"If you are lonely and missing your family, I can totally relate! Ever since I got back from visiting my family for Thanksgiving/ my nephew's birth in November, things haven't been the same. I'm sad more than I'm not. I wake up and go to bed feeling lonely and left out. I constantly think of Joshie, Jack, and my other nieces and nephew. I cry a lot and am unmotivated to do anything outside of work and hanging out with Bud. It's tough.
No matter how hard it is, something is still holding me here, but I can't explain it. I have decided to give it one more year to see what happens. If I still feel like this next December, I will for sure go home. But who knows, great things may happen and I may stay forever. I'll never know if I don't give it an opportunity to be great. I know if I go home now, I'll regret it and always wonder what could have been.
We're young, single, beautiful women!! We might as well take advantage of that while we can. Well, the young and single part.. We'll always be beautiful! :)
No matter what you decide, your family and friends will always be here and support you and your choices. Live for YOU right now! Be as selfish as possible and create your destiny. Make your dreams your reality. Travel, laugh, love, pray, discover yourself, and drink lots of wine!!!
I hope that whatever you decide to do you do it with no regrets. Take advantage of this time and try to love every minute of it. Easier said than done, believe me, but it's possible."
Erin
Xoxoxo
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