Monday, May 20, 2013

Some Catch-Up and a Dose of Real Talk

As Monday rolls to a close, I am hoping that yours was relaxing and beautiful! Before I jump into the meat of this post, I have some blog-housekeeping updates that I wanted to be sure that I pointed out! Not only did I clean up the blog itself, I revamped my About Me page. I've always been dissatisfied with it, but felt stuck as to how to change it up. Then I happened upon an article that answered a lot of my questions and, well, the rest is history. I've added new social media icons for your convenience. I know some readers don't have blogs and it may be easier to follow on Twitter or Facebook.

I've been following along with the Blog Every Day in May challenge over on Story of My Life. I missed yesterday's challenge, which was to list and describe five of your favorite blogs. Over the weekend I created a page where you can see the blogs I read, which can be found here. I don't know about you, but I love finding new blogs and I especially like seeing who my favorite bloggers read. So let's keep that love going!

This is my "anxious" expression. I start twisting a piece of hair around my fingers and adopt a "pensive" demeanor.


Today's challenge is to get real and talk about something that you are struggling with. To be honest, there's quite a few things I have had to confront and deal with these days. I struggle with saying no to chocolate. I struggle with waking up before 9 a.m. And I can never walk away from a Sex in the City marathon...

But let's be real. I'm graduating in a week and I am so excited and relieved to be finished with that part of my life. But two days after graduation, I immediately dive into an industry that I know very little about: the financial industry. I am so blessed to have found a full-time, salaried job straight out of college, but it's an unknown for me; I am no longer anchored in the harbor of "college life."

I got married a year and a half ago, so I have already grown accustomed to living as an independent adult, but this new opportunity has me a little weak in the knees. What if I fail? What if the corporate work-place isn't for me? What if... what if... what if...?

Last night, my hubby could tell that I was not quite myself. I expressed my fears and doubts in much more length than I have here and he listened patiently. He reminded me of the blessing that is this job and told me that even if by some unforeseen chance it doesn't work out, that I am not going to be a failure. He acknowledged my reasons for being anxious, because the unknown, newness, and change are always unsettling. "I have faith in you" he said to me, "and I will always love you." 

While my anxiety is still present, it's another comfort to have a companion who understands and just pulls you into a loving hug (as he did after our talk). I'm thankful he's by my side. I would be a mess if I had to go it alone. All I can do is continue to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward; take one moment, one day at a time, instead of being so caught up with anxiety that suddenly it's upon you. It's easier that way.

11 comments:

  1. In all honesty, who CAN walk away from a Sex and the City marathon?

    You'll be fine. I know those are trite words and I HATE when people say them to me, but it's true. And well done on getting this far :D

    I've enjoyed your Blog Every Day in May posts. It's funny, of the blogs I follow that have been doing it, I've really enjoyed it, but I didn't want to participate myself. Does that make me a meanie?

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  2. Thank you :) I'm glad you have enjoyed reading the posts from this series! I completely understand your enjoying-without-participating approach. I feel like bloggers fall into these things because "everyone else" is doing them (hello blog hops... I can't believe I do those! ;-) I chose this one because I respect the blog that it originated from and I noticed that a lot of my posts aren't super personal. I saw this challenge as a way to maybe incorporate some of that into this blog :)

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  3. Love the new additions to your blog! Any about me page that includes cheese is a favorite of mine! Also - I only realized now that I haven't been following you on twitter! Just fixed that :)

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  4. This is so honest! It's definitely a great things to have a husband who is there for you such as yours is, and his advice to you is right!! I've learned over the past few years that life is very unpredictable and it can be very scary! Who says that you have to be successful at the very first job you have? It's rare to find something that you'll enjoy doing right off the bat, but it can be done...and who knows which way this will go for you. Step out there with confidence and if nothing else, you will definitely learn a lot about yourself from this job experience. You have a great support system in your husband...rely on that in times of need, it will come in handy!!


    Good Luck!!!

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  5. Having anxiety about performance is a VERY real thing. Its even called imposter sydrome. I had a huge problem with feeling like I would be "found out" or exposed as unqualified for my job. It took me two years to be convinced that in graduate school that I was worth it and could do it. You are definitely not alone my dear! Having a spouse who understands is key! I'd never be where I am today without Mr. Collier. Fortunately, we are in the same field and are going through this process together as partners.

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  6. Thank you! and yes, I'm a self-proclaimed cheese fanatic! Awesome! I'll pop over there and follow you as well :)

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  7. Thank you for this advice! I hear you... As a graduate, it's easy to fall into the mentality that everyone expects you to have your life figured out by the time you accept your degree. If life has taught me one thing it's exactly what you said: it's unpredictable! No one has everything figured out. It's easy to believe that though. Thanks for stopping by :)

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  8. It really is! Having only worked part-time in retail, the financial industry is a huge difference! But you're right- having a support system is so important and it must be amazing to have your husband heading down the same path! Wishing you both luck! :)

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  9. It's so natural to be anxious at such a critical change point in your life! I'm sure you'll rock it in the "real world".


    On a side, I recently finished the book Blog, Inc. and I've been thinking a lot about my about page and about the blogs I spend a lot of time visiting since I finished it. You should check it out, too!

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  10. i understand where you're coming from. all of a sudden your thrown into 'the real world' and only thinking of it is overwhelming already. but your husband is right, change is always unsettling. but like you said, take one day at a time and then probably things will fall into place :)
    btw, i like your new 'about me' page!

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  11. Leanne WilliamsonMay 21, 2013 at 3:39 AM

    Good morning! I found you via the Peacoats n Plaid Blog Hop!

    Looking forward to staying up to date with you!

    Leanne x

    http://www.oh-mydaze.blogspot.com

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