As the legendary Grey’s Anatomy once said, “The future is the home of our deepest fears, and wildest hopes, but one thing is certain: when it finally reveals itself, the future is never the way we imagined it.”
That line hit me like a ton of bricks last night, right as I was trying to fall asleep. At this point in my life and career, all I seem to do is think about the future. I think, I worry, I stress, I plan, I prepare—constantly trying to map out the next chapter. The time after graduating college and before you dive into what’s next is a strange mix of emotions. There are the exciting possibilities, but also the heavy weight of uncertainty. And, god, do I think about it all. All. The. Time.
I’m worried about finding a job that actually makes me feel alive (and not just something I can add to my resume). I’m thinking about money—will I make enough to support myself? I’m stressing about the day I finally move out of my parents’ house and how that’s supposed to happen. And then, there’s the big question: Will I find my person? Or will I end up in my 50s, alone, spending 24 hours a day on TikTok?
Yeah, the future can be a lot.
But here’s the thing: it’s totally normal to have these worries. This is a time in life where everything feels up in the air, and with that uncertainty comes stress and a whole lot of what-ifs. It’s comforting to remind myself that I’m not alone in this anxiety. My friends are in the same boat. My older brother was there too, and my parents? Yeah, they felt the same way when they were my age. It’s just part of the journey.
Then, I try to flip the script. Because as terrifying as it all is, there’s also something kind of fun about the unknown. We’re in a unique season of life where uncertainty isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. Sure, it’s stressful, but it’s also an adventure if you allow yourself to embrace it.
So, instead of letting myself spiral into a world of anxiety about what might happen, I’m choosing to lean into excitement about what could happen. Yes, the unknown is a little scary, but it’s also full of possibilities. What if I say yes to opportunities I never thought I would? What if I allow myself to be surprised by the way life unfolds?
The truth is, the future isn’t something I can predict or control, no matter how much planning I do. And maybe that’s the most exciting part of all. The future is uncertain, and yes, it’s scary, but that’s also what makes it an adventure worth taking.
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