Dear Struggling 21-Year-Old | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Dear Struggling 21-Year-Old

STOP freaking out

133
Dear Struggling 21-Year-Old

Dear Struggling 21 Year Old:

At 21, the year before I graduated college, I had several mini meltdowns.

And by “mini,” I mean total freak outs.

I would constantly think: WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE?!


Follow Jordan on her blog, Soul Scripts.


I think the pressure of college and career came to a violent clash and I began inviting comparison into my heart without intending to.

The pressure to grow up was looming in the horizon and I didn't know how to handle that reality. Let's be real, I still don't know how to handle that reality. Can't I just be Wendy from "Peter Pan?"

Anyway, I remember gushing my doubts and fears on a long car ride with my mama. I told her of my dread of joining the rat race in corporate America, my uncertainty of what my dreams even were, and the itch in my heart that I couldn't identify. I felt dreamless. Purposeless. One in a hundred million.

So if that's you, welcome to the club. But I think perhaps those feelings result from the lack of control our hearts somehow know about. Through all of our efforts to prepare, plan, schedule and control, it seems as though we’re constantly in a backwards race of tricking our heart into thinking we’ve got control.

Nobody has it all figured out, so don't be fooled.

But I also remember telling mama-girl that I wanted to do SOMETHING creative, purposeful, and impactful. Sounded like a long shot. And most days, it still does. "Something" is still defining itself.

But I'm learning that's okay if you've got a little fire in your spirit, if you learn to smile through the failures, and trust God's hand in the process.

Like I said, most days I still don't know what this is supposed to look like. My senior-in-college-working-at-a-banking-internship-self would never have let me do what I am now. But God would. And I had to start letting Him in on my life through something as simple as conversation. Isn’t that funny? There’s no secret formula to reconnecting with God. It’s the same as reconnecting with an old friend. Say hi, tell him about your life, and pay attention to His voice heard through your experiences, His people, and His Word.


Find Jordan on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.


So although none of us have anything all that figured out, I have two things to say:

1. We have to be okay with taking risks when it doesn't make sense.

Leap, jump, fall, scrape your knees. The more you do, the more you’ll realize a little bump or scratch here and there isn’t too bad compared to being trapped inside a head full of worries we literally cannot do anything about.

2. We also have to be okay with change. Big, hard, uncomfortable change.

Because when we do, the canvas of our life will be splashed full of more color and excitement than had we done what the world expected us to.

So, just do you.

Do what the good Lord etches on your heart – day by day. And you're only going to find out what that is by talking to Him and letting Him talk to you through His people and His Word.

Because when you start talking to God and letting Him in on your plans, you’ll see the beauty of a process unfolding, instead of trying to teleport in a hyper-controlled fashion to a single point on a map. You've already arrived because you're a daughter of God. So enjoy the journey - He's got it all mapped out.

xox

J Lee

PS. If you're struggling with relationships or heartbreak, check out my evotional, BeLoved for half off regular price! Or, if you're struggling to feel close to God or would like help studying the Bible, check out my evotional, Brighten Your Bible Study (also half off!).

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

21226
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8963
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6497
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5605
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments