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Just Because You're Not Where You Want To Be Now Doesn't Mean You'll Never Get There, So Stop Running

Work toward your future, but don't miss the beauty of where you are right now.

Lauren Alice Margheim

Mar 25, 2019

Orlando, Florida

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFY9ace2t4s

Ale Cloppet

What do you want to do with your life? Where are you trying to go? Where are you now?

What motivates you? Are you afraid you'll never get where you want to go?

Why are you rushing through life?

Ferris Bueller once said...

And it's true.

But sometimes it feels like you're running out of time. Sometimes it feels like if you're not where you want to be now, you'll never get there. Sometimes it feels like you constantly have to run to the next part of life.

And that's not true.

You have time.

I know that's easy to hear and harder to actually listen to. It's something I've struggled with too.

I haven't traveled to all the places I want to visit. I haven't written a book. And I haven't bought a house with a wrap-around porch. Yet.

Because that's not where my life is now.

I haven't been to California, but I've been to Washington, DC. I haven't written a book, but I have an English degree. I'm not in a financial place to buy a house, but I am renting a great apartment. Because that's where my life is right now.

Before this stage in my life, I felt behind. I was always looking ahead to where I wanted to be—to what I thought I deserved. I couldn't be content with where I was. I was in college working toward the future, but I was so focused on the future, I sometimes ignored what was going on day to day. I felt rushed. I couldn't wait to graduate and get out of there.

But now, I'm graduated. I'm in the "there," and yet I'm still looking toward the future in the same way. I can be so focused on getting to where my life can "start." But the thing is, my life has been happening all around me.

It's a pretty obvious statement. Yet, it's one I often need to tell myself. I need to remind myself to live in the present. It's taken me a while to change my mindset but it's not impossible.

You can change your mindset too if you need to.

In the present, you can stop for a minute, look around and enjoy your life. In the present, you can also work toward your future in a healthy way. You can take the time to figure out the best way for you to get where you want to be while still slowing down to live in the present.

And if you find yourself discontent with where you are, make a list of what you can do now to get there. Research jobs. Plan your classes. Work on your hobbies. Take some time to rest well.

I'm not behind. You're not behind either. You don't need to rush through your life.

Stop running.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Just Because You're Not Where You Want To Be Now Doesn't Mean You'll Never Get There, So Stop Running

Work toward your future, but don't miss the beauty of where you are right now.

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The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

1. People asking if you're mad at them.

2. Those people who hand out flyers don't always try to stop you.

3. Creepy guys telling you to smile.

4. "I thought you were a bitch when I first met you."

5. People telling you you'd be "so much prettier if you smiled."

6. Doing your makeup and looking great, which somehow intensifies the bitch face.

7. Regularly explaining "it's just my face."

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

That moment that someone you never looked twice at suddenly makes you do a double take out of no where.

But you can't have a crush, that's outrageous. It's all in your head.

Because you don't have a crush, there's no reason to tell anyone about anything. Right?

But then they do something irresistible and you start to lose it.

Now accepting the fact you have a crush, you have to keep it under control.

Then there's the part where you tell your friends who will claim they called it.

They'll be excited and cheer you on. That's until they realize that your crush is all you'll be talking about.

Your obsession has become so bad, that your Facebook stalking is getting out of control.

But your friends will try and help move things along any way they can. That doesn't mean it will be any helpful though.

As time goes on, you start having fantasies about the two of you and it's starting to scare you a little.

You can't focus on anything because all your attention is on them and everything they do.

Anybody who comes near your crush is now an enemy, and you are willing to fight for your crush.

When you see them, you act like an idiot. Trying to hide your feelings may not be as discrete as you think.

Keeping your feelings inside will start to be harder and harder until you can't keep it inside anymore.

Who knows, maybe it will work out? Take a chance.

Everybody hurts sometimes.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1. You feel like an elder.

2. You may feel lonely.

3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

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