"what are you doing with your life?"

You know how at every family reunion since you were six years old relatives have asked you what you're doing with your life? And you always did that little shrug thing and it was okay because they knew that you weren't old enough to have any idea and anyways they only asked you because they had no idea what else to talk about??
Well, here's a little secret; the moment you turn eighteen, the "shrug thing" is apparently no longer an acceptable answer, which is unfortunate because EVERYONE BECOMES FIXATED ON YOUR LIFE PLANS.
I mean that's why you're here, right? You probably want me to answer all your questions, including my very favorite of all:
"so....when and where are you going to college?"

Well here is my question for you: can someone PLEASE tell me why  the day we are set free from high school we are expected to have our entire lives mapped out? I mean everyone knows that most eighteen year olds have no idea.

The truth is, I have no idea what I'm doing in the direct future. But by "no idea" I don't mean that my future is a blank slate or that my plans are filled with a void of nothingness. Oh boy do I have plans. If you know me, you probably know that I dream big. I have a lot of dreams and I know exactly what they are and how I plan to achieve them. But if I've learned anything in my life so far...it's that life doesn't exactly like to stick by our eloquently-organized plans.

Life also didn't take it's sweet time to send me a few lessons right after graduating.

1) I quickly realized after graduating that with being an adult comes responsibility (17 year old me is cringing so hard at that sentence). So I gave myself a week after graduation before I began to job hunt. I wanted to find a job that would not only pay well (duh), but that would be something that would make me happy.  So I got a job as a nanny, watching two adorable kids. The hours are long, but they aren't emotionally exhausting like high school was. It's FUN. I constantly stop and think "wow, I am so happy". I never did that in high school. It was more like "well..here I am".

2) I'm not ready to go straight to college. Sometimes I wonder if anyone is. Twelve years of school and it's time to go right back? But this time you have to pay? I realize that this probably sounds immature, but one thing I know for sure is that I personally am not ready.  I do plan on going to college and I respect education. But I want more than just to respect it. I want to CHERISH it. I also don't think that college is the only way you can LEARN. Having a job has taught me so much already. Doing ANYTHING outside of your comfort zone is guaranteed to teach you something new.

3) I am sick of seeing the world through Pinterest; I want to see it for REAL. I am completely fascinated with the idea of making my life as magical as possible. Life isn't always glamorous, but I'm ready to deal with the non-glamorous moments if it means I can have them while living an adventure. I want to travel; I dream about it almost every night.

I believe that a more appropriate question for 18 year olds is: "what are your dreams and what are you doing NOW so that you can achieve them?"

THAT is the question I will answer:
As I mentioned, I got a job. I am working so hard to save money. Whatever your dreams are, most dreams require money. It kind of frustrates me because I'm such a free spirit and suddenly this MONEY thing comes up and I realize I don't have enough. YET.
I am leaving my comfort zone a lot. I have been spending time with new people, hiking new places and reading new books.
Most importantly, I'm strengthening my relationship with God. All of these hard decisions coming up are going to be 10000000 times easier if I let Him be there to tell me which one is best for me.

What am I doing with my life?

Currently: I am learning. I am exploring new things. I am spending all my free time snuggling & playing with my puppy. I am working. I am trying new things.
I'll let you know when I more on to the next thing, but for now I am content.
xoxo
-Hallie Jo