2014 was a busy year for me. I interned for charity, finished my degree in May, spent three months volunteering in Africa, graduated in October and travelled around Europe.
After a year like that I had plenty of ideas about what I wanted to do with my life and career in 2015, all of which involved not just leaving my hometown but also leaving the country. But due to circumstantial changes and after a lot of discussion and thought, I have now decided to not only stay in the UK, but also for the time being in my hometown.
Rather than feeling down about this or thinking about what could have been, I’ve decided to invest in the moment.
What do I mean by “investing in the moment”?
Well without wanting to go all “hippie” on you, life is constantly in flux and changes happen that will throw your plans off course or make you re-evaluate what you actually want. What’s important though is making the most out of the opportunities that you have around you.
For example, in my case my plan was to work for charity abroad or teach English in a foreign country. Because I’m staying, I haven’t just given up on my career plans: I’ve simply tailored them. So now I’m volunteering for a local organisation that work with communities in rural Zambia. Although I’m not out in the field, I’m still making an impact.
Inevitably the human mind can make it very easy to dwell on the fact that we’re in a place we don’t necessarily want to be or remind us that our life could be better or that there was a time when it was better. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the reality is that your life couldn’t be better, because this present moment is your life.
Remain positive and focus on yourself
So if, like me, you’re a recent graduate and you’ve found yourself back in a place you either didn’t want to be or didn’t expect to be, don’t dwell on it. Look into the opportunities you have got around you and invest in them, take up a new hobby, volunteer, build up contacts – just live life and make the most of what you have around you. If anything, I think you might be surprised by just how much interesting stuff happens where you are when you look into it.
Most importantly though, remain positive and don’t be held back by things you may perceive as obstacles.
It’s going to be tough at times, but remember that you’re in charge of your future and even though certain circumstances can play a big part in this, you can make things happen wherever you are in the world.
Do you believe in “investing in the moment”? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Kathryn Rotondo / Flickr
I am 21 year old recent graduate with a 1st class degree in Media Communications, Broadcasting & Journalism. I live in Shrewsbury a small town in England and I’m currently interning for a local charity who support communities in rural Zambia with safe water and sanitation. In 2014 I spent three months volunteering Sierra Leone and now I’m looking for a career in the charity sector!.
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