Don't rush away your life...

​As kids, we are in a mega rush to grow up. When we aren't yet old enough to drive, we can't wait until we're able to drive. And after we're able to drive, we can't wait until we're old enough to make our own decisions as adults. And then we can't wait til we're old enough to drink. 

After that, we can't wait to graduate college, if we go, so we can "start" our lives. We're in such a rush to grow up and get into the adult world.

But, and I can't stress this enough, why? Why do we rush away our life?

I know I was like this. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to live on my own and make my own decisions and run my own life. 

I rushed through high school and started community college before I had even graduated from high school. Then I rushed through college...and I do mean rushed. I took summer school classes and fast tracked literally everything. I graduated in 3 1/2 years like it was some sort of badge of honor. 

And then, big surprise, I got a "big girl" job and life hit. Responsibilities. Having to make tough choices. Never knowing if what I was doing was worth it or where I was meant to be. 

And then one day, I realized I'd wished my youth away. Yes, I had fun in high school, but I spent a lot of time working and getting those all so important college courses out of the way at community college. And yes, I had fun in college, but I turned down a lot of things so I could work and take more classes. I wanted to be done with college quickly so I could "start" the rest of my life. 

But what in the heck does that even mean?! Was high school and college not a part of my life? Why did I feel it was so important to rush through these major milestones? Why do WE, as a society, feel it's so important to rush through so many things? 

Or worse, we play the "I'll be happy when..." game. Instead of enjoying what we have and where we are in life, we think, "I'll be happy when I make more money," or "I'll be happy when I have a bigger house (car, pool, etc.)." 

And I know you know what I'm talking about...because we've ALL been there! 

It's a nasty game we play with ourselves.
 
I learned a long time ago to enjoy where I am in life, but every now and again, I find myself gazing wistfully at the future and wishing I was there now. But I bring myself back by counting my current blessings. By reminding myself how incredibly blessed I am RIGHT NOW. 

And, even better, by reminding myself that everything I have, I once wished for. Life may not have always gone as planned, but I am grateful for all I have and all I’ve been through. 
 
And I am so beyond blessed. So for now, I enjoy where I am in life. I know that Nick and I are working towards our future, but I am happy with how our life is right now. I’ve counted all our blessings multiple times, and I’ve done all I can within my control, but I know I can’t rush it. Nor do I want to. 
 
So for all of you out there, don’t rush it! Things will happen as they’re supposed to. And if you’re a young kid in the process of growing up, don’t rush it! Enjoy it! Because it really does go by too fast! 
 
Enjoy your week, my friends. And live in the moment. Enjoy where you are right now. And more importantly, if you don’t like where you are, work on changing it. 
 
With love and wellness,
Whitney