Sometimes the future is exciting, and sometimes it’s a little scary.
I like to keep my blog positive, because I’m positive (95% of the time), but things are a little uncertain around here. Ownership of the company I work for is shifting, and, while the bosses are outwardly telling us not to worry, it’s in a, “You should probably worry,” tone of voice. I’ve canceled my much-anticipated SF trip, as it was hinted that this might not be the best time to be away on vacation.
I don’t do stress well. I go into hermit-mode and have a hard time finding the interest in communicating with others. I stop sleeping at night (Hello, 2am), sleep every other available minute and (usually) stop eating. At least that last one is taken care of–perfect timing for my new goal and new nutrition plan–I have to eat, stressed or no!
It’s weird, being an adult and facing uncertainty. Even a year ago? Oh, well. I’d just pack up my one whole box worth of clothes, shove my comforter in my car, wave goodbye to my roommates and wish them good luck finding a new renter, and go live with the parents and work something part-time until I found a new path.
Now? I have responsibility. Like a house. That I really like. And an independent life. That I really like. Not that I don’t have enough saved to keep me going for a fair amount of time, and not that my amazing parents wouldn’t be there to help me out if things were really bad, but still. It adds a whole new level to uncertainty.
While I know everything works out in the end, and I’m slowly lifting the 50-lb weight of stress off my chest, this is a new level of adult reality I haven’t been to before. It’s likely that nothing will change, in which case I’ll be a-okay. There is a slight chance that lots of things will change. But you know what? I’ll still be a-okay. This is just one of those “adult experience” things. Fine, I’ll admit I’m growing up. A little, at least.
How do you face stress? Make it through a challenging situation that’s beyond your control?
Step one for me?
Delicious pancake breakfast (protein-filled, of course). Step two? Trashy action/horror movie marathon as soon as I get home from work. Oh yeah, I’ll be just fine.
I’m the same way about not sleeping when I’m stressed (and it sucks because when you’re stressed, you need sleep!!!) I find that running, particularly with a friend or a positive playlist, can help. Also, a good wine night with my bffs
Hang in there darling!
Exactly! I know I’d think so much clearer/be less stressed if I’d just sleep, but then those are the two things keeping me awake. Thank goodness for weekends and LOTS of time for naps/catching up on sleep. And I have a feeling a killer legs day tomorrow afternoon will help get some of the stress out, too ;D Thanks, Liz!
I like that you’re positive and reslistic at the same time. That an important quality that a lot of people don’t have!
Thanks Allie! I know it’s important not to get too bogged down in negatives, because what will happen is going to happen either way, whether I have a good(ish) attitude about it or not.
Allie, You are going to be fine! I always say “Trust the Process,” Hang in there and things will be better then you can imagine! When I get “stressed”, I too do not eat so I surround myself with all of my favorite foods. If protein pancakes make you lick your lips then that is what you eat
Have a Lovely Weekend! Love and Shine CourtStar
Thanks for the positivity, Court!
Being an adult sucks. But at the same time it’s great.
If I’m stressed at all I don’t eat. I don’t understand how people can eat when they are stressed or depressed. I lose my appetite immediately! I also wake up in the middle of the night multiple times even if I’m mildly stressed.
I’m sure everything will work out
Thanks Sara! And yeah, I usually don’t even realize I’m stressed until I spend a day or two not really eating anything–NOT my usual pattern of consuming anything that gets in my way.
Life has an amazing way of taking you where you are meant to be!
Doesn’t it suck a little to be an adult sometimes? I’m sure it will all work out! Pancakes makes everything better.
They really do
And oh, I love the independence and most everything that comes with being an adult..but sometimes I’d give anything to be a five-year-old who needs help just to not go out of the house in a tutu.
I regret the days when I used to wish to be an adult…oh to be young and without a care in the world! Hope everything works out for u- keeping my fingers crossed. In the meanwhile, enjoy your weekend…especially as it’s the weekend, you have NO excuse to not make pancakes
!
I know, right? Adulthood looks so glamorous and care-free when you’re a kid. Totally eating pancakes for every breakfast this weekend
I deal best with stress with a physical release. A good workout, yoga, or even a solid hour of meditation. Dealing with a situation our of your control is one of the hardest things in life. Just make sure you’re doing everything you possibly can and keep reminding yourself that it’s out of your control.
A couple good weekend workouts definitely helped! And thanks so much for the tips–the self-reminders are so important.
I believe pancakes are an immediate stress reliever. Yummy option!
Oh the joys of an uncertain job future. I technically have that coming down the pipeline soon. I try to be realistic and not lose myself in ‘what-if’ scenarios. You’re clearly more adult than you give yourself credit for–hello nest egg for emergencies and parents that are willing to help you out! It’s not like you don’t have a marketable skill, so you’re less likely to struggle in the tough job market. Would it hurt to start browsing Craigslist for job openings and/or update your resume? Of course not. It’s nice to be prepared, but it’s not nice to drive yourself crazy. Do what you can, take it a day at a time, and focus on the things that you have control of and make you happy. At the end of the day, that’s all you’ve got!
Venting is always nice, too. So glad you feel comfortable sharing!
It would definitely be smart to update my resume–just as a general life-thing if nothing else! I don’t think I’ve touched it since right out of college…whoops. And thanks so much Michelle, you definitely have such a down-to-earth attitude towards this, it helps to get a realistic point of view. And to vent
Did take me a while to decide if I wanted to post this or not. Glad I did!
Stress is no fun, I hope it all works out! Sleep is so important and seems that it’s the first to go under stress. And, I’m so sorry you had to cancel your trip to CA. Things usually work out for the best but that doesn’t make the stressful part easier. Good luck!
Yeah, why is it that stress immediate attacks the things that would otherwise help you fight stress? Like sleeping well, eating right, staying active. Stressed? All that starts to go out the window. But I’m definitely relaxed and ready for whatever the future might hold–this weekend was a good time to pause and get it all straightened out in my head.
Hi Allie. Sorry to read things are a bit “uncertain”. They are for Dennis and I too. However, we’re trying to “keep calm and carry on” and have faith that all will work out as its supposed to. I wish the same for you!!! Take care – and hang in!!!!!
Thanks Roz! I know that’s all I really can do, it’s just a matter of reminding myself and relaxing in the meantime
sorry you had to cancel your trip
but I totally understand and would likely do the same thing. having just bought a first place after saving for many MANY years, I understand that adult thing… but you are a smart cookie AND a positive one, and yep, best not worry because things will happen (or not…) regardless of you worrying, and, AND! you’ll be fine either way!
I love that you are chillin to a movie marathon – that is a GREAT answer! happy weekend, darlin XO
Thanks so much for the positive support, Kristina! Definitely feeling better after a weekend of remembering that things will happen, gotta just let it be and not obsess/worry over it.
I can only imagine how stressfull that is! Hope you have more certainty soon- throwing it all out there in the gym always works for me
Thanks! And a couple of weekend gym sessions definitely helped.
I hope that you won’t loose your job. Otherwise , keep on the lookout for a better, new one!
Hugs! Those lovely pancakes look so tasty though!
Thanks Sophie! And they definitely WERE tasty
ahhh sorry about your job. My job is kinda the same way .. they had some layoffs a while back, and it still is kinda touchy. Sometimes being an adult does suck! Pancakes do help I think though
If pancakes can’t solve something, well, then, I just don’t know what to do
*hugs*
Work uncertainty is so stressful. I read a quote you might enjoy: “If the weight of the world is on your shoulders, then squat.”
I really hope that things work out, but either way – your positive attitude is definitely admirable. We’ve got our fingers crossed for you!
Thanks so much Alex! And OH MY GOSH, that quote, I love it! That is going into a daily rotation, that’s for sure
I become a hermit when I am stressed. All I can think of is how little time I have and how much I have to do…not a good thing at all.
Yeah, I definitely do the same. And although my weekend WAS a hermit weekend, I think I did a good job of relaxing through it anyway. And lots of social stuff to force me out of the house this week!
Ooh, I really feel for you, not a nice situation to be in
We had exactly the same hanging over us from July to October last year and it was horrible. The only thing to do is just not to worry about it, in a “what will be will be” kind of way – but that’s easier said than done!
Hope you managed to relax this weekend; sure it’ll be fine and everything crossed for you x
If only it was as easy as knowing you can’t control it, and accepting it. Yikes, sorry you had to go through the same thing! Nerve-wracking! But yep, managed to sleep, workout, read and relax this weekend and am feeling MUCH better and more okay with an uncertain future.