New Beginnings

Life suddenly looks a little different now. At first, it felt like just another summer in between semesters — until I reminded myself there’s no going back to school this time. My identity for most of my life has been wrapped up in being a student. Now, not so much. I’ve officially crossed that threshold and stepped into something new.

My first week at Work has been a surprisingly smooth step into this new chapter. Mornings start with some sort of exercise, either a bike or run usually. I’m not feeling nervous, just grateful to be here. There’s a quiet confidence that I’m slowly finding

I’ve been trying to build systems into my daily life that save me time and make my days flow a little smoother. Meal prepping on Sundays, picking out my clothes for the week — small things that eliminate decisions and free up mental space for the stuff that I really want to focus on. I can already see that walks are becoming a staple in my day-to-day. They give me a chance to decompress, think, and reflect on everything that’s happened. I don’t think we do enough of that. How are we really feeling? What’s been bothering us for some time? How can I make something better? What am I avoiding? What am I looking forward to? What am I holding on to? Asking the right questions can open a lot of doors. I’m learning to stay curious — not just about the work I’m doing, but about myself.

The work itself feels different. It’s more mentally engaging than the repetitive tasks I did in college, and I can already feel my brain working slightly different. It’s taught me how much I value writing things down — not just to keep track, but because clear writing is clear thinking. My boss has been a huge help in this. He told me from the start to keep asking questions, to stay curious, and to be unafraid of not knowing something. I’m taking that to heart and building up a work journal with everything I’m learning, along with the small reflections that remind me I’m moving forward.

Of course, some things haven’t changed. I’m still staying active, eating clean, journaling, and doing my best to stay consistent. Those habits bring me comfort and familiarity in this new chapter, helping me stay grounded as I navigate questions I’ve been ruminating on: what will my life look like from here on out? Who will be around? What challenges will I face? All the unknowns that come with big life changing periods.

If there’s one thing I’m holding onto, it’s consistent action. Even when I’m tired or feeling unsure, showing up every day — in big and small ways — adds up. I’m also seeing how easy it is for work to seep into every corner of life if I’m not careful. So I’m making a point to carve out time for the other parts of me: cooking new meals, reading, and connecting with the people I care about. Those small things matter — they remind me that while work is important, it’s not the whole picture.

This post-graduation chapter isn’t just about working hard — it’s about taking it seriously and finding ways to enjoy it too. It’s about building a life that feels balanced and true to who I am, and letting the rest unfold as it will. At least, that’s what I’m rolling with right now.