If you’re ready for a roller coaster post sit tight because this one is for you. If you’re not, skip it and come back later this week – I’ll have something witty I’m sure.
I’m going to keep this as simple and straight forward as possible because thick/chunky paragraphs are only meant for essay papers. I have officially finished the chemistry class I’ve been taking for the last 3 months, and my soul is completely stripped.
I realize I sound dramatic, but really, I can’t remember a time when I’ve been as miserable as I have been the last few months. I have a tendency to be a perfectionist in certain areas, and when I struggle at this I’m affected all over.
I basically lost control over my life because I was putting too much energy into ONE class. I gained weight, I used food as comfort, I cried (a LOT), I stressed every day, and I missed my job. I was working smaller shifts and really missed my full days.
A simple coffee tasting to bring me back to life. A Starbucks reserve coffee with apricot and maple notes upfront, and ending with a chocolaty mouthful.
I am completely aware that many people can handle one class like this (and then some,) but I clearly could not. Sure, I’ve taken full class loads in the past (including 2 chem classes!), but I never took things as seriously as I do now. Despite the fact my grades have all been decent, it wasn’t until this year I decided to really give school 100%. This class showed me I wasn’t able to handle stress as well as I thought I was.
I’m happy to report that as I got closer to the end of it all, my ability to stay calm and collected grew immensely. Chemistry taught me to stay calm when my life felt wild.
Quiet. Calm. Content
To be honest the thought of taking the next level of this class, plus an additional year of the heavier duty chemistry classes (on top of multiple other classes) makes me want to barf. I’m fully aware that nothing worth having comes easy, but here’s the problem: I’m still not 100% sure what I want to do with my life. I am completely happy where I am right now, and yet I continue to try and squeeze a square into a shape fit for a circle. So what does this mean? I have no idea.
I’m not saying I’m done with this path, I just don’t know where the next bend in the road is. Maybe I’m a quitter, maybe I’m lost, maybe I don’t have what it takes, or maybe I’m at a point in my life where I realize each second I get on this earth is precious and should never be spent doing things my heart isn’t fully invested in. I want to finish my degree, and I know I will, but I don’t know when or where.
What I do know is that I am comfortable being uncomfortable about my future. I’m comfortable working two jobs (most of you don’t know this, but along with Starbucks I’m also a certified caregiver through Washington state. I only provide “care” for my sister, but it’s a nice additional paycheck for something I’d be doing anyway.)
My sister Tiffany and I, aka T-money.
Helping my family is a priority.
I’m writing this post because I know I’m not alone. I know there are a handful of people out there that are in the same boat as I am, and this is to let you know that YOU are not alone. It’s more common than we think to be lost all the way through our mid 20’s. Trust me, I have my days of feeling like a “loser,” but really where does that get me, and who gets to determine the validity of that? I’m happy, I’m healthy, and I have a job I love that allows me to live a lifestyle I am happy with. It’s not my ending point, but it’s my segue into a bigger picture that hasn’t been painted yet.
Update: I wrote this post a week before finishing my class and left it in my draft bin. I have signed up for the next section of chemistry and plan to continue forward with my current goal, but wanted to share my thoughts about where I’ve been mentally the last few months. Also, don’t be shocked if I change my path again in the near future. I’m notorious for that.
No questions, just thoughts and input!
Blissfulbritt 
93 thoughts on “What Chemistry Taught Me about Life”
Shawna
girlfriend — you know i love you. let me start with that. and then let me move on to say that i love how vulnerable and honest you are here, and how you put yourself out there knowing that there are other people — SO MANY PEOPLE — who can relate to how you’re feeling. that’s what makes life and relationships and humanity so amazing — our ability to connect with people and share our stories and realize we’re not alone in what we’re feeling or thinking, and that it’s totally okay, and we can stop and breathe and keep going and don’t have to have it all figured out. i love that you say you’re comfortable being uncomfortable about your future. i think that’s a good place to be in, and you’re strong to be able to name it and recognize it. it’s in those times that we really face our truest selves and see how good life is, regardless of where we are or what we’re doing, and acknowledge that so many many changes are still yet to come. you never know what day will be the best day of your life. i’ve been where you are, like, 421793784 times, so i totally can wax poetic on this all day…loved this post. xo
Brittany
Thanks love, your comments always make my day. 🙂
captainmo08
Girl! I am finishing my grad school up and doing a 20+ hour a week internship and Barring full time as a barista at Sbux too! I feel all those feels and girl… You are not alone either! Life’s plans do not go as planned, but life is still good and whatever you do with your life is whatever you do… Don’t do what others want… Do what you know to be right!
To Be A Partner… Right!
Brittany
OH MY! You are FULLY LOADED, and I bow down to you! TO BE A PARTNER INDEED!! Thank you for the comment!
megasaurusyoung
Ha! I’m right there with you… I’m constantly changing what I wanna do “when I grow up”. It can definitely be stressful, but don’t feel like you’re the only one. Right now is the time to NOT know what you wanna do. This is the time you get to know yourself. You have your whole life to be an adult, don’t rush it – I know I’m not hehe.
Brittany
AMEN!! 🙂
Mary
I just turned 30 and although I’ve been teaching for five years now I know it’s not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life…I just don’t know what I should be doing next. Glad there’s more confused souls out there like me!
When I was little and we were asked in class what we wanted to be when we grew up I told my teacher I wanted to be a toilet cleaner! That is no longer my aim but I’m not quite sure what is now…
Brittany
HAHA, what an ambitious child you must have been. I would have loved to be your friend in elementary school, that sounds like an answer I would have said.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
Love this! Thank you for being so honest! Sometimes it feels like everyone has it together except for me, you know?? You’re doing wonderful and I’m sure you’ll be able to tackle the next level class! Hang in there!
Brittany
If I’ve learned anything in my years on this planet, it’s that NO ONE has is completely together. We can only try to keep it together on the outside in an attempt to not fall apart!! It’s all part of the beautiful thing called life…am I right?
Long story short, you are most definitely not the only one. 🙂
Amanda Afield
I can definitely relate to this… I’ve been working so hard towards goals I’d had since graduating, then started to realize I wasn’t sure what I wanted after all. Now I’m trying to sort it all out in a different country, which only complicates things. Does anyone ever figure this out? 🙂
Brittany
I think not. We are always changing, but that’s all apart of life!! I’m happy to at least know this. 🙂
kathy @ vodka and soda
sometimes you don’t have a plan right this moment and that’s ok!!! life is about experiences and exploration so take this time to enjoy it 🙂
also, chem is awesome…that and bio were my 2 fav classes 🙂
Brittany
I agree with the beginning of your comment, but….I never thought I would have to say this….I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. Anyone that loved chem simply cannot have a soul. HAHA. I did love biology though, and anatomy was fascinating sooo..I suppose we can call it even.
paleovirtus
We once had a temporary teacher doing his teacher training in chemistry, who never fully explained what “salt gas solution” was. You can guess the rest…
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Love the thoughts! Sorry you went thru such a hard time Brit 😦 I know you’re a perfectionist and I KNOW chem is one of those “bang your head against the wall” kind of classes so congrats to you for pushing thru. I’m sorry your health wasn’t at it’s best — knowing you you’ll jump right back to it when the time is right. You just can’t be on top of it all all the time. You said it perfectly — when you’re feeling lost, you just have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’ll all fall together sooner or later 🙂 but for now keep being a Stella barista and doing all those cool pairings! I love hearing about those! You have a real talent for that
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Stellar not Stella haha
Brittany
Thanks love, I’m making cookies as I type this with coffee in them. You better believe I will be using them for a tasting.
Jim Brennan
You do have plenty of company. I hit sixty this year and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. The important thing is to enjoy life and keep moving forward, and that you are comfortable being uncomfortable about your future is a good sign that you have the right stuff. You certainly aren’t a loser. Smile! Often! Run, dance and sing. Drink plenty of Starbucks. Enjoy ever moment. Don’t sweat the small stuff (chemistry.) And it ain’t over until you are on the other side of the grass, which is a long way off for your (and me.)
Brittany
Thank you, Jim!! You said it so perfectly.
Amy @ A Desert Girl
You are awesome! Keep up the great work and keep those priorities in mind – they’ll never steer you wrong. Congrats on completing that chemistry course!!
pscapp
I graduated from college with a degree in History and English. Forty years later I’m still working as a Stagehand. It all works out.
charissarunning
Coming from someone who has finished school and STILL thinks about changing her mind and doing something else, you’re doing just fine. Seriously, I took a few years off between undergrad and grad school, went to grad school thinking I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do (and thus putting myself in a lot of student debt!), and now that I’ve been done a year and a half, I think about studying something else or going on a different path in life. It’s not that I don’t like what I do, but I don’t feel fulfilled by it. And I thought I would….sooo my point is that it’s perfectly natural to change your mind about what you want to do in life. We keep learning more and more about ourselves as we grow and experience different things. While it makes it hard to figure out the future, I think the most important lesson (and one you’ve already learned it seems!) is to be happy with where we are NOW. And as I write this to you, I’m trying to remind myself of this very thing right now as well 🙂 Thanks for sharing this amazing post!
Brittany
Love this comment, thank you!
Jessica
Just found your blog. You. are. AWESOME. Perfectionism is both amazing and frustrating. Best thing to remember? You are doing better than you think you are. xo
Kelsey
Good for you. Love reading the hard thoughts about how higher education affects other people. I know for me, college was a new level of stress, and one that I don’t really ever want to put myself through again. I find I’m much happier now, and that if I do plan on going back for a Masters, I have to have my heart 110% into it (if that makes sense…). I know I’m not in my “forever” place in life, and at 22, that is fine by me. =)
Brittany
That makes complete sense, and I totally agree!!
Domi
Ugh. All the feels for you. We are in the same boat…and by boat I mean the little plastic liferaft that I’m splashing around in over here. All those BIG PROFESSIONAL LIFE GOALS are not solidified, and so sometimes it seems like I’m scrambling in circles for things/plans/a future I’m not entirely sure that I want. But I’ve realized that sometimes the best thing you can do is take the next step. Do SOMETHING, and let that momentum build while you figure things out. And it sounds like you’re doing exactly that. So keep it up, drink more coffee, and don’t forget to breathe. 🙂
Brittany
Wise words!! Your life raft reference made me laugh out loud!! 🙂
Britta
OH I am and will always be right there with you!!! Before I get into that, let me just say – congrats on finishing this doozy of a class. That itself takes a lot of time, effort, and commitment so before saying you aren’t cut out for that class remember that you FINISHED it! Guarantee some people couldn’t do that. You are one big rockstar.
And on life, well – I hear you. Sometimes I am in the same boat as you and want to study and take more classes and become this well-educated person to ultimately make more money and sit behind a desk. Then, I think about what that actually means and money doesn’t create happiness. People do. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could go to work, have a job that we don’t actually hate, be content, and then have all this extra time at home not stressing about work but rather spending it with family, friends, making a campfire, or just sitting making dinner. More and more I’m starting to believe that I don’t want this hot shot job, but one that is simple, doesn’t take a lot of effort and then just do things away from work that I actually like (ahem, drinking coffee, running, baking, go camping). Phew, that was a ramble. But I think you get it 🙂
No matter what you do or choose, life always works out. Always. XO sending you big love.
Brittany
Britta, I am convinced we are one in the same. I often think about how simple life SHOULD be, and that spending time with people means way more to me than making money. I am SO content with my “mediocre” job, and by that I mean one that will never fully support a family (unless I pursue management but eh) and this job allows me to spend time with PEOPLE and do the things I love!!! It’s amazing how simple life CAN be. I find that people either think like us, or the opposite where it’s money money money. I would rather live this way ANY day.
I hope you know I mean this is THE BEST WAY, but I often think of you too when I have post ideas like this. Simply because we are twins and will forever be in the same boat I think. 🙂 I’m OK being in this boat if I’m with you!
Britta
Yes yes yes to all of this!! ❤
Missy
YES to being OKAY with not “having it all figured out” because your ability to do that is directly proportional to your happiness.
And .. girl. YOU ARE SOOOOOOO YOUNG!!
Im changing my whole career and getting another degree (I already have two) at 36! And itr feels great.
Brittany
You little overachiever you!! I think it’s fantastic you want to learn more!! WAY TO BE my little bee.
Aja
Chemistry classes are insane. I only passed the one I took in high school because we had assigned seats and the people at my table had a harder time getting it than I did so I had to teach them. I get that lost feeling all the time and I’m only 21. I hope you can figure things out to where you don’t feel so lost anymore. I think you just have to do what you want to do with your life, whatever that is.
Brittany
Teaching is indeed one of the best ways to learn!! I have always passed my classes….just not without a struggle!! I HATE CHEMISTRY! Haha. Thankfully I don’t feel too lost, just..confused? I’m OK with that though. 🙂
Rach @ This Italian Family
Girl, I quit grad school. It was so hard for me to do that at the time because it meant that I had no idea what I was going to do instead. But I haven’t regretted that decision once since then. 🙂 I’m glad that you are listening to your heart. And if that means you battle your way through every class after this one, then that’s awesome. And if that means that you decide to go a different direction, then that’s awesome too. Sometimes it’s okay to not know what the future holds. 🙂
Brittany
OHH how I love you. Thank you for this comment!! You clearly made the right decision because you are following your photography passions, blogging like a pro, and have people around you that make life so full.
Change of Pace
Brave to write this all down, but you know everyone has felt like this or feels like this now! I am envious of the people who say they are happy with what they’re doing in life (work-wise), as not many are. It’s a true gift that you love what you do right now 🙂 Follow your heart, and ignore those negative thoughts!
Brittany
I often think about how many people are NOT happy with what they are doing, and that’s what fuels my fire to redirect my path. Even if that path is redirected time and time again!
Amy
Brittany, I am SO proud of you for battling through this class and semester. Chemistry is hard, even for people who (mostly) understand it, so the fact that you wanted to give 100% to this class says so much about you! You are not a quitter by any means. You learned a lot, both in books and emotionally about yourself, and you’re making decisions based on that new knowledge. There’s nothing wrong with changing your path if your heart tells you that’s what’s right!
And like Rachel above, I quit grad school too. I got 1 quarter in, realized it was more draining than invigorating, and put in just 1 more quarter while I set up what my life would be like full-time blogging. I left and have NEVER looked back or regretted it. Not for one tiny second.
So hang in there, listen to your heart, and do whatever you need to in order to stay happy and positive! 🙂
Brittany
AMY, my chemistry whizz of a friend. I thought of you while writing this post. I know you can relate…maybe. HA. Thank you for the comment, I just adore you and your friendship. ❤
Matt
First and foremost, you rock Brittany! I know what it’s like to be a perfectionist, and I know what it’s like to make a career change (or two). Think of it as another piece of your constant growth and evolution as a person. You can change paths at any time and for any reason…just trust yourself and your instincts along the way. Only you truly know what’s best for you! My last career change came when the contract company I worked for unexpectedly lost it’s biggest contract 3 days before Christmas. I signed up for a master’s program, totally immersed myself in it, and made the career change. A couple years after I finished and had worked strictly in my new field, I switched to a new job similar to what I was doing before but that also utilizes a lot of what I learned in the master’s program. So now I feel like I have the best of both worlds. My perfectionism caused me extra time and stress in the master’s program, but I believe putting so much into it also meant I got more out of it. It won’t always be easy, but I’m confident that whatever you decide in either the short run or the long run will work out for the best. In the meantime, enjoy the journey and don’t forget to make time for the people, pets, and things you enjoy. 🙂
Brittany
If I’ve learned anything in my handful of years on this planet, it’s that we are CONSTANTLY continuing to learn even in the places we wouldn’t think of as learning opportunities. Like learning about life in a chemistry class. Thank you for this comment Matt, always good to hear you pitch in! Glad that things worked out for you and that you are able to continually build on all things you’ve learned, that’s EXACTLY what I want to do. I’m off to snuggle my cats!! 🙂
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks for opening up to us about this chemistry period of your life – I can tell you right here, I can relate to you, seems like university sucks the life out of me sometimes!
I am so glad though that because of a hard period, you will get to enjoy yourself in your dream job! 😀 You are so inspiring!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
My Wanderlusty Life
Oh honey! I went back to college after already gradusting once. I actually cared the second time and the same thing, chemistry literally took over my life. I was a biology major but chemistry became IT. I managed to get As but biology suffered, the irony! I actually started to, brace yourself, like chemistry. Whaaa? OK and I’m 31 and I still don’t know what I want to do! 2 degrees, living all over the place, and 45 jobs later here I am. Starting my blog in October is like, the one flashing neon sign telling me I’m on the right track. I finally feel like I’m on the right track 🙂 Enjoy the void! I’ve had the best time in mine!
Brittany
Blogging is such a beautiful thing. So glad you decided to start!
dancinginaugustrain
i love the honesty with which you write.
Brittany
Thank you, what a beautiful comment.
dancinginaugustrain
i will say your blog did make me get out and run a 5K in the frigid cold, almost snow-y weather..so thanks for that…
where’s the ibuprofen?! haha
Brittany
Wow, that’s fantastic!!! Way to go.
The Vegan 8
Oh Brittany, I loved this post and your beautiful honesty. I completely understand everything you are saying and it is perfectly OK to not know what you want! Seriously, if we knew everything and it was all laid out, how boring would that be. Honestly, I have tried many different hobbies and career paths and I believe I am finally where I’m meant to be with this whole food blogging passion/thing. The way I know is because my goal in life was that whatever career/job I had, I wanted to be utilizing my gifts and help people. If what I am doing is not helping others, then that is not my goal. Having a vegan blog has more than done what I would have hoped. So many families write me all the time telling me how my blog has helped their transition and also, I’m helping the animals. That is how I KNOW. But that doesn’t mean I know exactly where all of this will lead me, that is the exciting part. I have ideas in my mind, but nothing is ever for certain.
I have done other jobs/careers (I’m a realtor) and I’ve helped lots of people find homes etc. but I dreaded a lot of it, I hated dealing with wishy-washy people all the time and people who didn’t respect my time. I would work hours and hours and hours just to not make a dime. Would have been okay if it was my passion, but it wasn’t. It wasn’t fulfilling my creative outlet, which is totally my passion and personality. I have to be creating in order to feel like I am where I belong.
So, basically if you are passionate about what you are doing and feel like whatever it is will propel you to something you desire, then go for it. You are so young and there is so much you can do! I think it’s so wonderful you are so happy and love your job, so go with that and enjoy it!
Oh, and I hear you on chemistry, OMG, I F&KJLDFNG hated it in school (and that was high school chemistry, lol), hated it and I actually failed it…it was complete torture to me. In fact, I hate science in general….I loathed going to those classes. I always loved history and writing and even math, lol.
Keep going girl!! Love your posts! xo
Brittany
You truly are helping others and ESPECIALLY the animals – I love that! I always adore your comments, but this one was really great. Thank you for sharing.
Honey
Brittany, if there is one thing I know to be true, you are not a quitter! I mean, just look at your diet and exercise program alone. That takes dedication, perseverance and discipline; not exactly traits of a quitter. Besides, it took me over 10 years to get my bachelors degree and in certain respects, it was better for my life in that time and space. But I also want you to know, that sometimes it takes courage to be a quitter. It’s easy to keep plugging along a path that you think or others think you should follow. It takes real hutzpa to stop, re-evaluate and change direction if need be, to get to where you were meant to arrive. You have all it takes to follow your dreams and make them come true. Trust in your own intuition, because in the end, you are the only one who can make the choice and that choice should be something you love, no matter what others think. Get it? Got it? Good! I love you and can’t wait to see you.
Brittany
YES, GOT IT! Thank you. Your comments really mean a lot to me as I always say. I love my blog friends, but family comments always mean the most!! ❤ Your words were perfect.
Food, Booze, & Baggage
You are not a quitter if you choose a different path, it is ok to change your mind. However, sometimes the steps getting to a destination are not easy. It’s hard to find your path…I still haven’t and I’m quite a bit older than you 🙂 Best of luck on figuring it all out!!
Ellie
Thank you for writing this! I have written to you before about not knowing what my path in life may be and also how I am content working my job and taking a class id I choose to. I am fulfilled with that right now and that’s totally ok. If you love what you do, are happy, safe and have love in your heart I think that’s all that really matters 🙂
willrunforpizza
Giiirrrrrl! I’m mid-30’s and I JUST kinda figured out what I wanna do with my life. Now I have ot make it happen. IT’S OK! After getting a 4 year degree that I have ZERO!!!!! interest in, and a mortgage payment that’s called “Sallie Mae”, I am hear to tell you that your happiness is WAY more important that a piece of paper. Do what you love. Quitting school doesn’t’ mean your a quitter. It means you realized that path wasn’t for you. P.S. You and your sister are so stinking cute. 🙂
Brittany
BOOM. TRUTH! Thank you for this comment, and thank you for kind words.
Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani)
As always love your honesty, Britt! I think we all have visions on how life will turn out and then get lost along the way..multiple times. Even when things don’t go as planned, you’re still growing and learn and working towards something even greater :)!
Brittany
I couldn’t have said it better myself!!
di @ life of di.
Totally normal to feel this way Britt. Don’t let yourself get too down or frustrated – like you said: you aren’t alone! I still don’t know what I want to do with my career either. I’m 26 with a bachelors degree but am not very employable because of my lack of recent experience in the ‘real’ world. Having a baby has just complicated everything even more. I’ve told Marty that I don’t want to just be a server for the next ten years but I also don’t want to put my children in childcare. I hope to stay with them at least part time until each is in kindergarten (hoping to have three kiddos in total over the next eight to ten years!) That said, I realize that I have set my priorities in a certain direction but it still doesn’t make it any easier. I worked so hard on my teaching certificate that has already expired and any more pursuit of teaching means more money to spend. Ahhh.
I say all this to just reinforce the notion that you aren’t alone and it’s completely normal to question your future.
I’m sorry you had such a stressful few months. I hope you can take these next few weeks and just really relax and enjoy the holiday season 🙂
Brittany
Be proud of that degree, that alone is monumental!! Really, that’s all I want right now even if I don’t use it. HA.
apartmentwife
maybe you should come take a break in minneapolis? i have a room waiting if ya want it 🙂 and you know what? you’re smart to consider your options right now. i loved loved studying art as an undergrad, loved working in mexico after, and kinda fell to pieces when i went to grad school for art history. did i love it anymore? no. did i know what else to do? no. i loved making things, being with people, creating, experimenting, being outdoors — not writing papers in an underground library about things that were more than slightly irrelevant. finishing was one of the harder things i’ve done.
Brittany
It’s amazing how life can show us things we never expected! I would LOVE to come stay in your spare room, we must make this happen once you settle into mom life. 🙂
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I think this is WAY more common than you think. Shoot, I’m almost 30 and still haven’t figured it out. I’ve had my fare share of jobs and, again, I’m still not sure what I want. Like you said, you have plenty to be happy about and an amazing job that you love. Who knows where your coffee expertise will lead you!? As a bonus… you make your blog friends happy all the time. That’s gotta count for a little something 😉 Now go for a hike and scream it out at the top of the mountain!
Brittany
I often daydream about where coffee could take me…literally and metaphorically. I would love to do something coffee related for a living, WE SHALL SEE!! I would also like to stand atop a mountain and yell, coffee in hand!
50statecanuck
You rock.
Although there is a lot of messages out there that tell us we need to be on a career path as soon as we’re in university, the truth is, we need to take this time to explore whatever path we’re on in the moment…that is what will help us figure out what path we want to stay on…for a while…because we all change paths a few times in our lives.
BabetaRuns
I feel the same and right now I have NO idea what I want to be when I grown up… I just know what I don’t want to be 🙂
I’m turning 32 in couple of months, the last ten years I spend working like a maniac – closing and opening hotels, running a hostel chain, opening Sbux in Prague… It all “kinda” happened and I just went along. But now I decided to STOP and actually have a think what I want… It’s SCARY as I worked out I have no idea what I want :)))
So I stated studying and we shall see what happens… For now I’m happily unemployed and I’m loving it!!!
Brittany
Opening Starbucks in Prague!?!?! HOW AMAZING!
BabetaRuns
It was very cool and VERY mental! 🙂
Hannah
<3. I've been there, and I have student dept from two different schools to prove it. I only think the term "quitter" applies if you stop doing anything. Changing paths is definitely not quitting! I'm glad you're continuing with your classes, but should you change your mind that would be fine too. As long as you're doing something 🙂
foodielovesfitness
I think we all have points in our lives where we contemplate what we’re doing, if it’s right, if we should change paths, and if so, then what the hell should we be doing… But I love that you’re seeing the positive and recognizing how precious life is. I think that so many people just kind of go through life without having a passion and without trying to find their passions. You don’t need to have all the answers right now – like you said, the bigger picture hasn’t been painted yet – and you’ll figure it out along the way.
P
So glad to read such an honest post and that you are pushing through even with the challenges. Life is all about the ebb and flow, and we all just have to find the best moments in it. Go with your gut, and follow your heart ❤
Brittany
I’ve REALLY learned how to listen to my gut the last couple years and I can’t put into words how life changing that is!!
Lucie Elizabeth (@CollectingLight)
Honey, I can relate 1000000%. Im 24 in January and have just applied for university (apparently Im now a “mature” student too, whatever the F** that means!)….and Ive applied not knowing wether Ive applied to the right places, and knowing I DONT EVEN WANT TO MOVE AWAY. I have no idea what I want to do, and also knowing I have a chronic illness meaning moving away would make that near impossible……on top of being 24 with society telling me I SHOULD KNOW what path should be heading…..Im absolutely terrified for the future. Im with you in this. Love you xxxx
theglowwithin.com
Brittany
I know one thing : I want a degree. I don’t know if I even care what in at this point!! You could always look into online programs!?! Either way, love you too and we are in this together!! 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld
LOVE this post. You know why? I legit had a convo with Gigi about this and not knowing what I wanted to do and whether it was acceptable or not or if I was letting others down. We’re not alone!
Brittany
Hell to the yeah. Gigi and I have conversations like this WEEKLY! HA! Glad you’ve joined our boat. Let’s just bake, eat, and explore forever!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I feel like I was riding this boat throughout my entire 20’s. I graduated with a degree in psych and was planning on going on to work in that field, only to realize that it was more emotionally and mentally draining than I could handle. I literally -did- feel like my soul was being ripped out of me. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s that I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up, and even then it was a good year or so before I finally manned up and and took the plunge to get more schooling done. Life’s all about the journey, and it’s okay not to have the destination figured out. In the end, every single experience gives us something valuable, so nothing is ever a waste.
Brittany
Once upon a time I wanted to be some kind of counselor. My mom got her masters in psychology, and was a counselor for a while. but she also found it completely exhausting. I think the degree would be fascinating, but I don;t think I’d ever want to use it. Although being around people in general allows you to use it even if not for a paying job! HA.
hellotofit
What a great post. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been stressing, but it’s so nice to read an honest post, and it makes me feel like I’m not alone when I feel stressed/worried/uncertain. I think a lot of blog posts are always positive and showcase the best things in life (which isn’t a bad thing), but it’s comforting to read that bloggers are regular people with ups and downs. As for your life journey and being comfortable with the uncomfortable stuff, I think that’s what life is about! It’s hard to know exactly what we want to do with our lives 🙂 thank you for sharing with us!!
gfchopstix
Hi Brittany, thanks for visiting my blog. Lovely photo of you and your sister. All the best with making life’s tough decisions!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Hi Sunshine. I thought this was a fabulous post. I loved how open and honest you were. I’m also super proud of you for signing up for the next session because in your own words, “I want to finish my degree,” so this is important to you whether you run with it or not. I know the class was awful and it’s hard to willingly put yourself through that torture again (you and the Hubby are in similar boats), although I know when it’s all said and done, you will also have learned commitment, dedication, perseverance, and bravery. Shit ain’t easy, but a lot of the really good stuff in life, you have to work for. Hang in there, and remember, I’ll always be your cheerleader, even if you choose a different route.
hrobertson2013
Dear Brittany…..Aside from the ultra stressful Chem class, your life sounds pretty wonderful!!! I think your head’ on pretty good. Cute pic with your sis. I loved this post and the cat picture. I am not really a cat person, but I admire the “stress free” attitude I have observed in most cats. I have a garage cat named Moe who is supper sweet and friendly. If I could translate his meows, or he could talk my dialect of English, he/we would likely tell you, “There is no age limit on ‘feeling lost’.” Just saying. I bet cats even feel lost from time to time. They just fake things well. I would certainly buy coffee from you if didn’t live in another state, and I wasn’t invested in a teaching career which I love, and which keeps me on a short leash loving my teens, and my 4th graders. BUT… Thank God for summers! ha ha 🙂 Some days I think I would just like to quit my job and become a crazy writer. Coffee houses are the best!!!! I read about a college aged guy who was traveling across the U.S., visiting tons of coffee shops, and writing a book. This sounds fun! Thanks for visiting my blog and liking my really lonnnnnnnnnng coffee poem. It was a super sized VENTI, I think! Ha! – The Mermaid ~~&~~
Sass N' Dash
Oh my gosh! Sometimes I worry that I am the only one who feels this way., good to know I’m not alone.. I am still super confused on what ‘I want to do with my life’ and I’m half way through my twenties already lol… Such a great post!
harveylisam
Thanks for sharing this! I feel like not knowing what your future entails is not only what life is about, but especially your 20s. It can be a hard thing to embrace, but it sounds like you’ve got the right mindset! 🙂
allieksmith
I so FEEL you on this post. I graduate tomorrow and I’m soo sick of the questions about what I’m going to do. I have interests in things that have nothing to do with my degree… and I’m okay with that. I’m okay with working weird jobs because they make me happy. Yes, I feel like a loser a lot, but I’d rather be happy. Just like you said :). I’m so glad you posted this, Brittany! I seriously needed to read it!
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stateeats
What do you mean its common for those in their 20s to be lost. Some of us who are considerably older (ahem) don’t know what they want to be when they grow up. -Kat
Brittany
Hahah you are the best, thank you. ❤