I find myself bouncing back and forth between blog posts that have some sort of underlying message about life, to blog posts that have no outline or purpose other than to put mind thoughts to paper – or internet pages. This post falls into the latter category.
I turned 27 last week, which is an odd feeling because when I hear 27 all I think about is, “three years from 30” which is terrifying. Not to say there is anything wrong with being 30, in fact I somewhat look forward to turning 30 because I hope by then my life will be together. What’s terrifying is that I feel nothing like an adult, and my lifestyle is still somewhat juvenile.
I wear a Buzz Lightyear bag when I ride my bike.
I’m thankful that I’ve finally, and I repeat FINALLY buckled down to finish my college degree after eight years of back and forth nonsense. From psychology, to dental hygiene, to dental assisting, to nutrition, to where I am now with ASU. I swore I’d have some kind of medical degree like my dad, but alas I’m better with words.
Let me be a prime example that it’s never too late to finish something you’ve started.
Never.
BS in Human Communications here I come
The last few years have been spent soul searching. I’ve discovered a sense of who I am, which is a crucial puzzle piece of life when you’re in your 20’s. I know I’m not done yet and lately I’ve started to feel the sense that something is missing, but I’m not quite sure what. I tend to get stuck in my comfort zone which is where I am once again.
This happens to me when I run, I get comfortable staying between 3-6 miles and my fitness eventually plateaus. This is when I get impulsive and sign up for another half marathon, like I did last month. I sometimes need a push to step outside my mandala of butterflies and rainbows.
Half marathon training is on par, 5 miles is my comfortable spot and now we start getting closer to double digits.
I am thankful for everything that I have right now – a loving family that supports me in every way, a house over my head, a small but solid friendship circle, and a stable job that allows me to finish school, go on adventures, pick my schedule, and coworkers that love me regardless of my wind blown hair after biking to work.
Despite my blessings, I now need more. These feelings creep up whenever I notice myself getting complacent with my comfort zone. I have all the means to take a giant leap in life, but I find myself needing the push. I’m trusting the process and putting the vibes into the world that I’m ready. For what I don’t know, but I’m ready.
I don’t often look at the bigger picture because I truly believe life is meant to be enjoyed right now, and too many of us get so stuck on what we want later in life that we miss the beauty that’s right in front of us. Disclaimer: I don’t mean throwing everything into the gutter just to have fun, I mean building a life of balance right NOW instead of later when you have X,Y, and Z accomplished.
With that said, I’m heeding my dads advice of “look at what you want later, and do what you have to now to make that happen.”
I want energy, so my weekends are spent at the theater so I can be in bed by 10.
I want independence (in other ways that I have now), I want stability (not related to money), I want a place of my own (specifically something tiny and on wheels), I want world exposure (without the fear of getting lost), but mostly I want balance.
I can feel my inner world slightly off-kilter, and despite being semi locked into life right now (to finish school I must stay with Starbucks for at least another 1.5 yrs because they are footing the bill, yeehaw) I’m looking towards the future for once instead of living in the moment. I must trust my current process to propel me somewhere amazing later in life.
Perhaps that in and of itself is a slight sense of balance.
When all else fails, I can always lean on trees for stability.
After all that, it turns out this post actually had more purpose that I expected. 🙂 Things are changing in my world, and I’m honoring the flow of life by conforming to the changes.
Q: Who can relate?
Blissfulbritt 
90 thoughts on “Trusting the Process”
pehge
lovely, thoughtful post. my bf is starting ASU online next month! I totally agree, it’s never too late to finish what you started. You are good with words. 🙂 xx
Brittany
Thank you!! Best of luck to your boyfriend, ASU has set up a wonderful system online.
idreamaboutcarbs
Q: Who can relate?
A: Everyone lol
I’m just over 30 (and hell that age still scares me), not to be afraid of getting old but fearing that I had wasted my twenties trying to “get to a good place”. But we’re always moving. And hopefully moving forward. I’ve only begun to realize that there isn’t just one answer. Or “one thing” that once you figure out, you’ll be all figured out. We’re always moving and changing, our thoughts, feelings, desires and needs. I think it comes down to the inner peace inside. And filtering out the bullshit. Another great post Brittany!!
Brittany
Filtering out the bullshit…amen!!!
allisonfiorini
I love this! I’m turning 33 soon. You know, for awhile I didn’t like aging but it occurred to me when I hit 30 that it was a blessing. I got to live 30 years on this earth. Every year, I think of birthdays as just that. I got to spend another 365 days with the people I love, doing the things that I love and experiencing life – whether good or bad. Your dad has some good advice. My problem is, I don’t know what I want for myself in the future to take steps towards it now!
Brittany
I like your view! It’s true, a blessing to be around another year.
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I can so see you living in one of those Tiny Houses like on that TV show. You’d rock it.
This is great! Keep up being awesome.
Brittany
That’s exactly what I daydream about! 🙂
Rach @ This Italian Family
That is solid advice from your dad! My sister gives that same advice about raising children (think of what type of adults you want them to be and parent them now accordingly). You are so right that it’s never too late to finish what you start. You’ve got this, girl!
Also, I can absolutely see you in a tiny house!
Brittany
YES! Same thing for attracting a partner, project what you want to be yourself and the match will come. Obviously that’s for me, not for you. 😉
Gareth
Lovely post, felt from the heart. Thanks
Brittany
Thank you for reading! 🙂
Ellie
Oh man babe I’m right there with you. All I want to do is move someplace warm and be on a running team working at a running store to earn my keep. Emphasis on the warm! However I have a car payment etc and I don’t know how that would even go. School is up in the air and would be nice to finish but for what? I don’t know what I want to do so the only degree I would even consider is nutrition or ex-phys. I should start working at Starbucks so at least I wouldn’t have to pay for it hahaha. Can you send me more information on that by the way?
Brittany
I completely understand the not knowing what to finish you degree with, and the only reason I finally buckled down was because of Starbucks! It does feel right now, and I’m excited, but without Starbucks I would not have done it!! If you Google Starbucks college achievement plan you can read more!
P
First of all, happy belated birthday! And I am so excited that your finishing up your degree. I’m sure you will find all that balance and more soon before your 30th birthday 🙂
Brittany
I have confidence I will!! 😉 Thank you. ❤
Josh dV
I didn’t know it was your birthday! Happy Birthday my dear. Enjoy life and don’t worry I’ve learned that our parents are full of shit anyways, they didn’t have their shit together any more than I do. They were were just wiser about the world.
I’m turning 36 this year and I don’t think I really started the process of living mindfully until a couple years ago and things didn’t even start changing to make that possible until about 30.
I like your last statement about adjusting to changes.
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
Brittany
Bahaha thank you, I rarely listen to every thing my parents say (some of their guidance I admit has been great) but this time I just seemed fitting. I have always been one to march to my own drum beats and I’ll continue to do so!! Thanks for sharing your journey, I enjoy knowing I’m not alone.
Josh dV
Happy to ride alongside you on this crazy-train!
Nicola
Balance in life is so important, as is just surrendering to the flow of life sometimes. We’re all just figuring it out as we go along, no matter what age we might be. Enjoy it! Ps: I’d love to know how a coffee chain pays for a Uni degree? Score!
Brittany
Starbucks does fantastic things for their employees. About a year ago they enforced a program for any employee to go back to school through Arizona State University online and they pay for the tuition! It’s amazing.
Nicola
That is incredible! Especially given the cost of tertiary education in the states.
kathy at more coffee, less talky
your dad’s advice is on point; that’s exactly what my dad used to tell me as well. do what you need to do now and when the time comes for change, you’ll know it (like how your’e feeling now) 🙂
Brittany
BAM. I like when you give advice, cause I trust your bad ass opinions.
robinbenjamin4
Thoughtful. Great photos, too! By the way, sounds like your life is already together and you’re already someplace amazing….you’re focused and interested in life; some people live to be 90 without finding that.
Brittany
Thank you! I suppose at times I just need to write things out to realize I’m better off than I think. 🙂
Arctic Hare!
Thank you for writing this! Very encouraging!
Brittany
Thank YOU for reading!! 🙂
stateeats
Hi Britt – Take it from this 50-something, I don’t think it matters what age you are, change is scary and pushing yourself is hard. Kudos to you for a very thoughtful post. – Kat
Brittany
Thanks Kat, that helps!!
mylittletablespoon
If I’ve learned anything in these 5 five years of my own wandering/stopping and starting/experimenting/soul searching its that there is no point in rushing. I’m the same age and have yet to have a solid career or salary or relationship or house. This doesn’t make me believe it will never happen. It will… I may just be taking longer than many others. I’ve been shown time and time again that if I force something to happen, or make concrete plans, chances are life will laugh at it and throw me something different. So might as well go with the flow and learn and live along the way.
Brittany
I couldn’t have said this better!! You are so right, I’m right there with you being a littler “slower” than others, but no one is the same!! We all must make our own path.
Amy
I’m right there with you… Staying in my comfort zone and needing a gigantic push (or shove… or basically an emotional earthquake) to get out of it. But I’m horrible at living in the moment, the here and now, and that’s something I really want to work on — so thank you for this inspiring post reminding me to do that! 🙂 And I’m SO proud of you for following your heart, changing your mind about your degree, and sticking with it to finish college. That’s amazing Brittany!! Good for you!!
Brittany
Emotional earthquake. HAHA. I love that. Naturally we are the same with this, per usual! 😉
Mellie Dee
Happy belated birthday, love! You’re only three months older than me! How cray-cray. (People still say that right?) I’m told your thirties are better. You’ll still realize you’re not where you wish to be but once you accept that and that you have so much to learn, thirties are better than twenties. Hopefully, that’s true. And I’m so happy and proud of you for almost being done with your degree. I remember when you were wanting to be a dental hygienist. Man, that felt like a lifetime ago. Cannot wait to see what else you do in life. You are inspirational and you definitely have a way with words. ❤
Brittany
Doesn’t it feel like ages ago!?! When I first started blogging a hundred years ago basically. HA. Your comments always bring a smile to my face, thank you friend!
Mellie Dee
haha That’s when I started reading your blog! And though at times I’ve stepped away, I’ve always continued reading when I can. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Jane
Hi Brittany, as I was reading your post I was thinking it did have purpose and then you concluded by saying the same thing. 🙂 Fun posts, reflective posts – I enjoy them all anyway. Looking back, I really wish I hadn’t tried rushing the whole growing up/getting settled and organised thing. I think you’ve not wasted time or mucked about. I think you’ve just taken the right time to find out what you want to do. Most of us don’t really know until we’ve attempted things. Many of us choose one thing and stick to it stubbornly even though we hate it. You are living each day to the full and in the process putting into place plans for the future. It takes time to achieve a balance. I think you are doing very well!! Happy belated birthday. 🙂
Brittany
Oh Jane, this comment brought so much happiness into my soul. Thank you for your reassuring and kind words! ❤
Jade
Whoo! You can get your degree! And I’m like freaking out about my age which is stupid because I’m still so young and you’re young, but I get the struggle
Brittany
We’re all young! I’m ready to accept you’re young until you die! Life is what we make it!!
BabetaRuns
Btw. I’m with your dad on this one! 🙂
Brittany
😝 he will be happy to hear that.
BabetaRuns
Say AHOJ to him – Czech for HELLO 🙂
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Oh I most certainly can relate. My life is on the cusp on change right now and I have no idea where it’s going to take me, but I’m pretty excited for the experience.
Also, I don’t care what age you are, you will never have it all together. That’s the beauty of life sometimes. Just enjoy the ride.
Brittany
Amen my sassy mamma to be!
liathebookworm
I most certainly can relate to that! I’m halfway through my Masters and so torn between doing the things I (think) I want to do -travelling, writing, cooking, sleeping in the sun- and the sad reality that everything needs to stay on the back-burner until I can support myself…. Well, either that or convince someone to employ me to do all the above…Hm…Maybe I should finally get my driver’s licence, rent a camper van and drive around selling brownies…
Brittany
Oh my, your last sentence is such a beautiful idea! I know you’ll be glad once you’ve completed your masters program, and I have faith you’ll find a balance of brownies and a profession. 😝
dave379
I can totally relate to all this and so much of what you write, which I don’t think makes me special but which rather proves that I, and you, and everyone else is human 🙂 I don’t think we’re ever done, a friend once said to me It’s all progress, and we definitely need trust and faith along the way. I’m a little further along in my 30s but still figuring it out too. Keep sending out your waves! You’re in a great place.
Brittany
Thank you! I like your point that we’re all human, and so many people relate!
Hollee
I relate to this 110%. I started college this year with a clear path in my mind, thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life, and was totally focused on the future and how to get there…until I started classes and realized that absolutely was not what I wanted to do forever. And it was hard and scary to suddenly be without a plan, to be so far out of my comfort zone. I felt like a little boat lost at sea without an anchor! But I slowly learned to be more receptive to opportunities in the present moment, and that eventually led me to figuring out what I REALLY want to do. (At least, for now!) Focusing on the now has made me so much happier than using all of my energy worrying about tomorrow. 🙂 And congratulations on your degree! That’s such an amazing accomplishment!
Brittany
What a great comment! I can completely relate, in the end it’s better to be sure than to waste time in a program you don’t enjoy!
Atheria
I popped in here to tell you that due to a very mentally sick and scary stalker, I’ve had to quit social media. I’m already lonelier than I already was, without it. But, I was meant to see this post. I’m 49 and alone in the world and miserable and lost. With 50 looming later this year, I’ve got to step out of my comfort zone too. I can’t continue to be the walking dead. By the way, being a grown up is highly overrated. You are totally fine.
Brittany
Oh my dear friend, I am so sorry to hear about your scary stalker. My heart aches for your loneliness and I can completely relate. I’m at such an odd place in life and I’m just now realizing I’ve isolated myself so much that I now NEED to find more friendships and companions. The only way I can achieve a balance again is to indeed step out of the comfort zone, one baby step at a time. You’ve got this! If you ever need a space to vent please feel free to send me an email. ❤️
Atheria
Thank you, Britt. I’ve been gradually withdrawing but now due to this delusional and psycho stranger, I’m being forced to cut off more. Albuquerque has been a very hard place to make friends in, and others have agreed with my view. I hope to get out of here soon. It sucks that some jerk can force me to change addresses and quit social media… not to mention keeping my gun loaded.
Heather
Another deep post. I love it. You are an inspiration girl. The words you write are a constant reminder on how to be a better person. They always make me take a look at my life and appreciate the change and hardships that come with growing up. And to think, we once couldn’t wait to get here. Happy Belated Bday! Oh and contact that Tiny House show on HGTV- totally your thing.
Brittany
I LOVE THAT SHOW! I so want one. 😝 Thank you, you have made my heart smile with your comment.
Atheria
Tiny houses rule! Minimalism and being MOBILE is the way to go! 🙂 I am Tumbleweed Houses addicted. 🙂
fionajarrett
I’m right there with ya and I’m 29 so by comparison, you seem soooooo young! But you do have such a brilliant attitude and as usual, I’m just gonna take some of this with for my day. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Brittany
Thank YOU for reading and commenting. We’re all in this together. 💪🏼
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Happy birthday! Definitely don’t be scared of turning 30. I was too, but I have my life so much more together now and I don’t miss my 20s at all, apart from having better skin then haha.
Brittany
Touché! Bring it on 30. 😝
katalysthealth
As someone who also just turned 27, I feel you on so much of this. I don’t have a “solid” career per say, but have been so blessed as of late and am really starting to make headway. I still think about my 10 year reuinion and what Im going to say to all those high school friends who ask what Im doing with my life but then I think, “is my purpose to please them? am I doing any of this for their approval? why do I even care?!!” We’ve gotta do whats best for us – NO MATTER how long it takes us to figure it out. Keep on trudging girlie. Life is all about having fast reflexes and adaptability, and you’ve got both my friend 🙂
Brittany
“Is my purpose to please them?” LOVE THAT! What a perfect way to put it!
Lucie (@theglowwithin)
Your posts always touch me (especially deeper ones). Im 25, and have also gone through different stages of ‘finding myself’ career wise (read – psychology, nutrition, and now photography) and most of that has been interrupted by ill health. But like you, Im finding that balance and tiny things like enjoying the moment of everyday is important (because we only have now, right?)…..I also agree that its never too late to finish anything. My uncle was in his 40s when he finally changed into a career he was happy with and completed his degree. Also, do we ever completely ‘find ourselves’? I think life is such a journey, and things change every week, month, year which help us discover more about and within ourselves we didnt know existed….thus, we become more of who we are the more we age.
27 is a gift. 30? Is even more of a gift that 27 or 25, I believe.
x
Brittany
Amen my friend, beautifully said and you’re so right about us never really finding ourselves. Always a new adventure each and every day.
Lucie (@theglowwithin)
than*
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
God your brain works so similarly to mine! From the “I’m not really an adult” to getting comfortable with the running until you jolt yourself into half marathon training, I’ve had the exact same thoughts. I really admire watching your journey because it is more common than we all think and it’s great to hear that others are going thru similar times. 30 is the new 20, am I right? Our 20s are just a blur of blind decisions and fingers crossed, if you ask me! Haha
Brittany
I think you’re completely right about our 20’s, and so do most of the people that commented on this post!
Christina Does It All
I impulsively sign up for half marathons too! Haha. Beautiful read, friend!
Brittany
It’s my motivator 🙈.
Rachael @ Catch Me If You Can
I can so relate to the comfort zone thing…for me its a job. do you stay in a job that you dont love but its relatively easy and has good perks but it doesnt fulfill you…or do you go outside your comfort zone and pursue what makes you happy…its scary but usually pays off in the end. And whats wrong with a buzz lightyear backpack! im sitting here typing this in my pinocchio t-shirt that I fully intent on wearing to work 😀
Atheria
Then there is a difficult job you hate but stay in only because of money…sigh.
Brittany
Oh definitely pursue what’s going to excite you! What’s the point of living just to get by, when you can THRIVE elsewhere. Then again if you can wear Pinocchio to work perhaps your set up is pretty great after all 😝.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I just turned 31 and I still don’t feel anywhere close to being an adult. There are times where it drives me crazy, and other times where I think that I should just embrace it because it’s who I truly am. I honestly wonder if I’ll ever really “grow up,” and then I wonder if I should even care. I’ve made it this far and I’m happy with the way my life is, so maybe all this growing up stuff is overrated for some of us.
Brittany
I’ve concluded we’re always growing which must mean we never really grow up. I can live with that. 😝🎈
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
Beautifully written post lady! Life is always changing, and it’d be boring if it didn’t right? Embracing the process, enjoying the ride, and practicing mindfulness while still making smart choices that will help shape our tomorrows is all we can really do 🙂
Brittany
You said it! It’s all a round about system.
Angela
I guess you realise now that you relate to everyone!
33 in July…still soul searching and loving it!! I too am not a grown up…am I!!! Love Buzz Lightyear haha! Love love love this post, as always!
Brittany
Thank you! So many people have said similar things. Life is a non stop soul search, and I can dig it!
Jess @hellotofit
I admire your thirst for more! I feel like you live such an enriching life, even if that means your college degree will be completed a tad later. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so rigid and structured with my life.
Brittany
It’s never too late to let things….loosen a bit. 😝 or we can just hangout and try to balance each other. Bahaha.
willrunforpizza
I’ll be 37 in July and I think the same thing! “3 years until the BIG (for ME) 4-0″…and I HOPE I start acting and feeling like a responsible adult by then. I still have no career goals so your 10 years ahead of me there! haha
Brittany
I love it! We are all in this together!
Jen at Plant Based Potential
This is so, so relatable! I’m 26 this year so I feel like I *should* be a functioning adult by now, but I’m only just beginning to learn how this life thing works! Thank goodness we’re all in the same boat and can help each other out. Phew!
Brittany
The comments on this post have shown me we will never quite figure EVERYTHING out, so let’s just enjoy the ride!
Allie Zottola
It is never too late to finish what you start! I think we learn so much more along that way than at the finish line of a goal. Just by reading your posts, I know you have a learned a lot in your 27 years!
Brittany
Thank you friend. ❤️
familyrulesbyplainjane
You know what? You are right on time!! Just keep unfolding the way you are doing it. ❤️
Brittany
Thank you! 🙈 I just adore all this feedback, the blog community is so wonderful.