How to take back control of your own life!
Written By : Grace Weidenhamer
Entering your twenties can feel like a whirlwind of opportunities and decisions that will shape the rest of your life. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the possibilities—and the pressure. Pressure to graduate, find a stable job, settle down, and start a family. When things become challenging and the reality of “big girl life” sets in, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that life just happens to us. To believe that we are at the mercy of our circumstances and societal pressure. That we aren’t as in control as we hoped.
I recently made a career decision to turn down a job offer after getting laid off, with no other offers on the table. Losing my job was one thing, but intentionally choosing to step into the unknown was a whole different story. As I pondered this decision, I noticed I felt guilty. I felt as though I wasn’t being grateful to the universe for providing this opportunity. Who was I, a 23-year-old with one year of professional experience, to turn down any job offer that presented itself to me?
Just as I was about to give in and accept a job that wasn’t right for me, I realized I am only going to be worth whatever I believe I am worthy of. My gut told me that I was worthy of more, even if my inbox was drier than the Sahara Desert. By accepting a position I didn’t want just because it was the only option, I was making a statement that I didn’t believe I could do better—that I wasn’t better.
I think this applies to every aspect of life. By staying in a toxic relationship, you tell yourself that this is what you are worth. This is the fate you have accepted. By choosing to quit or slack off on your New Year’s resolution, you tell yourself that you aren’t capable. Each time we lay down and accept the cards we are dealt, we give up control of our own lives.
Life doesn’t just happen to us. We may not be in control of our circumstances, but we are in control of how we choose to respond. Act and make decisions that align with what you believe you are worthy of, not what you feel like you “should” do. Failure is inevitable. We may make decisions that backfire. Taking risks may blow up in our faces. But I think the worst thing you can do is not try. This journey is yours. You choose what you do with it.