It’s that time of year again.. college graduation! I realized yesterday as I read my friends’ Facebook and Twitter updates about their ceremonies that I had taken those same steps two years ago!
I remember the feeling of anxiety after graduation and how easy it was to succumb to the vicious cycle of comparing yourself to others. Things like Mary just got a job at XYZ company and Sally Sue is moving to NYC on Tuesday! I would think, what is going on with me? Whew, it’s good to not have those feelings anymore. (Photo from thoughtquestions.com)
I still think about the “what ifs” sometimes like what if I had gotten an entry level job right after college? Would I have been promoted by now? Where would I be living? Would I be happy? The website, Thoughtquestions.com posts daily questions that really get you thinking. This one got my brain going, If you had the chance to go back in time and change one thing, would you do it? My answer is no. I really believe “everything happens for a reason.”
I have been living in Madrid for two years now and I love the effect that the Spanish lifestyle has had on my attitude and outlook on life. I have to say I’m extremely proud and happy with my decision to come to Spain and what I have accomplished. Instead of stressing out and comparing myself to my peers, worrying about competition and the future, I embrace it and try to live in the now. I still work hard to be the best I can be but I know that coming to Spain was an alternative path that not everyone is able to take.
My time here sure has been FULL of life and learning experiences that I know set me apart from my peers. Now, two years later, I speak Spanish, know more people from all over the world, and have gained a global perspective on work and life.
As I prepare my resume and write cover letters in preparation to come home, I am confident that coming to Spain wasn’t a bad decision at all but a positive one because I now am focused on what I want and my capabilities. I don’t regret coming here at all!
Happy Friday everyone and congrats to all the recent graduates! May you also make hard decisions that you won’t regret in 2, 5, or 10 years down the road!
