Bon Voyage

One of my favorite quotes is, "A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it's built for." I think I love it so much because I love traveling and pushing my comfort zone and this quote kinda sums up both of those activities. Sometimes I think I push my own limits so much I scare my friends and family. My entire life has not been as cut and clear as others. I spent my entire adolecence playing volleyball just to up and ROW at K-State. Then I went from being an athletic training / pre-PA major to a HUMAN ECOLOGY and BUSINESS major. Two completely different tracks in case you didn't realize. Some may call me scatter brained, but I like to refer to myself as a sailor. I started reading this book, Don't Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller (it's also a podcast and I totally recommend it!) and she sums this metaphor up perfectly: "People will ask me where I see myself in 5 years, and I can confidently respond: I don't work that way. I set sail and chart a course in the direction of whatever is calling me. I lean into my joy and curiosity. I know that I'll be shown where to go next."

As a current undergraduate student I am CONSTANTLY asked "So, what are you gonna do after graduation?" and I can confidently say "I HAVE NO FRICKIN' IDEA?!" Yet, I don't feel stressed or lost what-so-ever! I'm sailing a wide, infinite ocean of everything I love (even catching a tan!). Why decide a clear cut path? I'm afraid that would only limit the abundant skills and attributes I can bring to the many different areas I'm passionate about. Maybe I want to be a mission partner for Dynamic Catholic and help lead people to find God's will for their life! Maybe I want to takeoff and spend my life in the air spreading my charisma and charm to everyone I meet as a flight attendant (and passing out pretzels lol!). Maybe I want to go to grad school at Auburn University and do life changing work for families and children alongside the amazing hunger initiatives already being executed with some AMAZING people I've met through Universities Fighting World Hunger!?

The high seas isn't for everyone, don't get my wrong. No offense, but some of y'all are downing Dramamine and trying your best just to manage each wave. Some people need a clear cut path, and that's NOTHING to be ashamed of. However, if you're not happy maybe you need a trip on the big blue. As Cathy says, "with a driving sense of determination and resourcefulness, we can figure anything out." As the youngest child and the ONLY daughter, I was born with an innate stubbornness to live and experiment and lead. I'm smart enough to know in order to manage my sails I need to stay active! Clarity follows action.

If we want to live out our passions we need to create a game plan. My pet peeve is when people say, "it's all in God's hands." That's true... but he's not just going to drop the opportunity in your lap. If you want to do all those magnificent, authentic, passionate things START APPLYING! Apply to those jobs, volunteer with those organizations, and of course PRAY ABOUT IT, dream about it... achieve it! Walk towards those whispers in your head and put yourself directly into the flow. Do not be discouraged if you receive a NO. Remind yourself that new opportunities are always around the corner. Do not put too much stock into any one venture. "Keep moving at such a pace that you're not left waiting on a single opportunity!"

Keep putting yourself outside your comfort zone. Enjoy the waves....

and bon voyage, my friends.

-B