Okay, the biggest thing I have learned in my 24 years is that life is no cake walk. I’m sure your probably giggling as you agree with me and tell me that was a funny thing to say, because, well, it’s obvious. Of course, I never expect life to be easy; to be easy would be boring, wouldn’t it? Well, for anyone needing the encouragement, you got this and you’re not alone! Life is hard as heck, and you deserve to give yourself a pat on the back because you have worked hard to get to where you are in life. So, good job!

Here’s the thing. I think I have been living my dream life for the past month. A little back story: I met my husband ten years ago. We were 14 and 15 and didn’t really know what it was like to be in a relationship, but we thought we would try it out. Somehow, through the ups and downs of high school and college, it worked, and on September 15, 2018, we promised to be the first one to push each other’s buttons for the rest of our lives.

I think that newly wed life has treated us a little easier than others because we practically grew up together. We survived four years of high school together, moved to Utah to go to college together (and ended up calling that state home), and adopted a goof of a dog named Bree together. Ultimately, we knew what we were getting into when we exchanged vows. To make a long story short, five months after the wedding we found ourselves out of both of our jobs, which is how we ended up in Florida (a whole other story, which you can check out in my When Life Gives You Lemons post).

I love the small Utah town we have called home for the last year. It’s in the southern part of the state and we are in the middle of numerous state and national parks/monuments like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and for SCUBA divers like us, Sand Hollow State Park. The one thing about this town though is that it is HARD to find a job. Holy moly, I thought today was the day I would be employed again. But, I somehow lost another opportunity; which is life. Of course I understand that not all opportunities are going to be in my favor, but this one hit hard. I thought I had some chance, and thought I was qualified, and was denied.

I’m not sad that I was denied the opportunity. Well, maybe I am; but, I’m more anxious than anything I think. What in the world am I supposed to do now? Well, first step is to remember that I am human and to let myself be human. Then, it’s time for me to get my head back into the job hunting game.

Another thing I have learned as an adult is that it is okay to be anxious. Having anxiety doesn’t make me weak. It makes me human; it makes us human! It is okay to worry about the next steps. But, here’s the thing: we can’t dwell on it for too long. Let yourself be anxious, but only for an hour. Freak out for an hour. Pace wherever you need to and think about what to do next (this is what I did today by walking on the beach ranting to my calm husband in an in-between inside and outside voice); once the hour is over, get up and in to game mode. Figure out what your next step is. But, take it one step at a time, so you don’t get overwhelmed. You got this!

Of course if you’re like me, the lingering anxiety doesn’t go away. It’s still there, currently tingling in my chest. But, at least I have some sort of almost game plan right?

At the end of the day, we’re human and life is hard; and that’s okay. You are not weak for freaking out over the unknown. But, don’t let the anxiety consume you, let it strengthen your drive to exceed your next step so that you can look back on today and cherish where your got yourself. Be strong and remember that you got this!