Well, I’m back in Miami and let’s just say it hasn’t been the most seamless transition…but I wasn’t expecting it to be. I’m not going to lie and say I’m excited to be back, but I’m also not going to complain about my situation or dwell on my homesickness. Transitions of any kind are very hard for me, always have been. I have gotten a lot better at handling change, but it’s still not something I look forward to. However, in the process of my earlier transitions I’ve developed a toolkit per se of coping mechanisms. It takes me some time to remember those tools, but once found, it helps me adjust.
This is how I’ve kept myself busy the last few days…
-I’m fortunate enough to have an older cousin live close by, so instead of staying in bed, I’ve made plans to hang out with her.
-I organized the apartment with my new roommates (who are awesome!).
-I organized and cleaned my own room.
-I painted my bathroom (a very subtle grayish/blue. Just what I wanted, but man was that a full day project!)
Before
-I bought a candle for my room that makes me feel warm and cozy.
From Bath & Body Works
-I went running.
-I went to the supermarket…a few times.
But more than activities, I’ve been trying to focus on the good. Change of mindset is much more powerful than a change of scenery.
I may be missing home and dreading long days on campus, but there is so much good in my life. It just took me a little time to find it. Primarily, I’m getting an invaluable education. I have some career opportunities that are more than just “resume-fillers.” I live in a very comfortable apartment with great people. I’m continuing to learn how to live on my own and solve both everyday and abnormal problems (**not sure which category ‘millions of dead ants in my room’ falls under). I may still text my mom all the time (sorry mom, probably won’t stop) but I’m getting more comfortable living alone and finding things to enrich my days.
I know I won’t always live far from my family (please, I hope one day to live only a short run away LOL), but for now I’m doing the best where I am. Finding happiness from within and reminding myself that my life is pretty darn good.
How do you handle transitions?
That quotes resonate with me so much! I spent all of last night in tears and couldn’t sleep, but I guess it’s more of my attitude and thoughts about things than the actual situation itself. :) Thank you.
It really is a powerful quote. I think everyone could learn from it!
I think that it is so great that you are focusing on the positive side to transitioning back to school. Moving back to school for me is a big transition too but if I focus on how positive the transition is I can be a lot more happy about where I am!
Yes! If we just change our attitude about the situation we can be happy anywhere.
Love the color of your bathroom! Going back to school was always a really hard transition for me too but you will get through it! It sounds like you made the best of the situation and it’s great that you like your roommates! Keep that chin up, girl :)
Just about a week in and I’m starting to get a little more adjusted. Having a comfortable living situation has made this a lot easier! Thanks, girl :)
I suck at transitions ): I don’t like changes! I tend to get into a routine and I hate changing it up. Scheduling to get back to school = always a pain since I’m so used to lounging around the house and doing nothing but running and eating all summer!
Routine is my middle name haha. But really, it takes me time to mentally adjust to a new schedule..especially after summer!
Good for you on not letting a new transition bring you down. Sure you could sit there and drown in your own tears, but what’s the fun of that? Life is too short to waste time doing anything but having fun :)
You are completely right :) There’s no fun in being miserable.