So…what’s next?

As a traveller, I’ve started over more times than I can count. The question I always get, when I inevitably return home, is “What’s next?” Truth be told, I never know what’s next. I don’t have a plan. I have a loose idea of what I would maybe like to do. I look into the things that bring me enjoyment. Whether that be teaching in a new place in the world, learning a language, or maybe even getting a Ph.D. Who knows? I like that I don ‘t have everything planned out. For some that might be anxiety inducing, especially if you’re used to stability, but I didn’t grow up with such stability. My mom tried her best, but she was 20 when she had me. Let’s be honest, what 20 year old do you know that has their life figured out? Exactly.

So no, I don’t know what’s next. I don’t live in the future. I live here, right now, where my feet are and I take it day by day. I’m enjoying the summer, spending time with friends and family that I don’t get to see enough. Holding one of my best friend’s newborn baby, walking barefoot in the yard with my dog, swimming laps with my stepmom in the pool, having a beer with my 81 year old grandfather, and enjoying my mom’s homecooked meals.

There is no such thing as wasted time, if you enjoyed the time you “wasted.” There’s no place you HAVE to be, not really when you stop and think about it. So, as cliche as it sounds, stop, slow down, and instead of smelling the roses, maybe just actually NOTICE the life you are living in the present moment instead of worrying about what you’ll do next.