Transparency.

Full disclosure: This post was originally written as a way for me to express all the frustrating moments in post-grad adulthood that I have experience, but I found myself writing a list of complaints and forgetting about all things that are good and the things that I am fortunate for.

I've rewritten this many times since. I'm hoping it covers the initial "life lessons" I have learned thus far. And to whomever is reading this, I'm only 22 years old and I have recently transitioned into the so-called real world. This is me trying to organize my clustered mind to be reveal my most transparent thoughts and translate them in the most possible positive way.

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Let me be clear, every day is hard in its own ways. Sometimes it's because you miss friends from school (despite the fact that you FaceTime them every night possible). Sometimes it's because you miss home-cooked meals (and the luxury of not having to prep meals for the week). Sometimes it's because work feels overwhelming and you begin to doubt your capabilities (even when you are trying your best). And obviously, these are only a few of endless examples and situations I could list. There are moments you feel overwhelmed with checklists that are constantly running through your mind-- whether that is about work or personal life or whatever. The scariest part? This is kind of the rest of your life. Staying on top of your responsibilities and owning it, not because you want to, but because you have to. Making sure there is food in the fridge, that you paid your rent, that you sent out that email, etc.

There's always going to be - someone - who will tell you they have it worse for XYZ reason. Tell them to back off, because honestly, no matter how minor your situation may seem to them, hardship is not a competition. Everyone is going through their own life battles and we should really be supporting each other. So, the next time your friend calls, genuinely ask how they are and just listen to them. And as of the strangers you see everyday: See an elder person on the subway? Give up your seat. See someone struggling with directions? Help them. It's the little things that go a long way.

Here's the real catch though: don't let these situations take over your energy and make you lose sight of what your purpose is. As if you didn't think this post had enough clichés, I have to hit you with this one: You are doing better than you think you are. Working attentively, letting yourself make mistakes and growing from them, and giving yourself a break. This brings me to my next point: It is important to take time for yourself. This means regaining control of the perspective you have of your life. Don't let yourself slip away into a messy, negative space. Refrain from wanting to be mad at the world. Hold back the tears you feel coming. Close your eyes wherever you are. (Perhaps the bathroom when you're escaping from work? Perhaps the subway ride home?) And simple think of five things you are grateful for. Physically write them down on a piece of paper or text them in your Notes. Repeatedly read those to yourself. This has been my go-to EOD (haha, office acronym for End Of Day) medicine.

And this brings me to my final point: don't wish away your time. Before I ramble, I want to be honest here: New York City is (more often times than not) romanticized. Yes, it is the city of opportunity filled with busy, determined diverse individuals. And yes, I did come here for that reason. I am learning a tremendous amount from my job and I am so lucky and happy about that. But to all of you out there who think living it up as a young professional is always cool and fun-- you are wrong, my friend. You do not see me commuting 30 minutes to work in a layer of sweat, you do not see me getting (what I like to call) "city juice" all of my work outfit while out running errands, and you do not see me eating my home-made sad salad at 3 PM as my first meal of the day. So telling you rising seniors now: there are going to be moments you think to yourself, "wow I can't wait to get out of here" or "thank god I'm graduating." But seriously, looking back now, I wish nothing more than to going to my twin sized rock hard bed at 3 AM after studying all day and night. Because real life? It's hard. Definitely doable, but hard.

With all of this being said, I know I have much more ahead of me and a lot more to learn. Stay tuned. Stay positive.

#lifestyle