Saturday, 16 January 2016

Waiting for life to begin.

Since graduating from University I feel like I've been a habitual waiter.

Waiting for the career opportunity that I want. Waiting for interviews. Waiting for someone to take a chance on me. Waiting for my career to kick off. Waiting for real life to begin.

Don't you find it interesting that even though life is here and now, in this very moment, right in front of our eyes, we choose to ignore the very moment, which is where life is because we are too busy waiting for 'real life to begin? This is simply a phase called 'post grad.' I think  we think the next phase is called 'real life', but really it's just 'the phase after graduating' but they are both very real. We are constantly creating, shaping and crafting our lives, whether we are aware of this or not. 

Lately I've been trying to remind myself that I only have one life to live and it shouldn't be spent worrying about the future and waiting for the time to be right. When life gets uncomfortable we often orientate ourselves to a future that is better. It's often a defense mechanism especially when we are discontent about our current situation. We believe in the I'll-be-happy-when lie. I'll be happy when: I'm in a meaningful relationship/ making more money/ buying a new car/ new clothes / move to another city. And the thing is, when you get those things, you will have not changed, except that now you need something else to make you happy, to wish for.





I'm thankful to have a job that I do not hate but it's not the space I want to be in any longer. I'm trying to find my own balance between being grateful with my current life and wanting so much more in the future. I know that a lot of the time, I'm happiest when I'm not waiting for something to happen. I'm learning to honor the present moment. I'm learning to be present in my own life. I'm learning that a big part of adulting thing is simply learning to adapt to the inevitable discomfort  that comes with life. 


What are you guilty of waiting for? 

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61 comments:

  1. JustBeingO17 January 2016 at 07:06

    This was such a good post!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. Christine17 January 2016 at 07:17

    All the best going forward Cindy! I hear you. And thanks for stopping by today.

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  3. Rhapsody Phoenix17 January 2016 at 09:04

    Blessings.....
    Yes live, be open, don't wait, do, be proactive, do, be, live

    peace.

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 05:58

      'Be open', I like that!

      Delete
    2. Rhapsody Phoenix30 January 2016 at 16:56

      Blessings Cindy:
      Just dropped in to wish you a fabulous weekend and a wonder filled week ahead.

      peace.
      Rhapsody

      Delete
  4. Librarian17 January 2016 at 12:05

    Some interesting thoughts there.
    I remember experiencing that "waiting" feeling when I was in my teens. I did not have a clear idea of the direction my life was going to take, and wasn't ambitious enough make any real plans.
    It took me until my early thirties to understand that instead of waiting for things to happen, I had to make them happen; in other words, take full responsibility for my own life (while at the same time relying on God's help, not always in the way I expected).

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:04

      I can relate to this, it's hard to be proactive when you don't even know what you want so you end up waiting for the 'Universe'.

      Delete
  5. Demilade 17 January 2016 at 15:06

    Really like this article, I agree totally. We should all learn to live in the now because fretting about the future won't change anything.
    I totally get you on waiting for your real life to start haha, I do that too.xx

    cocobellablog.com

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:06

      Oh yes! It won't change a single thing! Thank you,I appreciate you!

      Delete
  6. Jackie Harrison17 January 2016 at 15:20

    So many of us feel the same, we just have to embrace the moment and see what the future hold, when we go after our goals.

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  7. Nancy Chan17 January 2016 at 15:49

    Interesting sharing from the heart. Waiting is part of our life. Waiting for something better gives us hope but at the same time we must enjoy and make the best of the present. Looking forward is something good.

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:10

      Absolutely Nancy! Cheers to being present in our own lives!

      Delete
  8. Chris Lally17 January 2016 at 16:05

    You are right. "I'll be happy when..." is a lie. I just entered my 60s and that has taken me a long time to internalize. My mom used to say, "Bloom where you're planted." That's so true. When you engage in life, stay in the moment, good things start happening in spite of yourself.

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:16

      'Bloom where you're planted'

      I think I just found my new motto/saying. Thank you for sharing this with me, I appreciate you!

      Delete
  9. Unknown17 January 2016 at 22:41

    I was more of a "waiting person" when I was younger.. Now I do more of gratitude.. that makes me more happy here and now... and less impatient about the future..Great write up:-)

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:18

      I've been thinking of starting a gratitude journal. I find that whenever I write what I'm grateful for, I also became less impatient. I appreciate the 'now'.

      Delete
  10. Suzanne Furness17 January 2016 at 22:44

    I think we have all probably been guilty of this at some point in our lives. I wish you well on your chosen career path.

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  11. My name is Erika.17 January 2016 at 23:25

    Funny, but when I look back I realize that school is real life, as is the waiting for phase, and then all the ups and downs from then. I have found life a period of being busy and in the middle of something real and then there are period when we seem to be waiting for or searching for something. I think it is very intuitive and perceptive of you to find some wisdom in your life.

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:24

      Thanks Erika! True, the waiting phase is a part of life as well. We must just recognise when it becomes unhealthy.

      Delete
  12. Nedoux17 January 2016 at 23:56

    Hi Cindy,

    This message was just what I needed to see, thank you so much for sharing. You write really beautifully, I am always happy to find blogs that are packed full of depth and sense. :-)

    I used to be guilty of waiting for something exciting to happen to me, until I discovered that I was fully responsible for my own enthusiasm. It is up to me to create an atmosphere of activity in my life so that each day feels like an accomplishment.

    I agree wholeheartedly with you, Indeed, we only have one life to live and it shouldn't be spent worrying about the future and waiting for the time to be right.

    Have a great week!

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:27

      'I was fully responsible for my own enthusiasm. It is up to me to create an atmosphere of activity in my life so that each day feels like an accomplishment.'


      I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you, I appreciate you!

      Delete
  13. Susan Flett Swiderski18 January 2016 at 07:19

    You're a smart cookie to realize this at such a young age. Looking forward... or "waiting"... for something to happen in the future is something we all do at some time or another, but we should never put the enjoyment of our lives on hold while we're waiting. Plan for the future, yes, but make the best of each moment on the way to getting there.

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 06:34


      Thank you Susan that is so encouraging!

      'Plan for the future, yes, but make the best of each moment on the way to getting there'

      I don't know how many times I've heard this cliché but it finally has meaning to me. Thank you! It shows you, all the great life lesson are hidden behind clichés

      Delete
  14. Anonymous18 January 2016 at 19:56

    Waiting, waiting, waiting.. it's like a never ending cycle. We say we can't wait to get off work, then we can't wait to sleep, then tomorrow comes and we can't wait to go home. Ahh. This definitely spoke to me..

    It's time to appreciate what comes with each day. When we do that, we'll be surprise at how much happier we'll be. I'm so glad you've come to realize that life is what you make it. Waiting only steals time and joy..

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:33

      Waiting and waiting and waiting, next thing years have gone by. I thank God for the revelation!

      Delete
  15. Gabrielle18 January 2016 at 20:09

    ''I'm learning to be present in my own life'', this is such a powerful line. I was also guilty of waiting for things to happen a couple of years ago, thankfully life has a way of working out and the worries of today become the worries of yesterday! I love that you're appreciating every moment now as that is life - although it sounds morbid, the only thing which stops me constantly thinking/waiting for certain things to happen, is to remind myself that this could well be my last day on Earth. As I said, a morbid thought haha, but it helps! :) have a lovely week and thanks for such a thought-provoking and honest post :)

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:37

      Morbid but it works! Thank you, I appreciate you!

      Delete
  16. Hilary Melton-Butcher19 January 2016 at 10:41

    Hi Cindy ... remembering to live in the now - is so important - we can't wait around ... way too much fun to have and lots and lots to do and achieve - good luck with your intentions .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:42

      Thank you Hilary! Cheers to achieving and enjoying the process!

      Delete
  17. Marie Smith19 January 2016 at 14:42

    Being present to the process of living is a big part of happiness. The journey rather than the destination in other words. The simple moments can have such meaning that way and open up so many doors. I was late to living that way, caught up in work, marriage and raising a daughter. Best wishes for your journey. It is an exciting way to live.

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:44

      Thank you Marie! Your comment is appreciated!

      Delete
  18. Elizabeth Edwards19 January 2016 at 15:39

    i have to remind myself of this often. ( :

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:46

      I'm glad I could remind you as well. We all need to remind ourselves.

      Delete
  19. Chic Therapy19 January 2016 at 20:37

    I used to wait for so many things and perfect situations, and I missed out of living in the present. But since 2013, I have been doing me regardless of the situation at hand. Life is more enjoyable and bearable when you live in the present. #YOLO

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  20. Unknown19 January 2016 at 20:46

    This post is nice, it was a meaningful read, I was struck by this line... Even know am summarizing in my own words, after getting all those things we need another thing to make us happy. Cheers

    www.icelaw.me

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:50

      Yep! Cliché or not, happiness comes from within.

      Delete
  21. Jeanne19 January 2016 at 22:02

    I think I wait way less now than what I did in the past! Very inspiring post Cindy!;)
    ♥♥♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:53

      I'm glad for you. Waiting is the thief of joy!

      Delete
  22. TexWisGirl19 January 2016 at 22:35

    hi cindy. thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. reading your post, i can only tell you that even when your life gets where you think it should be and your career goes well and relationships solidify, that you can be starting all over again with all of it years later - ready or not. just keep hope and faith alive. and keep smiling. :)

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 18:56

      Pleasure! Thank you, your comment is appreciated!

      Delete
  23. Linda20 January 2016 at 04:25

    Hi Cindy,

    Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. I am guilty of waiting for, well, at least hoping for, a relationship with a former high school friend. He was a really nice guy and is one year older than me. He never married. LOL! Oh, well. :)

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  24. Beate20 January 2016 at 16:34

    I so know what you mean about the "I'll be happy when....". And then I reached those goals and felt sooooo empty. Only recently I understood that happiness only comes from within and now I'm working on that, learning something new about myself every day. And yes, the waiting trap is something I've been in for too many decades actually....I want 2016 to be the year where I change that, too :)
    So happy to know you are feeling the same way.
    Let's go and make changes and let's make our life the best possible ones NOW.
    Have a wonderful rest of the week.
    Lots of hugs to you,
    Beate

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    1. Cindy Saul20 January 2016 at 19:00

      Wow! I'm so glad for you Beate! Yes, LET'S! NOW!

      Delete
  25. Subham Rai21 January 2016 at 06:24

    It's a constant struggle with me as well, I am still in university and I have been looking for jobs that
    will help me gain more experience. I know no one wants a student as their employee but I am
    having a tough time even getting internships. The funny thing is, that I have learned to
    be more grateful during these times where my patience gets tested miserably. A bit ironic actually!
    I also agree with what you have written about how we have this wrong notion of how perfect our lives
    will be once we attain something in future. Obviously we attain our goals but sometimes we don't and
    thats okay because it teaches us to live in the moment.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    S.
    http://subhamrai.blogspot.com/2016/01/hello-it-me.html?showComment=1453349365654#c8293032678463109415

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    1. Cindy Saul22 January 2016 at 18:23

      Beautifully said! Thank you Subham! You are appreciated!

      Delete
  26. Nikkisho21 January 2016 at 12:19

    I am guilty of this too. I used to say I can't wait for everything in my life to be "more stable", but now I am trying to live in the moment and enjoy the lessons from this season in my life instead of just praying for another one to start.
    Thanks for posting this. :)

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    1. Cindy Saul22 January 2016 at 18:28

      Your comment is so relatable! Thank you Nikkisho!

      Delete
  27. Anonymous21 January 2016 at 15:51

    I'm trying to find that balance too; between being grateful for my current life and wanting so much more in the future. Sometimes, I think this is good and then other times I just want to some more trajectory progress.
    Thank you for your comment on my blog. I've included a photo of the lip shade as you suggested.

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    1. Cindy Saul22 January 2016 at 18:43

      I hear you! I want the trajectory of my life to change while appreciating where I am.

      Delete
  28. Unknown22 January 2016 at 01:53

    You are such a great writer. You have articulated this waiting thing so well.

    I have also been guilty of waiting as well. I think I am waiting to start grad school. Waiting to start and to finish it...lol. It's an exciting feeling. But, I have to remember to enjoy the moment I am in right now.

    www.funmiwrites.com

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  29. DMS23 January 2016 at 03:33

    I am trying to live in the moment more, though of course I do wait for things. In 2016 I have been trying to remind myself to enjoy the moment I am in. Reading the start of your post reminded me of the book I had to read in high school- Waiting for Godot. I recently thought about waiting all the time and that I should read the book again because I don't think I got as much from it back then as I could now.

    I hope you enjoy your moments. "Real life" is fun, but you may find that you look back and wish for the time you are in right now. :) Good luck!
    ~Jess

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  30. Unknown23 January 2016 at 06:03

    Exactly what I'm trying to do! This post is too spot on , thanks for sharing your thoughts cindy

    www.cassiedaves.com

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  31. Janyl Benyl24 January 2016 at 12:06

    Living in the moment! Not so easy, but certainly worth it

    www.jbshares.com

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  32. Shaniqua Snowden2 February 2016 at 19:17

    Wow, it's like you took a peak into my journal, lol. I totally can relate. It wasn't until last month that I decided I need to start enjoying my now. I graduated about 6 months ago and have been seeking employment. It was somewhat of a downer when nothing would come up after endless hours of applying for different jobs, but I had to just decided to trust God through the process and learn what is was that He wanted to teach me in this time. Thank you for this post. May we continue to enjoy each moment, in every season of our lives.

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  33. Beauty 13 February 2016 at 20:44

    Human "needs" and "wants" are indeed insatiable. It takes the grace of God to live a grateful and content life.

    ReplyDelete

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