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- It's ok that you didn't finish.
My emails are sporadic, so in case you forgot…
I’m Terri. A nationally published journalist who talks feelings, personal development, and some money tips all wrapped up in empathy.
It’s interesting how such a joyous season can also be a season that stirs up such conflicting feelings…
We’re already deep into graduation and graduation party mode. I know it can be a bag of mixed emotions. For anyone who is simultaneously happy for all the graduates yet feel upset or ashamed that you didn’t graduate I want you to know this:
It’s ok that you didn’t finish school. Where you’ve been doesn’t have to dictate where you’ll go.
And for everyone who feels like they didn’t live up to their potential because of it, remember this:
It’s ok. This isn’t it for you. You are still worth knowing and still bring a lot to the table.
At this moment, you are exactly where you need to be. You can still bloom.
As society glorifies the rush to finish first, there is something to be said about pausing so you can go your pace and finish right.
Even if you did graduate and feel like you didn’t do the things you thought you would, consider that you likely did accomplish a lot but weren’t paying attention.
The reality is that whether it’s education, a business plan, a painting, home decor, or something else there is so much beauty to be found in unfinished work.
There are so many times in which we start something, pause, gather new information, return, and finish strong.
It’s like a red velvet cake recipe that calls for vanilla icing. Yet, before spreading the icing you get tired from standing. So you take a break to scroll on your phone and stumble upon a video of someone putting cream cheese icing on instead. You follow the video, and when finished determine that cream cheese suits your palette just as much or even more than vanilla icing would.
That is the beauty of unfinished business.
Keeping the ending open puts you in the perfect position to learn, explore and imagine the possibilities and apply as needed. Even more importantly, it allows you to close the chapter on your terms when you feel ready.
As society glorifies the rush to finish first, there is something to be said about pausing so you can go your pace and finish “right”.
So graduate or not, executor or dreamer, I hope you know your future can still be beautiful. As long as you are in control, I have faith that it will be.
Read This…
For those of you who found yourself living the freelance life this blog post is for you. It lists the top things you need to know to make a side hustle or freelance life work without burnout.
These affirmations are perfect for talking yourself into a break…
Happy Life Tip
Get yourself a ta-da list
While helpful, to-do lists can be a disappointment if you haven’t done everything on it. So I started implementing a done list. It’s time to recognize that inability to cross everything off your list doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything. You simply did other things. Write down everything you did in the day on a separate list either as you complete it or when you reflect at the day’s end. You’ll feel so proud after you see everything you were capable of even if it wasn’t on your list. Never underestimate the life-changing power of a done list.
Interesting links from around the web…
Does anyone have this? I’m a sucker for anything purple and all things carry-on.
I highly recommend using a database like Notion to keep track of all your bookmarked recipes, Tweets, etc. I use the free version and it’s been great.
This helps me keep track of time so much better than the timers and alarms on my phone.
This company is offering free website templates for new Squarespace users.
It’s been years and this song is still my go-to when I’m having an off day
Write a letter to your future self.
On a whim, I designed a pretty cool, self-affirming t-shirt.
This article about the jobless employed is really interesting.
Need a pep talk? Let’s chat.
I sincerely hope these links and tips bring you to a better place mentally. If nothing else, please take this with you and repeat it daily as needed.
"I can never be late arriving to my moment."
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