Pure Hearts Always Win and 10 Questions for My Future Self
Lately, it seems as though every decision is a big one. I decided to attend BU almost three years ago. This was an easy decision to make because I knew what I wanted.
At BU I have grown immensely. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. My pillars of support were strangers three years ago. My pillar of support three years ago is now a stranger. Weird how that works.
Things played out differently than the vivid image I projected in my head when I got my acceptance letter.
Trauma from my brother’s brain bleed. Trauma from a 27-year-old real estate agent.
Falling in love. Finding family on the East Coast. Finding a home in Boston.
It all works out in the end. Pure hearts always win.
Lately, knowing what I want is a bit harder. I am graduating (possibly early) and do not know which of the many blueprints that I have constructed in my head I should choose.
Where to live: New York, Boston, or California?
What to do: A stimulating career doing something creative, like digital marketing at an eccentric agency in the city that never sleeps? Or something stable that pays well like tech?
Tech tech tech. Sounds ugly when you say it like that. I grew up in Silicon Valley where proficiency in math and computer science goes a long way. However, I have always gravitated towards English and History, probably because of the discussions and storytelling.
In college, I studied Public Relations without the slightest clue about what I wanted to do. I am a compelling and confident public speaker and presenter, so PR was a shoo-in. I have always been told that I would be great in sales. Sales + Tech = Lots of money.
In college, I also minored in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These classes were my favorite by far. I love every aspect of entrepreneurship. Independence. Problem-solving. Flexibility. Creativity.
As graduation comes closer, I know that I want to do something creative and collaborative. In my free time, I would rather actively create something than passively sit and watch someone else’s creation. I like to try new recipes, edit and collage photos, build Spotify playlists, plan out trips, and compose outfits in my mind. I especially like to journal and write.
I know that I do not want to be involved in the politics and mundane muckery of a corporate job for very long. This takes up too much mental space. I would rather spend my life dedicated to actively constructing my path and creating projects and businesses of my own to contribute to the world.
However, I have learned from my time at BU that life often plays out differently than how we plan it.
Sometimes the unknown, the future, engulfs us in fear. This fear causes us to cling to safety and comfort. Surrendering to this fear facilitates the loss of great potential. I will not look back on my life in regret. I refuse to play it safe.
So, here is a list of questions to hold my future self-accountable:
What music are you listening to?
Look around you. Who is there? Close your eyes. How do they make you feel?
Can you still touch your toes? Does it hurt?
How often do you laugh?
Do you love your job?
Are you your own boss yet?
When was the last time you called Dad?
What are 5 things you are grateful for?
When was the last time you said I love you? Did you mean it?
What have you done for yourself today?
What have you done for someone else today?