at age 27, I don't have it all figured out

For years I’ve struggled with what direction to take my career.

Yes, at nearly 27 years old and as Miss North Dakota, many people might look at me and my curated Instagram feeds and think I have it all figured out.

I promise you --
I don’t.

God, so many days I desperately wish I knew my definite path. Since high school, I’ve felt the pressure to have a game plan and set trajectory — something that can guarantee success and zero wasted time. But alas, I have yet to put all the puzzle pieces together and determine a specific main goal.

Instead, I have many.

And at times, it’s overwhelming. I know what I love - what fills my cup and makes time disappear - along with the things that zap my energy.

Very broadly, a few things I LOVE --

⭐️ People — in particular, having real conversations with both old and new friends.

⭐️ Creating — art, music, words, photography, design. Anything and everything artsy fartsy is pretty much my jam.

⭐️ Exploring — the world, my own town. New towns. Myself. Relationships.

⭐️ Learning — about anything and everything. This life guarantees an endless supply of new knowledge that can be accessed if we choose to pursue it. There are endless stories to hear.

⭐️ Freedom — the ability to be independent and do my own thing. To embrace, choose, and chase whatever it is that I love and am passionate about.

With time, I’ve concluded that as long as I’m growing and developing my character, building my community, being challenged intellectually + creatively, while being present with those around me, I believe (and pray!) I’ll stay curious, motivated, and experience a sense of peace.

I share this as a reminder that you don’t need to have your life all figured out. Not today anyway. :) There’s no deadline; each of our life itineraries vastly vary. (Which THANK YOU JESUS that each of us are on our own unique journeys! This world is a whole lot more interesting place because of it!)

So, keep chasing those things that those things that give you life. Stay curious. Make an effort to ask plenty of questions (the hard ones, too) and to learn about the people and places around you. Try to listen more than you speak. Challenge yourself to do the hard things. And, always treat yourself and others with love, respect, and kindness.

I believe if we keep doing these things, we’ll one day find ourselves on the path we’re called to be on.

So, let’s stop stressing it, friends.

And instead let’s give ourselves a little grace and time.

xxx
Reyna