This week marks 4 years since I graduated with my master’s degree in psychology. I still can’t believe the time has flown by this fast. I’m very proud of where I went to college and my college town, the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. It’s a special place to me, and although I love Colorado I miss Warrensburg all the time. I went so fast through college, and it is still one of my greatest achievements to this day. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 3 short years, began my master’s program a week later and graduated with that degree in 2 years. So, in just 5 years and at the young age of 23 I had a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Little did I know though, that despite my vast skills, knowledge, and eagerness for my future-my plans would change at least a few times in the years to come (something that would make my younger self cringe).
You see, I’ve always been a planner. I could never relate to someone who has no clue what they want to do with their life because that’s just never been me. I’ve always been proud of the rigid plans I had set for myself and the clear distinct path I would take. I’ve had these plans long before I went to college. I also can’t say that I was ever influenced by any friends or family members regarding my future. Nope, pursuing multiple degrees and a career in psychology was completely my dream and my idea. The real hard truth though is that sometimes where you think you are going is definitely not where you are going to end up. These were very hard words for me to accept, let me just say that. My big plans included pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology. My heart was not only set on this happening, but completely wrapped up in it. So as you can imagine, when these plans did not work out I found myself lost, confused, and really with no great purpose at all. I didn’t even know how to pursue a job or what I would do because I couldn’t fathom doing anything at all besides continuing my education in psychology. I was a really great student, loved the college atmosphere of learning, studying, writing, presenting, and every aspect of being a student. Now what?
What I did next was the best option I had for myself at the time I believe, but I didn’t know just how monumental it would be. I joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program which is basically a domestic Peace Corps. My VISTA service year was in Denver, CO at a small nonprofit organization. I was a Communication/Marketing AmeriCorps VISTA. I had never before thought about communication and marketing, but little did I know absolutely everything that I did in psychology related to it (and it was my perfect fit). I found myself naturally understanding all aspects of communication and marketing, with a unique twist-my education in psychology. That’s right, my deep understanding of personality and behavior, paired with my intuition and personal investment with knowing myself and understanding others allowed me to excel in communication/marketing. Better yet, I absolutely loved it! I found myself bringing everything I loved about psychology to communication/marketing. Two puzzle pieces, that belonged together in my world.
Fast forward a few years later, and I’ve continued to immerse myself in all things communication/marketing since then. It’s brought me true joy and happiness and I believe that it is exactly how I was meant to use my psychology degrees all along. There are so many details about the journey that got me to where I am today, but I will unpack those in various future blog posts. Today’s blog post is really about freeing yourself of rigid plans you have set (if you’re anything like me) and being intentionally open to different opportunities. I once was so proud of my rigid, straight path and I’ve since realized that the most successful people, really the happiest people, have a winding, curving path in life. I am now grateful for my different experiences and the different opportunities that I’ve found.
I think there’s a quote that says something like “if you want to see God laugh, make plans”. I’ve found this to be true. We can try so hard to have the perfect plans, and to predict exactly how our lives will turn out. Despite even the best intentions, we often find ourselves at a completely different destination. I’m more open than I ever have been before, and I’m more accepting of my life’s ride on Earth. I’m happier than when I first graduated with my master’s, because I no longer feel lost or confused or wonder what my purpose is. I look back at the version of myself, and I understand completely why I was the way that I was, and why I had such rigid plans. I’d love to go back to that Demie and give her a hug, and tell her that everything really will be okay and that there is so much more to life than setting strict plans for yourself and unraveling when they do not work out. The more rigid you are with yourself, the more you’re just chaining yourself down and really holding yourself back. Life is a journey for us all, and hopefully a long one. I hope that you can give yourself some grace when your plans don’t work out and always be open to a new adventure.
In the Spirit of Adventure,
Demie