Lately I’ve been feeling quite overwhelmed by my desperate desire for change. Some things I (truly and honestly) considered within the past hour were:
- Cutting my own hair.
- Getting rid of every form of technology I own.
- Treating myself to a 3-day personal retreat.
- Dropping everything and moving out within the next month.
I’m relieved to say that I’m not going to act on any of my desperate measures (although, hopefully #4 will manifest itself in the near future). Why? Well, despite my desire for change, I realized that none of those changes will fix anything.
Don’t get me wrong – it’s not like there’s anything in my life that needs to be “fixed.” I’m just…discontent. A quarter-life crisis, maybe? While I’m certainly still going to pursue my life goals and dreams, rash decisions are just not the answer.
So…what is the answer? Simple - it’s the same that it always has been and always will be.
The truth is, I never have to seek desperate measures. He already took care of that for me.
Life is going to be full of discontentment. I still want to love. travel. use my talents. raise a family.
But when it’s all said and done…I already have everything I will ever need.
I'm the girl, Gracie Gordon. Here at GML you can follow my journey of dreaming, working, eating, loving, and blogging my way through life in NYC.
<3 this. I think we're going through very similar feelings. Let's chat soon.
Hi Gracie! I have been following your blog for a couple of weeks (and love it by the way!) But I really felt the need to comment on this post because as a 23 year old, newly graduated girl, living with her parents, I can totally relate! I think it’s a period in our lives where we are…waiting, waiting and waiting for the next thing in life to occur. You want to be grown up, but you’re not quite grown up yet, but you feel like you should be already! Anyways, just know that you aren’t alone in feeling the way you do today!
By the way…I did JUST cut off 6 inches of my hair because I felt that I needed something “new” in my life!!
Hi Kim!! Thanks so much for this comment - it means a lot to know that I have someone who can relate!
p.s. I bet your hair looks sassy
I was going to tell you that I feel the similar things and many times, the only thing that gets me through is prayer. Stay strong!
Aww I love this post for sooo many reasons!! You’re right and so blessed to know these truths.
You will figure it what you want… also, I am a hairstylist… I would REALLY recommend NOT cutting your hair lol I tell my clients to think about it for 4 weeks, if after a month you still want to just as bad as the first day, then do it 
hehe! I know you won’t though 
so with you on all of this! i feel the same way being a 20 something, trying to figure out what i want to do with my life. =/
it can be VERY overwhelming. I’ve even considered deleting my blog and just starting FRESH. it sounds sooo good, even if it’s just for my own sanity
i absolutely love this. God has a plan and He already knows where you will end up, you just have to follow, trust, and maybe take a leap of faith
I feel the same way a lot of the time. I find that’s when I lean on my faith the most and just watch God do his thing. He always provides, He’s cool like that.
Gracie, I so know what you mean. When I (finally!) finished college and grad school I was like, “OK, so now what?” Up until then there had always been something NEXT to look forward to. You know: graduating from high school. Studying abroad in college. Graduating from college. Getting into grad school. Finishing grad school. Getting my first job, etc etc. When I was finally DONE with all that I felt kind of… let down. Like, what’s the point if I’m not working TOWARD something? Where is the next exciting milestone or adventure? Which is so ridiculous because when you really thing about it what is more exciting than the awesome life that God has planned for me?? I’m glad you’re doing just that
YES - I couldn’t have written it better myself! Graduating college definitely left me feeling like, “uhhh, what now?!”
Oops! That last bit should say: “Which is so ridiculous because when you really thing about it what is more exciting than LIVING the awesome life that God has planned for me?? I’m glad you’re doing just that
This post is so wonderful and true. Always have faith and beleive in yourself and that where you are is where your supposed to be!
YES YES YES! Amen sister.
Thank you for this amazing reminder.
At church yesterday my pastor said: “there is a tension between how the world is and how we want it to be. the kingdom Jesus speaks of is about experiencing in that tension more and more and more and more of God’s peace and love and joy and grace RIGHT NOW.”
I thought of that when reading your post. God knows what He’s doing.
THANK YOU FOR THAT! xoxo
Aww! I love this post. I am kind of in the same boat as you. But arnt we all?
You are amazing! You know yourself and you are honest and just where you are supposed to be in life…but who knows? I promise you wonderful opportunities are just around the corner. I’m 29 now and my 20s have brought more growing, learning, seeing, going and doing than I ever thought possible. Have you heard of the book called WAITING by Ben Patterson? Google it. It helped me many years ago. I could send you my copy.
I haven’t heard of that book! I just Googled it - it definitely looks right up my alley. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for it, but if I don’t come across it I may just take you up on that kind offer
i understand, gracie. its a crazy time of life. there’s all these ups and downs but ultimately He has a plan, even if we don’t know what it is yet.
Quarter Life Crisis - They do exist! Keep your eyes open little one, the message is almost visable ;-)All will pass and bring brighter opportunities!
I feel like I should comment because I was recently going through this before I got my first “big girl job” (just a couple of months ago). I just want you to know that you seem to be handling everything beautifully and you are so smart to lean on the Lord. Ultimately, I believe that His timing is so much better than ours could ever be and, really, when it’s time for things to change, they will. xoxo
So so SOOOOO true! Within time, God will reveal all of his plans to us!
Girl I love this. I think early 20′s is a hard time for a lot of people, because you’re in between being a kid (18-22 is still pretty much a kid) and an adult. We’ve talked about this before, but you WILL figure things out…life goes by so fast already, and the last thing we need to do is wish to speed things up. Enjoy the ride, because you know God has something great in store for you, whether it be tomorrow or a year from now. Love you!!
I love that you posted this because it’s so true, and so many need to hear it, or be reminded of it. Love it. God is faithful and he will honor your faith and trust in him.
I have done #1, 3 and 4 at some point in the past 3 years. Well, I would never ever cut my own hair but I did go to my stylist and SHE took off 13 inches… just like that. It feels really good sometimes to take the leap! Maybe you should take three days off from technology and relax, and during that time you can get your hair done?
Don’t leave altogether though because we would miss you too much 
Yes, unplugging for a few days has definitely crossed my mind! But the blog keeps bringing me back
Don’t worry - I’m not going anywhere!!
Hang in there. Things WILL turn around and you’ll start chaning slowly on your own to become the person you were meant to be. xoxo
awesome post!!
I think this post is a fantastic reminder. I know I definitely needed to read it:)
I think everyone feels that way every so often, especially post-schooling. Just have faith that everything will fall into place! I love what you said about already having everything you need. That’s such an amazing thought. I’m going to remember that next time I’m feeling lost and discontent!
Dear Gracie,
I am twice your age, but I want to offer you a little wisdom. You are smart, definitely capable of moving out, and definitely feeling the “growing pains” many young people feel, especially living with parents.
I have been in your shoes and I want to let you know a few things I have learned along the way.
There are two things that are important to consider:
Finances~ een if you are paying rent to your parents, it is definitely less than what you would pay in a rent or mortgage. Calculate how much you are willing to pay on a rent or mortgage and put that amount in a savings account for 4 months at the beginning of the month, realize that you probably should also put $200 more for utilities, even if you would be sharing an apartment. If you do this, you will either have a cushion to branch out or realize you’d rather save the money for your future.
Security- This encapsulates many areas. First, your parents are your wall of safety. In my twenties, I got an apartment. I made several mistakes. I made myself more vulnerable to “dangerous” (socially) situations as I had no accountability and didn’t think about having a man in my apartment alone, even if it was for coffee. My parents would have given me an “out”, ya know. Plus, regardless of what society says,a man likes a woman who has old-fashioned values. Living at home means, they meet the Father and have a “respect” for your convictions… I know you are capable of keeping those convictions regardless of parents around,but they could help, when you feel weak.
Money is valuable and convictions & reputation are priceless. The first, you can always regain. The second, unfortunately, follow you throughout life, career, and family. Really, pray that you are being led and that whatever you decide would bring you to a stronger relationship with God!
I enjoy your blog and recipes!
Thanks for reading,
Julie
Hi Julie! Thank you so much for this thoughtful and encouraging comment
Something that stuck out to me was this: “I know you are capable of keeping those convictions regardless of parents around,but they could help, when you feel weak.” <— that is absolutely true. My parents hold me accountible - not by what they say or don't say, but just by their presence!
The reason I'll probably eventually move out is due to a career change. And, I really do think I could use the independence to learn more about myself and grow closer to God. However, I will absolutely have to keep in mind the things you pointed out!
Take care, and thanks again for this
xoxo
Beautiful reminder that I needed to hear today - I DO have everything I could ever need, right in this moment!
What a wonderful reminder
ah, i get these burning desires to change something pretty often! usually a hair cut will do the trick, but i definitely day dream about randomly moving across the country or quitting my job just so i’m forced to find a new one…so random! but then i remember i need to calm the heck down and trust that God’s plan is the only plan for me and i will be happy with it!
Oh boy can I relate to these feelings! And yes, trusting God is all that helps. You’re definitely right on with that too.
I contemplate #2 and #4 all the time. I seriously flip flop on them (ok especially #4) but then I worry about the economy, finding a job, etc. Being an adult sucks sometimes!
Icertainly went through a quarter life crisis—nothing felt right and everything felt off and i had no idea what needed to change in order for it to feel right.
luckily, I just sort of grew out of it. I started to figure out more of what I wanted in life and that helped quite a bit.
Gracie~
Thank you SO much for your honest post! I can definitely relate to some of the changes you mentioned, especially moving away from my parents one day. Despite all these lingering questions, I love how you put all of your hope and trust in God and openly talk about it on your blog. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite verses, and I also love “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” -Proverbs 16:9 (NLT). I know that God has an amazing plan for you and He will hold your hand as you walk down the path of life.
I’ve been feeling pretty much the same. I really appreciate reading your take on the answer. I think you’re right!