3 Lessons for Life After Graduation

Summary

This journal entry reflects on lessons learned post-graduation. The author shares three key insights: first, the importance of consciously choosing your life path to avoid following an unfulfilling, default path; second, the challenge of building community after school and the value of cultivating meaningful relationships; and third, the transformative power of being your own best friend by treating yourself with kindness and support. The author also touches on their current project, a social reading app called Bookshelves, and encourages others to join its beta testing. This reflective piece offers advice for navigating life's uncertainties.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fear of not knowing oneself is common during major life transitions like graduation.
• 😀 If you don't choose your own path, you'll end up following the path set by others, which may not lead to fulfillment.
• 😀 Everyone worships something, whether they realize it or not. Be intentional about choosing what you prioritize.
• 😀 To choose a fulfilling path, align your background, values, skills, and resources with your long-term vision.
• 😀 It's important to put effort into cultivating a sense of community after graduation, as it can be hard to find.
• 😀 A simple and low-pressure way to build community is through regular, informal gatherings like brunch.
• 😀 You have to be your own best friend, especially during tough times, by treating yourself with kindness and encouragement.
• 😀 Self-talk is powerful—be aware of the way you talk to yourself and intervene when it becomes negative.
• 😀 Talking to yourself in a supportive, friendly manner can improve mental health and boost self-esteem.
• 😀 The three key lessons from this reflection: choose your path, build meaningful relationships, and be kind to yourself.
• 😀 The speaker is working on a social reading app called 'Bookshelves,' combining their interests in reading, social media, and technology.

Q & A

What was the main fear that the writer expressed after graduation?

The writer's main fear after graduation was the fear of not knowing themselves and their future path. They felt uncertain about how their life would change and were concerned about losing their passion and direction.

What lesson did the writer learn about choosing a life path?

The writer learned that if you don't choose your own path, a path will choose you. They emphasized the importance of defining your path rather than letting the expectations of others or societal norms dictate your life direction.

How does the writer describe the process of choosing a life path?

The writer suggests considering three key factors: your past (childhood, values, and experiences), where you want to be in 10-20 years, and your current skills and resources. By connecting these three points, you can better define the path that aligns with your aspirations.

What does the writer say about community after leaving school?

The writer expresses that building a community becomes more challenging after leaving school, as there are fewer opportunities for organic connections. They shared their experience of creating a weekly brunch group as a way to foster community in adulthood.

What was the idea behind the writer's Sunday brunch gatherings?

The Sunday brunch gatherings started with the writer and two friends, and they gradually expanded by inviting others. The goal was to create a low-pressure, inclusive space for people to connect, which proved to be effective in cultivating a sense of community.

What advice does the writer give about cultivating relationships?

The writer advises putting effort into building and nurturing relationships, particularly as an adult, where it can be harder to find close-knit communities. They suggest taking small steps, like organizing regular meetups, to create lasting connections.

What key lesson did the writer learn about self-talk?

The writer learned the importance of being kind to themselves. They realized that if they spoke to themselves the way they would to a best friend, it would improve their mental health and self-esteem. They recommend speaking to yourself in a supportive and positive manner.

How did the writer apply the lesson about self-talk during challenging times?

During difficult moments after graduation, the writer practiced positive self-talk by speaking to themselves as if they were their own best friend. Instead of allowing negative thoughts to dominate, they reassured themselves with compassion and encouragement.

What does the writer say about the relationship between self-talk and mental health?

The writer believes that the way you talk to yourself directly impacts your mental health. They found that treating themselves with kindness and reframing negative thoughts has been transformative in improving their emotional well-being.

What is the 'Bookshelves' app mentioned by the writer?

The 'Bookshelves' app is a social reading platform that combines the writer's interests in reading, social media, and technology. The app is in its early stages, with beta testing currently underway, and the writer is excited to share it with others.