I recently had a conversation with my best friend about a subject that is probably relevant for most kids in our mid-to-late-20s. We both expressed that we’re feeling in limbo; in general, life is good, but not exactly where either of us want to end up in the long run. There are days when it feels like it’s taking forever to get to where we’d ideally like to be. Certain aspects of the future (like graduating law school, or moving to a new country) have their set timelines, so there’s not much we can do to hurry those events along. But there are ways we can take initiative to feel more content and peaceful with how life is now, while patiently awaiting those bigger things. Here’s are 4 tricks my bestie and I have been putting into practice to get out of that ‘limbo’ feeling:

Shift Your Perspective
Every day I dream about a cozy kitchen with morning light streaming through big windows (exactly the opposite of what I have now). Ideally I’d love to start house hunting, but in this season of life we’re apartment people, it’s just what makes sense. So I remind myself to think about all the things I DO have. It’s the classic way of shifting your perspective to see the good stuff. And guess why it’s classic? Because it works. I have a lovely back porch with comfy chairs, where Nate and I can eat our summer dinners, my own little office and even a working dishwasher! 🙂

Plan for the Near Future (not the super-far-away-future)
If you’re always planning for 5 years down the road, you’re never going to enjoy what you have in your life right now. Live for today. It sounds so cliche, but this little phrase has been helping me a lot lately. Plan a fun date night for tomorrow. Or plan a relaxing get-away weekend with your friends next month. Give yourself something exciting-yet-reachable to look forward to, so you’re not just spending your days just waiting for those long-term goals to happen.

Practice the ‘One Thing’ Rule
Do one thing today that will lead you closer to your big goal. Do you really want a new job? Update your resume today. Itching to go on a big adventure? Block out two weeks on your calendar today. Want to launch an Etsy shop? Think of a shop name today. And take the next small step tomorrow. Take initiative for those big things you desire!

Trust God
It’s easier said than done, but trust God! He is the one who marks our steps and makes the plans for our lives after all. Life is always moving, evolving, and changing and if we put our trust in Him, it will be easier to be content with the season we are in right now. (Pep talk!!!!) “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on You, because he trusts in You.”  Isaiah 26:3

If you’re like me and my best friend, if you’re feeling in limbo between the ‘right now’ and the ‘where you want to be’: A) know that you are not alone and B) try these 4 things. See where these perspective shifts take you. I think you’ll feel better. Know that the big goals and plans will happen in time, but that shouldn’t mean you can’t enjoy life right now!

-Stephanie