Here it is –  16 months, of school, completed and now what?

I found myself experiencing a real sense of anxiety. I normally am not one to get anxious.  I’m pretty laid back about things.

I wait and pray and trust.

Yet I found myself panicking and fretting and worrying about what is next?  

What was I to do with this newfound knowledge?  How was I going to use this degree?  Was I even employable? How was I to walk into this new decade with a new degree and hopefully a new focus?  All these questions and so many more swirling in my head.  It’s provided a left-eye twitch along with a tormented mind and an incredible sense of anxiety that has taken my breath away.

Then I read something that blew me out of the water!

“The real test of spiritual focus is being able to bring your mind and thoughts under control.  Is your mind focused on the face of an idol? Is the idol yourself?!* 

OUCH!!!!!!!!

Here I was waiting to soar into the next phase of my life,  and what I encounter was a loud THUMP.  I realized I had made myself the idol!!!

So what’s next –

Well, I am going to begin by taking my eyes off of me!  

(And hopefully, that left eye twitch will settle).  

I realized I do not have all the answers. I will re-focus.  Go back to the drawing board.  Re-visit my reflections and heart’s desires that I know that God so graciously wants to answer.

I will go back to what I know to be true.  

Live authentically.  Live with the knowledge that no matter what my next steps are, they are STEPS, and when you take STEPS, you should be moving forward.  

I will continue to be honest in my relationships, and I will love those before me.

I realized the degree was the privilege provided to me for a purpose that has yet to unfold, and I have to TRUST.

What are you anxious about?  Are you solely focused on yourself?  

Lesson:

Turn your eyes away from yourself and find hope, joy, and fulfillment in what God has called you to be right now.  Be Present..it’s a better place to live in. 

*Oswald Chambers

Author(s)

  • Annette Ortiz Mata

    Annette Ortiz Mata

    I am a proud Latina. I am Puerto Rican from The Bronx, NY (which makes me a United States Citizen - wink!) My experience being bi-coastal has brought a lot of range to my life and has expanded my vision on how Latinas are perceived on both coasts. With the desire to be informed, educated and entertained, I pursued a career in Communications. I am a graduate of USC Gould School of Law with a Masters in the Study of Law with a certification in Entertainment Law. I am passionate about the truth. I am a news junkie and love to learn something new — Blogger (writer) for Soul of a Woman.blog. I am also the author of "Unpredictable Outcomes - Unmasking my Faith" - www.unpredictableoutcomes.com My hobbies are reading and singing and dancing...I love to laugh out loud. Married to a fantastic man and mother of two incredible sons. Annette Ortiz Mata