My First Post As A Quarterlife Crisis Survivor

posted 29th July 2010 Written by: Katie CATEGORY: Inspiration, Katie, Season 2

how to be happy, moving on with life, Overcoming Depression, Quarterlife Crisis, surviving my quarterlife crisis

“One day you’ll feel like everything is finished. That will be the very beginning.” – Unknown

I’ve started, completed, deleted, and rewritten this post about 10 times already. 6 months ago, I was composing my first blog post as a Season 2 guest blogger, and today I’m composing my last post.

Even typing “last post” doesn’t sit right with me. I feel like its a fluke, Molly is going to call Nicole, Heather Rae and I tomorrow and say “Hey lovelies, you’re my permanent quarterlife crisis bloggers!” Of course I understand that it would be as if she were sentencing us to a lifetime of Quarterlife Crisis blogging – which is kind of a prison sentence. But a pretty prison, with flowers and pink sketchy stars and hand drawn hearts. But a prison, nevertheless.

6 months ago I was sleeping and spending my days away doing nothing of great joy. I couldn’t remember the last time that I was truly happy, let alone how to spend a day being good to myself. I was stuck in a dark tunnel, and though little bits of light would shine in, I was too busy shielding my eyes from it. I got too comfortable with the feeling of misery, and was satisfied with a mediocre day instead of chasing amazing days and experiences. I wrote it off as depression, but was relieved to find out that other women were in the same situation I was, and it wasn’t a life of misery sentence.

It was just a quarterlife crisis.

Halfway through (about 3 months ago) I hit my ultimate rock bottom and blogged here about it. I realized that in order for things to change, I had to make changes. Wanting things to change wasn’t enough. Getting e-mails from the Universe wasn’t enough. I had to show up to life in order to experience it. Life can’t be lived from underneath the covers, no matter how many numbered thread count they are.

You guys kind of know me by now, right? I’m sure I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I don’t complete things. I have tons and tons of ideas, but absolutely no follow through. I’ve been trying to graduate school for 7 years now. I start tons of projects and never see them to completion. I end up working to a point that challenges me in a new way that I’m not prepared for, and I stop.

But this time for 6 months, 180 days, I created 26 blog posts. I stuck with it, I posted through the good times, and through the bad. I can proudly say that even though my days aren’t filled with sunshine and happy things, I can see a bright light at the end of my tunnel.

I’ll be graduating in a little over 2 months, and going on to get my degree. I’ve cut red meat out of my diet and am working toward eliminating chicken. I moved from New Jersey to Philadelphia. I know what I want from life, and I know exactly what I need to do to get it. I’ve cultivated healthy habits and developed strong relationships.

…and I have all of you to thank.

To The Readers: Those of you who have read, commented, retweeted, liked facebook statuses, etc. THANK YOU. Whenever one of my posts would hit, I’d check religiously to see if anyone commented with their own experiences/feedback. This surely sent Molly’s stats off the charts with Philadelphia, PA hits.

To Heather and Nicole - You ladies are complete awesome-stars. I loved blogging with you lovely ladies and getting daily inspiration from you. I can only hope we stay in close touch, and I’ll be keeping up with you and your lives as often as humanly possible.

To Molly - I don’t do emotion, but you forced it out of me. Your Joy Equation encouraged me to really assess my current reality, and realize that things needed to change. I learned that I can do anything that I want to do, but I need to DO things in order to achieve things. I’m the poster child for “I tried every program and nothing worked”, and you proved me wrong. Your faith, encouragement, and reassuring support got me through the toughest time of my life. I also don’t do XOXO’s, but XOXO, seriously.

To The Season 3 Bloggers: I’m so excited to be working so close with you guys. Your stories are super amazing, and I can’t wait to hear more about how your big lives unfold over the next 6 months. Enjoy the journey, and if you need anything, blog related or not, hit me up. Sometimes you just need that neutral ear to listen. I’m here, babes.

And with that, friends, I must be moving on. Although it’s comfortable here, sharing my experience with the QLC, it’s time for me to become an official Quarterlife Crisis Survivor and keep on surviving.

And in the words of one of my guilty pleasure movies, Grease:

“Is this the end?”
“Of course not, it’s only the beginning”

Instead of the traditional name and description image that I typically use at the end of my posts, and have for the last 6 months, I have a new, improved one with the applicable updates, courtesy of the wonderful, amazing, and talented Erin Workman. (She makes adorable things at her Etsy shop. She has adorable puppies. She also does some awesome graphic and web design.)

[Note from the Editor: Katie, Katie, Katie. Seriously, where do I even start? You have been an AMAZING voice here. You have been an AMAZING fan of Stratejoy. You are simply AMAZING, Katiepants. I don't know if I've ever told you this- but I get plenty of emails that start with, "I totally relate to Katie. I'm so glad you featured someone just like me..." Your honesty, your sass, your ability to pay attention to why you do what you do and then share it with us is pretty incredible. Those big dreams of yours, honey? They're so yours. Not a doubt in my mind.

Thank you with every ounce of my being for sharing your story.. I am so thankful I got the chance to spend so much time with you in DC (hugging you every other minute!) and can't wait until our next rendezvous. And I'm freakin' jazzed you're staying on to help with Season 3. The girls couldn't have a better big sister. Big smooshy xxxx's and oooo's, Molly]

Comments (15)

481115 Responses2010-07-29+16%3A00%3A16Katie to “My First Post As A Quarterlife Crisis Survivor”

Kim Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Katie – I have to say I've really enjoyed following your posts the past few months – I have to reiterate what Molly said about getting plenty of emails saying how gals can relate to you, because I totally can too! There were so many times I read your posts and thought "wow, that's exactly what I'm going through" or "she took the words right out of my mouth". It was so nice to have someone out there going through some of the same things – it really made me feel less alone and crazy! I'm glad to hear you'll be staying on to help Season 3 in some way because I'm going to have Katie-Stratejoy-post-withdrawal!!
Heather Rae Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Katie, I have seriously loved blogging with you! Every week, I'd read your posts, and I can't tell you how many times I said to myself, "I wish I'd written that." You're seriously talented, and I LOVE your ability to be honest in your writing here. You're awesome! And I do hope we have the chance to meet in person one day in the future – 'cause I know we'd hit it off immediately. Here's to the future and all our crazy dreams!!
Katie [blogs] Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
I think it hit me today that I won't be blogging here any longer. I don't know how it was for you, but it was kind of my place to be completely honest without worrying about the theme of my personal blog or how readers would receive it. Such an awesome 6 months, and I'm so so glad to have been able to connect with you.

I'm planning a trip to Seattle now. Well, not "RIGHT" now, but soon, and I demand some pink frilly girl time with you, to meet your wonderful man friend, and to have giddy late night parties with wine
Renee Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I'm really, REALLY looking forward to beginning Season 3 with your guidance. You've been an inspiration, Katie!
Kate Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 10:10 am
It's been amazing to see you grow (TWSS) up and conquer your QLC, both in person and through your writing. You're super talented, smart, witty and all-around fabulous. I'm so happy for you and all you've done in the last six months. I know you've really pushed yourself and beaten the odds and THAT is something to smile about. I can't to celebrate your graduation with you and see you do MORE AMAZING THINGS with your life.
Katie [blogs] Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Kim, you're awesome. While I knew my words were being delivered to people's inboxes, I wasn't sure how they'd be received, and I'm so glad you saw that it's not the crazy, but the "NOT CRAZY" part of me that was coming out. I'm wishing I had 6 more months to blog, but I guess we all have to move on.

Viva la big dreams, and keep in touch, okay?
Katie [blogs] Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Looking forward to all of the awesome you're going to bring to Season 3! I love being able to get a sneak preview of your posts before they go live. Be prepared to get e-mails from me saying "I CAN COMPLETELY RELATE!"

So stoked to work with you, love!
Katie [blogs] Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
You're the best.

Did you hear that, because I'm not saying it again.
Katie [blogs] Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Miss Miranda, you're a reader, so of course you're involved with Stratejoy, silly rabbit! Thanks so much for taking the journey with me. Your amazingness is likely one that I'll remember for years and years to come. Looking forward to some One Life to Live recaps with you, soon!
Miranda Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Katie—

Even thought I’m not involved with Stratejoy, I have been keeping up with you these past few months. Can’t wait to see all the places you’ll go!
Heather Rae Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Giddy late night parties with wine…I'm lovin' it already!
Alisha Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Congratulations, Katie. I can see how much you've transformed. And your recent happy Twitter posts only reaffirm that greater things are coming!
Katie [blogs] Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Thanks, girlfriend. I can't wait to see you along your journey! Who knows where you'll be 6 months from now!
Molly_Hoyne Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Hope I'm invited….. I'll bring the wine!
Katie [blogs] Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 2:17 am
Duh. Of course you're invited. You're also required to bring some fish porn, c/o the big man.