Category: Season 3

Marian – 6 Months Later

posted 18th August 2011    Written by: Marian    CATEGORY: Marian, Season 3, What I've Learned

Remember Marian? She was one of our Season 3 Rockstars. She’s back, with an update on what’s happened over the last 6 months in her world. You can read her full journey from beginning to end by checking out the Marian Archives!

I wish I had good news for you, I really do.

We left off just after I arrived in New Zealand. This move was full of promise. Sure, I was having a little culture shock, but I was with my partner, traveling the world, doing my thing.

And then it, ever-so-slowly, fell apart.

It took around 8 months for everything to completely turn to shit. It was a gradual process. First, I had a cockroach phobia. The things are super common in NZ and they started giving me panic attacks. Even at the time I knew I was projecting my stress onto whatever I could find. Moving to the opposite side of the world, not having a job or money or real support system and not even being able to schedule Skype dates with my family due to a fun 18-hour time difference took its toll.

(Granted, cockroaches still scare the crap out of me, but I couldn’t sleep for months thanks to the little buggers.)

Then, the job thing hit. Being so far away from home meant people weren’t as keen to hire me. New Zealanders didn’t trust me, Americans thought I was too far away and didn’t understand the concept of hiring someone based in Hobbit-town.

So I started looking for a “real” job. Months went by.

Then I started distancing from the few people I actually knew and loved in New Zealand, .who took the brunt of my difficulties in the move and didn’t say a damn word.

Eight months of unhappiness later and I’m writing this from a creepy old hostel in Melbourne, Australia. I ended up getting a fantastic job in Auckland, but circumstances (re: not being able to handle Auckland or my life there anymore) sort of dictated I couldn’t stay. Lucky for me, I have the best bosses on the planet and they’re letting me work from the road.

I’m on the trip of a lifetime. I have unlimited time, no real obligations and a modest stream of income.

I’m writing this on Day One, where I’m feeling lonely, scared beyond all possible belief and sick to my stomach that I just threw away everything good in my life because I was “having trouble settling in.”

Basically, it’s six months post-Stratejoy and it’s not pretty. I don’t know what’s going to make me happy. Location, career and mental health just weren’t cutting it.

The thing is though, Stratejoy taught me to play to my strengths. To try and be as self aware as humanely possible in terms of where I feel my life should be, even if I don’t know what that is yet.

And if I’m anything, I’m proactive. And impatient. Together, this makes for one determined girl. I’m trying to see this grand upheaval in some sort of positive light: Instead of sitting on my ass in a situation that made me unhappy, I left. I’m seeking happiness. On the road, by myself.

In theory – from the outside – this looks pretty brave. And independently smart (even if my parents don’t think so). On the inside, it feels dark. And twisted. I have no idea if this form of therapy is going to work. Whether my constant running around (running away?) is going to solve anything.

Or whether the “impatient” part of me could have given it just one more chance.

 

divider

My Six Months of Love

posted 30th January 2011    Written by: Lindsey    CATEGORY: All Posts, Life Lesson, Lindsey, Season 3

I spent this evening practicing new hoop tricks on the bow of a sailboat in George Town, Bahamas. Six months ago, I lived with my parents and I was miserably freaking out about my life. What is there to say, besides the requisite, Me-oh-my, how time flies! How time (and hours of soul-searching, Joy-Planning, Gusty-Girl-workshopping, journaling, meditating, writing, etc, etc, etc) changes everything!

In six months I’ve experienced so many twists and turns and ups and downs that it’s sometimes hard to see where I even started. My roadmap is a bit schizophrenic. But when I back up, I remember, the crushingly painful feeling of being in an ultimate crisis – asking myself, “what on EARTH is happening to my LIFE?” That is how I felt when I started writing for Stratejoy. That was rock-bottom-QLC stuff right there.

But through my weekly posts here, I have been open and accountable with my dreams, my goals, my intentions, my inspirations as well as my fears and doubts. Writing each of my posts was amazing therapy in itself, because I was diving into my QLC head-on, confronting myself, and through it all, I had the amazing Stratejoy community to share and interact with.

I’m a long way from having a clue about my life. And despite all my 5 year plans and life-plotting, I’m sure I’ll still be questioning life then too. But maybe that’s it…

…The greatest lesson of all: The only thing that I know, is that I don’t know anything.

No matter how much we plan, things will go differently. No matter what expectations for the future live in our minds, remember, they are expectations and whatever comes won’t be exactly so. It’s the beauty of life, that we’re not privy to the future. The surprises, those twists and turns that brought you to this page, right now, reading these worlds, they are what make life beautiful.

I hope that every single one of you can overcome the stress of your QLC, and come out of it a better, stronger, more vibrant woman. Remember – it’s hard to face it, that you aren’t satisfied with your life – but when you do, do it with guts and celebrate the fact that you’re making change in your life. Big, amazing, awesome things are in your future. I just know it!

I have several quotes that I have been living by lately, so I’ll leave you with them:

And That’s All!

I’m so grateful to everyone here for writing, for reading, for commenting, for being here. I’m excited to hear what our Season IV bloggers have in store for us in the next six months!

My internet is sketchy for a while because the only time I get a connection is when my boat pulls into a harbor. Since I’m sailing from the Bahamas down to Mexico over the next month, harbors will be scarce. I do attempt to maintain a travel-ish blog, if you’re into that kinda thing.

Thank you for being here. So much. xoxo!

[Note from the Coach: You know what I love about your journey, Linds?  That you don't have everything (anything!) figured out quite yet- but instead of moping at home- you went out there and made one of your BIG LIFE DREAMS happen!  I mean, seriously, you wrote that you wanted to sail around the world, and then.... What?  3 months later?  You're hooping on beaches in the Bahamas.  And while some might call you crazy- I think you're absolutely stunning in your bravery.  Keep following that playful heart, my dear, and I promise life will sort itself out.

Thank you for sharing all the craziness that has been your reality with us.  I know there are tons of Tribe sisters who are not only living vicariously through your adventures, but also, and more importantly- embarking on their own adventure.  Because if you can do it, why can't we?   And that?  That is what true inspiration means.  Thank you, thank for being here with your gorgeous and wise words.  Let's play again soon, sweetness.   XOXO, Molly]

divider

What I’ve Learned

posted 29th January 2011    Written by: Renee    CATEGORY: Creativity, Inspiration, Life Lesson, Renee, Season 3

I’ve been Stratejoying for six months. Six whole months. Can you believe it?

If you had told me two years ago that I would be writing for a Quarterlife Crisis blog while starting my first semester of grad school, I would have thought you were nuts. Or at least talking about someone else. Quarterlife crisis? Not me. Of course not. I had my ducks in a row.

We all know that having your ducks in a row does not make a blueprint for life. Stratejoy taught me that. And more importantly, it taught me that that is okay… encouraged, even.

My time as a Stratejoy blogger gave me the courage to write my truth and the confidence to live my truth. In the last six months, I have felt more fulfilled, more authentic, and more Renee than I have ever been. I’ve discovered things about myself that I wouldn’t have had the guts to do without my amazing Stratejoy and blogging community behind me, encouraging me every step of the way.

I’ve become more honest in my writing but that has translated into my public and private spheres as well. I’ve learned to quell the complaining. I’ve learned to enjoy the moment. I’ve learned to appreciate every day and every opportunity that has come my way.

To all of you who have followed along, who have read my posts, who have contributed to discussions, and who have followed me to my personal blog and Twitter- I thank you. I thank you for being ears when I needed them, but most importantly, for validating my story. That’s the most important thing a supportive community can do. I came to you, spilled my guts, shared my dreams and fears, and you validated my story. It’s truly inspiring. Please keep in touch.

To my fellow Season 3 Bloggers- You’re all an inspiration. From you all, I’ve learned what it means to be a strong, authentic, struggling woman. I’ve learned from you how to own it and how to own up to it. Alisha, you inspire me to always keep looking for myself. Doni, you inspire me to share the details of my life. Nikki, you inspire me to make my dreams reality. Lindsey, you inspire me to never give up on my life list. Marian, you inspire me to believe in myself. And Molly…. you just inspire me. I’m so grateful to call these women my friends.

Adios, Stratejoy. It’s been real.

[Note from the Coach:  Renee.  Damn girl- you know I love you.  :) Remember when we met in Chicago and it was like, what? I haven't met you before?  Some part of me has always just recognized some part of you.  From feminist literature, to performing, to speaking your mind regardless of the consequences- it's true love...  And I'm so honored and thrilled and really sincerely happy that you were part of Stratejoy these last 6 months.

Thank you for carrying off this commitment and community, while rocking things in your own world.  Your writing is gorgeous, but better yet, so are you.  And your journey?  Amazing.  I truly admire how you own up to what's working, what's not, and then do something about it with grace and courage.  You're an inspiration.  Don't be a stranger, okay?  Huge freakin' love,  Molly]

{Photo Credit: Erin Parker Photography}

divider

The End

posted 28th January 2011    Written by: Alisha    CATEGORY: Alisha, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 3, What I've Learned

Really?  This is it?  This is my last post for Stratejoy?  I think I might cry.

These past six months have been incredible–life changing, actually.  I am so grateful for the amazing women I have connected with during my time here.  Doni, Marian, Renee, Nikki, and Lindsey are going places, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have been a witness to their journey.  I am grateful for Molly and the work that she does.  She’s the real deal y’all.  The older sister I wish I had: authentic, warm, uplifting and now one of my most favorite people on Earth.  If it weren’t for her, Stratejoy, my trusty old Joy Plan, and these ladies, I am quite certain the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 would not have rocked so hard.

I learned so much about myself.  Thanks to the Joy Equation, I feel empowered.  I finally figured out what it is that I truly value in life.  I reached limits and set boundaries.  I learned (am still learning) that it’s okay to not be perfect and that my imperfections are actually what make me beautiful.  I found comfort in solidarity.  And I’ve said this before, but for someone who lives with depression, one of the most important aides in my healing is knowing that I am not alone.  Now, I am stronger.  I know that this quarterlife crisis is manageable.  I will live through it.  I am living through it.  You will live through it.

I have been able to share with you stories that I’ve never even told my best of friends.  (Amazing how the internet can help you open up and expand, isn’t it?)  And because of that my soul is lighter.  My very first post, which is probably my favorite, was a painful story that I had been trying to tell for years.  I had no idea how much that story dragged me down–kept me stuck–until I told it.  Thankfully, your kind words help me heal and move on.

So to the ladies of Season 4, I wish you much luck.  (Though with Molly and the other wonderful women you will meet through Stratejoy, you’ll be just fine.)  If I can offer any advice to you it would be to always be open and honest.  Never be afraid or embarrassed to share your stories.  Chances are there are others out there who will read it, and like me, breathe a sigh relief knowing that they aren’t the only ones.

But most importantly, have fun; connect with one another; connect with the Stratejoy community; make new friends; and enjoy the ride.

Thank you all for standing beside me, loving me, encouraging me, and inspiring me on this journey.  Until next time. . . .

[Note from the coach: You, gorgeous soul, you.  You don't even know how much I admire you- a young woman with a family who hasn't forgotten that she needs to fill herself up first- in order to be present, giving, and compassionate for those she loves.  I know it's not always easy and I know you feel like you've got so many more things you want to accomplish, create, be....  Believe me when I say this, Alisha, you are enough as you are.  And with that fierce self love that you've discovered, the extra sparkly bits will find their way in.

Thank you, thank you for being real.  I know all of us have appreciated your willingness to dive into the dark (and the light!) and to share it with us through such lovely, heart felt writing.  I appreciate you.  And adore you.  And cannot wait until we meet in person so I can cover you (and your kidlets) in kisses.  All the good in the world, with love,  Molly]

(photo credit)

divider

Welcome to the Quarterlife

posted 27th January 2011    Written by: Marian    CATEGORY: All Posts, Inspiration, Job/Career/Work, Life Lesson, Marian, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 3, What I've Learned

Regardless of the fact that I make my living on the internet (or maybe because I do), I’ve always been hesitant about sharing my life online. Sure, I do the obligatory Facebook albums and try to “be myself” by swearing up a storm, but I have never ever ever actually shared my Big Bad Fears with complete strangers.

And then Stratejoy came along. Looking back, I definitely started tentatively. I was so used to blogging to help people, to teach things, to build up My Brand. And that’s when something funny happened… I slowly (s-l-o-w-l-y) started opening up. Sharing things I didn’t particularly want to share. Being more honest with myself – and with you – than I’ve ever been. And you guys were awesome. Like, I knew the Stratejoy community was absurdly cool, but this cool? Nuh-uh.

Every time I admitted a dirty secret or talked about my life and where it’s headed in a way that wasn’t comfortable, you guys shared your stories, cheered me on and pretty much blew me away with all  the support.

And here’s what I learned in the six months here: We are sooo all in this together.

How many of us know 20-30somethings who really and truly know their path? That aren’t riddled with guilt or anxiety about choosing one “life option” over another?

Maybe it’s because I’m surrounded with people similar to myself, but because of Stratejoy, I see it everywhere now: People just want to be happy. Authentically. We hunt for that perfect job because we want to be passionate. We get married and have babies because we think these things will fulfill us. Not that they don’t, I can’t wait to have some crazy kids running around the joint, but my point is that this entire Life thing is this amazing shared experience and the whole, what-the-hell-do-I-do-with-it is even more shared.

Boyfriend Sam and I go around in circles having the same conversations: What should I do with my life? Should I study? Should I get a real job? Should we travel? Should we settle? Knowing that this older, more mature, more experienced guy was going through the same things as me has been a huge weight off my shoulders. We could be 28 or 88 and it wouldn’t make a damn difference.

Knowing that the women (and men) who read this site feel just as lost, but also just as passionate about the journey, is one of the most uplifting and comforting experiences of my professional life.

You guys are wonderful. This site is wonderful.

But six months after starting, it’s suddenly over. I have no freaking idea how that happened. I have no clue how six months of my life just flew by.

Granted, the past six months have been a bit of a whirlwind. Last April I was single and living with my parents in Connecticut. Now it’s summer in New Zealand (in January) and I’m living with the love of my life on a completely new adventure.

I’m also completely in the middle of my quarterlife crisis. Six months ago I really didn’t understand what that meant. Now I still may have no idea what I’m doing, but there are two HUGE things I’ve learned about dealing the QLC:

  1. Do something. You don’t have to know what The Big Life Plan is, but taking one little step at a time is perfectly okay. Just make a decision. Today. Do something. Go somewhere.
  2. You are not alone. Really, you’re not. That girl you graduated with who seems crazy successful or that relative who’s super passionate about x,  y or z? They’re probably just as confused and wound up as you are. And at the end of the day? You have this amazing community to fall back on.

These six months may be over, but you can be sure I’ll be sticking around.

[Note from the Coach: Marian, you are a force to be reckoned with and I mean that in the very best way possible.... I absolutely adored having you share a slice of the real Marian without worrying about teaching or clients or the uberforces of Social Media judging you.  We got YOU.  And I am so, so grateful for that.  I always forget that you're 23 because of your wisdom, your ability to push convention, and the gorgeous faith you have that things will work out.

Thank you, gorgeous girl, for being here.  For showing up on the good days and bad.  For sharing fancy Italian veggies and prosecco with me and introducing me to your beau on the streets of NYC.  For being such a pr0Stratejoy force and  making me feel like we're doing something right over here.  I'm such a fan of you and seriously can't wait to see where your journey leads.  Wherever that may be!  Kisses to you and mutual wise laughter at all the assholes in the world.   Love, Molly]

[photo credit:  sakanami]

divider

Next Page »