Me, again. 

This morning as I was driving to work I was thinking about my future. As a 23 year old college graduate, some days all I do is dwell on the fact that I've been done school for a year and haven't accomplished what I want to yet. Then it hit me:



Please pardon this cheesy metaphor, I made it up before 9 am. But I think it makes a lot of sense. Think of life as a road trip- it takes a lot of preparation and planning. You don't just hop in a car and go. Here's my list of things you need for your 'road trip' (this is going to be like a bunch of metaphors within my original metaphor, just to clarify):

1. A Map:
Or I guess since it's 2015, a GPS would be more appropriate. You may be the type to roll with the punches, but you have to have some sort of an idea where you're going if you ever want to get there, you know? Some people like to have very specific directions, and know exactly when to turn and exactly how long they drive on each road. Other's like to have more of a rough idea and follow the signs along the highway. As long as you've got your trusty GPS, you'll be able to find your way.

2. Snacks:
I don't know if this is just me, but no road trip is complete without a bag full of an assortment of snacks. At this point, you've got your GPS and a rough idea where you're going, but you still need a little pick-me-up for when you get hungry and tired. It is a long trip, you know. I guess in the life aspect of this 'road trip', snacks would be the support of your friends and family or the inspiration you get along the way to reach your destination. 

 3. Company:
It's also not very fun to road trip alone. Other people can inspire you, and help you think in different ways than you usually do. They're also good for conversation, and to change the radio when that song you hate comes on and you've got your hands at ten and two.

4. Fuel
You've got your GPS, your snacks and your friend. Lastly, and probably most importantly, you're going to have to stop and fill up the tank of gas. To me, this is the stage I currently find myself in. It takes the longest, and it's definitely the most frustrating. You know where you want to go, you have an idea of how to get there and you've got your supportive friend right there in the passenger seat, but now you have to make sure you've got everything else you need. This is the part in my life where I find myself trying to get better at what I want to do, so that I'll really feel like I'm ready. I want to make sure my 'tank' if full of the fuel I need to get to my destination because I want to avoid running out of gas in the middle of the highway. Is that cliche enough for ya? 


I think it's really important to dream, and always be trying to accomplish something. Whether it's a job writing for television (like me) or finishing that scarf you started to knit two winters ago. You can do it if you want it bad enough, and work hard. Just remember to think of life as a really long road trip and make sure you've got the essentials. Push yourself, believe in yourself, and make sure you don't forget the snacks. 

Chelsea Totten
Talk Pretty To Me