RISING WOMEN EXPERTS...  

I seem to have hit my quarter life crisis. How can I cope during such a confusing and stressful time?
    By Leah Kenyon of Kenyon Coaching

What an important question and a very tumultuous stage of life. I salute you for bringing this to the table. Without knowing too many specifics, the most appropriate response that I can offer at this time are a few strategies that may support you during this chaotic time. I would, however, encourage you to seek some support, whether it’s with a Coach or a Counsellor.

Many areas in an individual’s life, including career, relationships and purpose often intertwine at this crossroads that many call The Quarter Life Crisis. This period can feel extremely stressful, chaotic, frustrating and overwhelming as decisions are faced. For now, perhaps the following 5 ideas may provide some relief:

1) Take the Significance Out of the Game - Make this your game that you’re playing and change the rules. Take the significance out of seemingly “huge” life decisions. It’s okay not to have a master life plan. Choose to do something that will make you happy and meet your needs for a couple of years. Know that you’re the creator of the game.

2) Apples to Oranges - Steer away from comparing yourself to others your age. If they’re moving ahead in an area or area(s) of their life, congratulate them. Know that you might be a different kind of fruit. If it’s apples to oranges, choose to be a grapefruit!

3) Treat life as a Buffet - One of the best suggestions that I have received was to treat life this way. When unsure as to a career path, or a good book for that matter, try everything! Give yourself permission to try a piece of this and a piece of that. See what you like and then go back for seconds!

4) If You’re Feeling Shaky, Shake With It - Of course you’re feeling shaky with large decisions, uncertainty and questions hanging above your head. It’s normal! Lean into it, and just shake.

5) Find Meaning or at least Humour During this Time - Turn your anguish into something meaningful. If you’ve had, say, two dozen jobs in the last six months, write a book about it! Turn it into a comedy sketch and do this daily!

Leah will be interviewing 365 Quarter Life Crisis “Survivors”...want to share your story? Contact Leah Kenyon of Kenyon Coaching at leah@kenyoncoaching.ca Visit www.kenyoncoaching.ca  for more details on Leah’s coaching services.