Author: thepostgraduate

Life

5 Signs You’re Maturing in Your 20s

thepostgraduate

You’re getting older, but are you growing up? The older we get, the more we have to examine ourselves, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.

It may not be the best feeling in the moment, but the longterm benefits are priceless and the older you will thank you. If you’re not sure where to start, here is a list of five signs you’re starting to make self progress in your 20s.

1. You Practice Self Reflection

How will you know you’ve grown if you never reflect on your character or personal life? Thinking about who you are and how far you have come is a great way to measure progression. 

2. You Know Your Areas of Improvement

It’s okay to not know everything, to not have everything completely mastered. In fact, if you do believe you have everything perfected, you may want to go back to number one. Make a note of the areas you want to work on and develop a plan for turning rough spots into talents.

3. You’re Less Judgmental

By a certain age, it’s most beneficial for you and others to understand that life has not been the same for everyone. Many have had unique obstacles that impact their everyday life and being. Show grace and remember everyone is created in the image of God.

4. You Consider Others

Selfishness will leave you with only the first four letters of the word. The people in our lives that support us and love us are a blessing. Life can change at any moment and when it does, you’re going to want reliable people around you.

5. You Think and Process Before You Respond

When you live in purpose, you realize every word you speak holds weight. In a day and age of constant disagreement, debate and outrage, it’s easy to fly off the handle about the things you’re passionate about. Practice processing your feelings and emotions about what makes you upset before you express them. Consider whether they are worth expressing at all or if they are better shared with a smaller group.

Like you, we are also working to be our best selves, balancing life and navigating our beginning post college graduation years. You are not alone. 

Let’s continue to help one another! Share this with someone on a journey of growth and maturity. 

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Post Graduate

Home

5 Drinks Besides Coffee that Give Energy | Coffee Alternatives

thepostgraduate

When you’re a busy 20-something, trying to balance the start of your career, family, friends (new and old) faith, after-work hobbies, and a ton of personal growth, sometimes your energy can wane. 

Your schedule is changing and so is your body. Treat it well and give yourself a boost. Skip the excess sugar and try these easily attainable drinks!

1. Banana Smoothie

Try a smoothie that not only tastes good, but does good for your body. It’s true that bananas contain more natural sugar (sucrose, fructose and glucose) than other fruits, but what’s also true is that because they are digested slowly, they give you sustained energy over a long period of time. No more running back and forth to the fridge.

2. Ginger Tea

Fight the 2 p.m. slump with ginger tea! You know that feeling after 2 p.m when you start wondering how only four hours have gone by? The properties inside ginger can put an end to that. The 2 p.m. slump is actually a drop in blood sugar that leads to a drop in energy. Ginger helps keep blood sugar stable.

3. Dark Chocolate Shake

Did you know chocolate contained caffeine? In fact, the darker a chocolate is, the more caffeine it has. An average size 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine while a 3.5-ounce dark chocolate bar has about 80 mg of caffeine. Start making your dark chocolate shake now!

4. Matcha Latte

We love you a latte, a matcha latte! Grab your warm milk, matcha power, and maybe a little honey to get a calmer boost of energy. Matcha, a full tea leaf in powder form, triggers the brain to slowly release theophylline, a type of caffeinated energy, over an extended period of time. Many say the boost can last for up to six hours.

5. Carrot Apple Juice

Carrot and apple? Together? Believe it or not, the mixture is a win-win! Behind its subtly satisfying taste is high fiber carrot which helps the body release energy at a slower, steadier pace, and an apple with healthy carbohydrates that break down slowly into glucose, regulate your blood sugar and contribute to more energy over a longer period of time.

We are officially energized and hope that you will soon feel the same way! Try your hand at one of the above drinks or use this list as a guide for your daily drink decisions.

Energetically!

Post Graduate

Travel

Instagram-Worthy Flower Fields to Visit in Spring 2022

thepostgraduate

The beginning of Spring is the return of floral beauty in many parts of the US. Over a period of just a few weeks, the growth of tens of thousands of flower species is triggered in fields, on mountains and anywhere else their seeds blow and flourish.

While some are permanent, some are fleeting. Go see them while you can, and take lots of great photos! Here are four absolutely beautiful locations where you can immerse yourself in fresh, floral beauty.

Wild Berry Farm (Saddler, Texas)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Nothing says Spring like sunflowers! Visit Wild Berry Farm to skip through a field of thousands. When you’re finished, be sure to check out some of its fresh, farm-grown fruits including blackberries, elderberries and blue berries.

Purple Haze Lavender Farm (Sequim, Washington)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Take a relaxing stroll through lush rows of one of the most stress-relieving herbs on earth. Lavender at Purple Haze includes both purple and white plants! Take in all the smells, and if one of your friends can’t make it, be sure to pick a bouquet for them as a thoughtful souvenir.

Wooden Farm Shoe Tulip Farm (Woodburn, Oregon)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Lift your spirit with over 40 acres of multicolored tulips! Don’t forget to capture a photo of the state of Oregon’s stunning Mt. Hood in the background (which, between you and us, is actually a stratovolcano).

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (Lancaster, California)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Flowers in the dessert? From Mid-February through May, the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat glistens with wild poppies whose color changes day to day. The site contains eight miles of trails with wheelchair access and several resting areas.

Spring has (almost) sprung! Enjoy the beauty of new growth and flourish.

Sincerely,

Post Graduate 

Home

Small Dogs for Apartment Living in Your 20’s: Which is Best for You? 

thepostgraduate

Getting a family dog is a momentous occasion for many, but another new increasingly popular trend is getting a post college dog in your 20’s! 

Many have moved to new cities or are saying goodbye to longterm college roommates as they go their separate ways. A new dog is a great way to mark a new chapter and fill your apartment with love. 

Take a look at a few recommendations from our team!

1. Bichon Frise 

Size: 12 – 18 lbs

Personality: Outgoing

Flully, cute small dog

Bichons are probably what you typically think of when you hear the term “small dog.” They are fluffy, relatively tiny and, of course, cute. You’ve probably seen a video of them floating around TikTok or Instagram Reels recently. The American Kennel Club describes them as performers and some sources say they acted as circus dogs in the 18th century. Bichons need little exercise and make it a habit to protect their owners.

2. Miniature Pinscher

Size: 10 Pounds

Personality: Confident

small, athletic dog running

Are you always looking for excuses to get out of your city apartment? A Miniature Pinscher may be just the match for you! They need plenty of exercise and love flaunting their confident personalities. These pups even have famous fancy strut. 

3. Toy Poodle

Size: 4 – 6 lbs

Personality: Clever 

Light brown dog standing in field

Some say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but the intelligence of toy poodles debunks this cliche. Commended for their sense of humor and receptivity to training, toy poodles make great companions. Unlike many popular culture movies and tv shows suggest, poodles have a mild temperament, get along well with kids, and are even friendly with cats! Be prepared to manage their precious curls and enjoy their lifelong loyalty.

4. Pugs

Size: 14 – 18 lbs

Personality: Affectionate 

Tin tan dog standing up

Pugs are the ultimate lover-dogs. Give them your affection. These compact canines are described as extremely mild and can adapt to almost any environment. They’re the friend that’s down for whatever with the “laid back” personality. Every so often they’ll get a tad mischievous, but big round eyes and adorable wrinkles will probably make you forget all about it.

5. Italian Greyhound 

Size: 7 – 9 lbs

Personality: Loyal

Small dog laying down and small dog standing up

Italian Greyhounds are everything you love about their larger relatives in a tiny package. Sight-dogs at heart, these playful pups enjoy chasing after small prey and prefer to have a companion by their side most of the time, whether that’s you or your current dog. 

For more information on choosing a pup, visit the American Kennel Club website and don’t forget to consider adoption.

Happy Dog Hunting!

Post Graduate

Life

6 Black Literary Classics for Black History Month 2022

thepostgraduate

Literature is one of the greatest ways to amplify underrepresented voices and understand someone else’s point of view. Black culture and history can be seen, heard and felt through the words of Black classic novels and other literary works.

We’ve compiled a list of classic, Black literature written by some of the greatest authors and poets of all time to do just that. Here are six Black classics that are sure to inspire.

Maya Angelou: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

In this autobiographical classic, Maya Angelou chronicles her journey from a tumultuous childhood to an adult life transformed by talent. Angelou offers a rare authenticity inviting readers to grieve her most challenging experiences, including abuse, and celebrate her proudest moments, like the launch of her writing career. Readers experience second-hand liberation and are empowered to persist no matter what life throws their way.

Langston Hughes: The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Hughes penned this reflective poem on a train ride to down to see his father in Mexico. The Harlem Renaissance writer, who was only 17-years-old at the time, had moved around often as a child and seen life from many different perspectives. This work pays homage to his experience as an African American and reminds readers of the importance of culture itself.

Toni Morrison: Beloved

Based on the real life story of former slave Margaret Garner, this Pulitzer Prize winning novel chronicles the psychological road to freedom post slavery. Main character Sethe has successfully escaped, but must now confront the trauma that still lords over her mind. Sethe is plagued with memories of the child whose life she saved from slavery through death. It had no name, but on its tombstone is written a single-word truth, Beloved.

W.E.B. Dubois: The Souls of Black Folks

20th Century Global African American Scholar W.E.B. Dubois intellectually fought racist stereotypes about African Americans just a few years after slavery was officially banned in the United States. The sociology scholar speaks on unacknowledged privilege and makes the case for humanizing Black Americans. His 1903 literature is used to this day in universities around the globe as a basis for understanding inequality in America.

Zora Neal Hurston: Their Eyes Were Watching God

Harlem Renaissance Writer Zora Neal Hurston follows a young, Black woman’s rocky quest for love in the mid-1800s in this critically-acclaimed novel. Considered controversial at the time of its publication, Huston’s contemporary love story is filled with female resistance. It’s main character refuses to marry for security or appearance and eventually gets the love she always wanted, though it’s not exactly what she expected.

Ralph Ellison: The Invisible Man

Unlike anything before its time, Invisible Man shines a light on the difficulties of simply living life unbothered as a young, Black man in the early 20th century. The book’s main character tells his story in a series of flashbacks that help create an understanding of what life is like when you’re seen as just a concept, and not a person. This thrilling literary work is a bird’s eye view into the life of someone unseen and unheard.

We hope you enjoy these Black literary masterpieces and are encouraged to celebrate the history, accomplishments and contributions of Black people all year around. 

Happy Reading!

Post Graduate

Home

5 Things to Do During a Social Media Break 

thepostgraduate

The last couple of years has people rethinking the amount of time they spend on social media. Viral dances, entertaining lip syncs and hot topics served us well and kept us occupied during hard times. 

However, it also developed within us a greater appreciation for life offline. Moments in the great outdoors, laughs with family and friends, a quick pastry from our local baker were all the types of things we missed.

Though it looks like many of us are headed for another round of shutdowns, we can still get creative and take breaks from our social platforms. Here are six ideas for the Post Graduate Gang!

1. Get a Good Book

Remember that story about how you used to read leisurely a lot before college, but then required class readings got in the way and you stopped? So many of us have that same story! You’re not alone. Check out what’s new (or old) at your local bookstore or on Amazon.

2. Find a New Park.

Even if it’s not currently safe to visit some of the world’s natural wonders, you can still be exposed to the beauty of nature through a trip to your local park or a drive to a nearby national park. Nature brings rejuvenation and inspiration.

3. Catch Up With Friends and Family In-person

There’s nothing quite like quality time with people you love. If it’s safe, pay someone a visit or invite someone out to an enjoyable activity. Good times with good people help you remember that challenges are never as bad as they seem and refill your hope.

4. Engage in Self-reflection.

Your 20s are likely the first time you really get to plan out your own life. It’s freedom, but with added responsibility. Things won’t just happen, but you have the power to make them happen. Take some time to pray and plan.

5. Try Out Some New Recipes.

How good is your cooking? Make it even better with enjoyable practice recipes. Find the master chef inside of you by trying out harder, new dishes, even if you practice more than once.

Well, that’s all from us for right now! We’re excited about the joy and purpose you’ll find offline and the new treasures you’ll discover. If you’d like, you can tag us on Instagram or Facebook and share your experiences.

Purposefully,

Post Graduate

Travel

Christmas Traditions From 6 Different Continents

thepostgraduate

How would you like to taste warm, creamy fondue from Switzerland family-style or surprise your friends with loud music after 10 P.M. Puerto Rican Parranda style? While travel restrictions may still be in place in some parts of the world, you can still travel using taste, sound, art and more. Keeping reading to learn how you can have a multi-cultural Christmas, with customs from six different continents, from the comfort of your own home!

Asia: The Philippines 

Parols: Handmade Paper Lanterns

You know it’s Christmas in the Philippines when the streets begin to glow from the light of carefully-decorated Parols. The star-shaped Christmas lanterns are hung either indoors or outside to symbolize the star the Wise Men followed to find their way to Jesus. All you need to make them are bamboo sticks, paper and glue or rubber bands. Parols can also be handmade using capiz, a high-quality transparent seashell that can be cut and formed into different shapes.

Africa: South Africa

Christmas Picnics

Christmas comes to South Africa in the summertime. Most families celebrate with food and fun in the sun including beach days and outdoor feasts. The southern-most African nation offers a vast array of scenic outdoor venues for families to enjoy and exchange gifts while basking in natural beauty.

Europe: Switzerland

Hot Pots of Fondue

Since the 18th Century, the Swiss have enjoyed warm pots of fondue, family-style, during the winter months. Groups of Swiss cheese lovers get a crunchy European-baked loaf of bread, break it into small chunks, and take turns dipping it into the smooth, cheesy mixture with fondue forks. Serious cheese twirlers usually use a blend of Gruyere and another high-quality cheese like Appenzeller or Raclette. Don’t forget to peel the toasted cheese from the bottom of the pot and eat it!

South America: Peru

Chocolatadas 

Every year in Peru, organizations, businesses and other groups come together to prepare traditional Peruvian Hot Chocolate and sweet Paneton cake and pass it out to children and families in the most remote, working-class areas of the nation. Children also receive gifts that they otherwise would not from those who choose to participate. 

North American Caribien: Puerto Rico

Parrandas

Everyone loves a surprise, especially when it involves classic Christmas music, friends and food! That’s what Puerto Rican originated Parrandas are. Sometime after around 10 pm, a group of singers and musicians shows up quietly outside an unsuspecting friends house. All at once, everyone starts singing and playing instruments loud enough to wake the home’s occupants, and before COVID, the home owner would let everyone in for a long night of festive partying. 

In many cases, home owners are given a hint and prepare many traditional dishes and treats such as roasted pork or Coquito before hand. The crowd goes from house to house surprising more homeowners and amassing more treats well into the wee hours of the morning. 

Australia

Backyard Cricket 

What better way to work-off Christmas calories than a game a Cricket? In the Land Down Under, families and friends use Cricket as a way to pass time waiting for food or as a fun post-meal fellowship. Australians, who also get a warm, summery Christmas, play the portable game almost anywhere, but very commonly, in backyards!

What are some of your family’s Christmas traditions? Let us know in the comments!

Wishing You a Festive Family and Friend-Filled Holiday!

Post Graduate

Faith

3 Christian Devotionals on Gratitude 

thepostgraduate

Gratitude is one of society’s healthiest new habits. It involves taking a closer look at life and examining everything that makes it beautiful.

Being thankful helps us to remember that we are blessed, brings hope into any situation and reminds us that things are never as bad as they seem. 

Though we all want to be optimistic and full of faith all the time, sometimes seasons of unpredictability can throw us off. Let’s be honest. Writing out those gratitude lists can be challenging, but you are not alone.

Check out these devotionals written by people on the same journey you’re on – the quest for gratitude!  

Learn four practical techniques for embedding gratitude into your everyday life.

Start Now

Get seven reasons to be thankful to God over a period of seven days from the book of Psalms.

Start Now

Take a look at how appreciating the elements of your everyday life can give you a grateful heart.

Start Now

We are thankful that you’re part of our post graduation community!

With Gratitude,

Post Graduate 

Home

5 Fun Friendsgiving Activities for 2021 

thepostgraduate

It’s that time! Gather your gang and get ready to adult together – or not – for Friendsgiving. 

Friendsgiving was popularized just a few years ago by twenty-somethings who wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving together before the “real thing” arrived and everyone had to be on their best, most formal behavior.

In most cases, Friendsgiving is an imitation of the actual holiday replicated by young adults, but it can be many things. Take a look at these fun Friendsgiving ideas to learn how you can remix the remix!

1. Binge Christmas Movies

Thanksgiving is really just pre-Christmas right? Start celebrating early by binge-watching holiday movies. Put together a collection of your favorite classics, try the legendary Christmas comedies of the early 2000s or checkout whatever is showing on Hallmark.

2. Rent a Cabin

What’s more festive than a cozy cabin trip? Pick a place with all the holiday feels and hit up Airbnb. Don’t forget to pack hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.

3. Cook and Host a Traditional Family Dinner

A classic Friendsgiving –  try your hand at what your family makes so well with friends and get fancy. Dress up, set the table nicely and have a classic evening dinner. You can use an air fryer! 

4. Get Moving: Go Skiing, Bowling, Hiking, Etc.

The holidays don’t have to be about catching up indoors! You can get active with exciting seasonal activities. Plan a day on the snowy slope or visit your favorite hiking trail. 

5. Plan or Join a Service Activity.

The best thing about the holidays is the multitude of opportunities to finally give and serve. Plan a clothing giveaway, sign up to volunteer at a public dinner or support organizations who have annual holiday service events.

The holidays can be hectic, but time with those we love makes it all worth it. Enjoy this season and remember to practice gratitude!

Happy Holidays!

Post Graduate

Love

3 Signs You’re Ready for a New Relationship in Your 20’s | Dating in Your 20’s 

thepostgraduate

Relationships shape the trajectory of our life stories. When people come into our lives, as friends, associates and especially romantic partners, you both pull each other in a certain direction.

They are pretty important. Though you don’t want to develop a fear of forming connections, in your 20’s, relationships should be approached with wisdom and vision. 

Intentional romantic partnerships usually have a specific goal and purpose.  You want to enhance each other’s lives, not take away from them. Not sure you’re ready to start dating again? 

Pay attention to these simple signs.

1. You’ve Thought About Who You Are and What You Want 

Of course, you don’t have to have it all figured out, but you at least want to have some vision for what you want your future to look like. Relationships involve compromise, but that doesn’t equate to loosing your individuality. What are your dreams and what do you value? Find someone whose vision merges well with yours and live life beautifully and purposefully.

2. You Want a Relationship, but Don’t Need One

This one’s tricky, especially as you get older and understand how unpredictable and challenging life can be. Your partner is supposed to be there to help get you through the tough times, but would burn out trying to be your sole source of emotional healing and coping. Before a relationship, we should learn the healthiest ways to deal with our emotions and the role our significant other should play in our emotional wellbeing.

3. You Have Peace About the Pursuit

What is God saying in your spirit? Like many other critical life decisions, you will probably feel a little nudge, one that’s distinguishable from fear and nervous jitters. Pray about your decision and, if it makes sense, consult with unbiased, wise mentors.

Whether you’re ready or not, we wish you the best in living purposefully on the rollercoaster that is your 20s. 

Positively,

Post Graduate