Tag: Twenty-Somethings

Life

5 Signs You’re Maturing in Your 20s

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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

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5 Drinks Besides Coffee that Give Energy | Coffee Alternatives

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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

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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 

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 

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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

Life

3 Personal Fears to Overcome in Your 20s: How to Be Courageous

thepostgraduate

Remember that thing you used to be afraid of when you were little? The unidentified noise under your bed, the 9-year-old bully in the cafeteria, the neighbor’s dog that was just a little too intimidating?

They’re all laughable now and it’s hard to understand your reasoning behind why you were so afraid in the first place. The older we get, the longer this list gets.

All types of unreasonable fears, even some we forgot about, are now behind us. There’s probably something you’re afraid of right now – and in ten years – it will seem foolish, simple even.

Fear is normal, but we don’t have to let it rule over us. Here is a short list of irrational fears that try to push us around as (young) adults.

1. Other’s Negative Opinions

When I was a child, I used to think that at a certain age, everyone would just grow up, that immaturity by some act of nature just left our bodies, and that drama could only exist in “childish” spaces. 

I was wrong. Some people get a kick out of judging, bullying and inappropriately criticizing others well into their adult years. It’s an unfulfilling attempt to heal a hurting wound in many cases, whether they realize it or not.

Negative opinions will always be out there. The way to overcome them is through a healthy understanding and solid memory of self. Some negative opinions are completely bogus, while others may hold some truth.

Perhaps there is something you struggle with or used to struggle with. What’s important is who you are today and the direction you’re headed in now.

2. Failure

Usually fear of failure is linked to meeting others’ expectations. You’re afraid of messing up a legacy or a reputation that you worked hard to build. You don’t want to be looked at as less than you have in the pass, and you don’t want people to see you mess up.

Is what people think more important than the vision that has been pulling on you heart strings and the impact it will make? The people who really care about you won’t see you any different anyway. The cliche is true, “if you fail, at least you tried.”

3. Greatness

Actually accomplishing your goal is one of the least popular and lesser talked about fears. Sometimes we know we can do it and do it amazingly, and that scares the heck out of us.

Our talents may get us into rooms that make us uncomfortable and around people who are considered VIPs. It can be intimidating, but remember you’re there because it’s where your talents naturally took you. 

You belong and you have something that someone needs.

We hope you’re pumped up and ready to laugh at whatever is trying to make you afraid in your twenties. Don’t wait until the future to look back and laugh. Laugh now!

With Courage,

Post Graduate

Life

5 Reasons You’re Not Enjoying Life After College or Your Twenties

thepostgraduate

After the applause dies down and the crowd disperses, what’s left? Life after college, your first few years of true adulthood, there’s more responsibility, yet more freedom, and more time to do what you actually love.

But why does it feel like this? Your early twenties sound like the ideal scenario, but they can present a unique array of challenges. The truth is, there will always be something, even when you’re in complete control, but if you’re waiting for everything to go well before you start enjoying life, then you’ll never enjoy life.

Feel your feelings, of course! But enjoy your blessings as well. Here are a few reasons why your twenties may not be enjoyable. 

1. A Lack of Patience

Sometimes we’re so focused on getting that thing we’ve always dreamed of that we forget to enjoy the journey. It’s possible to be so wrapped up in accomplishing goals that we forget about everything else. Do you have goals or do your goals have you? Besides, we’re much more successful when were holistically happy. 

2. Ungratefulness

Take inventory of all the good things in your life, even if they seem small and insignificant. There are instances where life is not enjoyable because we simply choose not to enjoy it, but usually we don’t know we’re making this horrible decision. Don’t be that person who doesn’t realize how good that have it until it’s gone. While striving for greater, be grateful for what you have.

3. Living for Others

Could the reason why you’re not enjoying your life be that you’re attempting to live someone else’s? It’s easier than you think to live a life that someone else created for you, especially if you love them. Their wants may have automatically become yours without you even noticing it. Living to meet other’s desires can also happen on a societal level. Making decisions to be who the world says people who look like you, who come from where you come from, should be can dim the soul.

4. Befriending the Wrong People

Our friends shape our experience of the world. You can go down the exact same path as someone else, but have a completely different experience because of who you went with. Examine those closest to you and your relationships with them. What do they look like? How do they make you feel?

5. Disregard for Mental and Emotional Health

Mental and emotional problems don’t just go away. In fact, if you ignore them, they can get worse. Although you may feel resilient, mental health challenges can affect us in ways we do not realize. Prioritize your mind and your feelings so that you can be the best version of you. You owe it to yourself.

It’s okay not to feel okay about your twenties. Life is full of highs and lows, but don’t forget to celebrate the good times. Have any other suggestions? Share them with the Post Graduate Gang in the comments or on our socials. 

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Count Your Blessings,

Post Graduate

Life

5 Signs You’re Starting to Settle in Your 20s | Quarter-Life Crisis

thepostgraduate

The 30-something jokes become a little less funny after you reach 25. Getting older is now a reality and not just a something you post about to get a few laughs and retweets. When your birthday comes around, you contemplate whether you want to include your age in your Facebook birthday post.

Of course you’re still what many consider “young” but the reality that you soon will not be becomes more potent. Not everyone feels this way, but when they do, they probably won’t tell you.

Let’s break that taboo today! You still have so much life to live, and even when you’re “old” you can still experience everyday fully. You are awesome, powerful and still have so much to offer the world.

Here are five signs you’re subconsciously starting to settle in your 20s.

1. You’re Starting to Feel Too Old.

Have you caught yourself saying, “I’m too old for that,” lately? Jokes about getting older will never go out of style, but sometimes we find ourselves saying this a little too seriously. This can especially be true if you’ve had to take on traditional adult responsibilities earlier than usual. You are older, but you’re not too old. You still have great ideas, gifts and talents to offer, and now you can execute them with even more wisdom.

2. You’re Indifferent About Your Dreams.

I hope you haven’t given up already! It’s not too late. Try again! So many of the world’s greatest had late starts. What if they thought there was an age limit to what they had always dreamed and imagined? We would lack so many of the things we now enjoy!

3. You Don’t Care As Much About Excellence.

Every detail used to matter, but now, it’s whatever. After a certain age, we begin to realize just how hard life can be, and sometimes it makes us question, “why does it even matter?” So many have built in privilege or what seems like a never-ending winning streak, but it’s true, you reap what you sow, maybe not as fast as others, but eventually, your vision will come to fruition.

4. You Don’t Care About Presentation.

Appearance it NOT everything! It’s what’s inside that really matters. You don’t need to fixate on your looks, especially not to please others, but having zero concern about your presentation could be a sign that you place less value on you. 

5. You Never Try New Things.

It’s possible to become set in your ways in your 20s, especially if, for the most part, everything is good. Why not aim for great? Try a new menu item, take a different path on your daily run, visit another state or take up a new hobby. New things give us fresh inspiration and keep us hungry for greatness.

How do you avoid settling in your 20s? Share your ideas with the Post Graduate Community! Try making something new. Take baby steps!

With Hope and Expectation,

Post Graduate