Leaving Home For The First Time—How To Ease Your Worries Over This New Chapter
It's hard to believe, but the time is finally here. You are ready to head out into this big world on your own. You may be leaving for college for the first time. Or, you might be starting a new job and just received your first apartment keys.
No matter what is prompting this change, leaving home for the first time is scary. Yes, you have become more independent from your parents over the past few years. In fact, at one point, having full independence was all you really wanted. Now that it's here, though? You can't help but be completely worried about everything that is yet to come. Here are some tips on easing your worries to make this new chapter less daunting.
Take It One Step At A Time
There's so much more that comes with being an adult that many people don't fully realize. Yes, there are the big things like getting a job, a roof over your head, and feeding yourself. But all of the smaller things can really add up, such as creating a budget or keeping up with household duties.
The truth is, it's a lot to learn and handle on your own, all at once. The best thing to remember during this new chapter is that it's okay to make mistakes. It's going to be challenging all the time. You won't keep your space perfectly clean. You might order takeout more than you should because you don't feel like cooking. It's okay, truly.
These things will come with time and be easier to complete. There are things that all adults must do, but there are no hard-set rules to any of them. Even those of us who have been adults for longer than we might care to admit still struggle to keep up with everything.
Independence Doesn't Mean Alone
If you're reading this, it likely means that you have been under the roof of a parent(s) or caregiver up until this point. When we are growing up, we often crave the idea of independence so fiercely that we can't focus on much else. If you are leaving home and your parents for the first time, remember that it doesn't mean you are truly alone.
Yes, there's quite a bit that they might not be able to help you with when you are living separately from them. However, they will still be there for you. Don't be afraid to reach out to them when you feel lost, confused, or need a listening ear. As you grow older, you come to realize that, to some degree, you will always need your parents.
Mistakes Will Happen
You're living in a world that is fueled by social media and perfectionism. You see other people's lives, and they seem to have it all together. Unfortunately, this is just a facade; nobody is perfect, and their lives aren't either.
They say that comparison is a thief of joy, and whoever came up with this saying is absolutely right. Mistakes are an inevitable part of life. You won't always get it right, and you might make mistakes that leave you saying, "Why would I do that?"
Remember that, at the time, you were doing your best with the information you had. We juggle so much in this life; sadly, that juggling act can sometimes fail us. Give yourself the grace to accept this, then brush yourself off and try again the next day.
If you are getting ready to immerse yourself into the world of "adulting," don't be afraid to reach out to us for help. We can help you learn to manage your new responsibilities in anxiety therapy so they don't become too overwhelming.