One Singular Sensation

We're psyched to have Jessica Mishra Beaming with Health writing for Prescribe Nutrition again! She's got some wise words to share on the struggle and beauty of being a single thirty something gal, all while taking life by the horns. 

I am a single 33-year-old woman living in San Francisco. It can be difficult to feel “whole” when certain signals are sent your way telling you that you are not complete without reaching that next phase of life.  I occasionally get the question, “why are you still single?” Most of the single women I know hate this question because it is basically a backhanded compliment. On the one hand, they can’t believe you are single because of certain characteristics you possess. That part is nice. On the other hand, they are implying that your life should be in a different position than it is. In addition to questions like this, there are a lot of pressures to be in a relationship. I mean most of my friends are either married or seriously dating someone. My parents don’t put pressure on me to settle down, but I know they would feel happy if I found “the one”.

Yes, I’ll admit I do hope to find a partner some day. I would like to find someone that I can share my life with, grow and learn with, and someone that shares my beliefs or outlook on life. Until this moment happens for me, life goes on, and a beautiful life it is. Being single can get a little lonely, but I would like to share with the other single women and men of the world what I do to feel complete and fulfilled, as well as some of the beliefs I carry that keep me “whole” until that next stage of life should hit.

This is me, enjoying life.

Live a life that nourishes you.

I am not talking food here. What I mean is that I basically do what I want. I am not saying I sit around, eat chocolate, and watch movies all day. I follow the path in life that I think will bring me the most real happiness.  There are so many ways to be happy in life, and finding that perfect person to spend your life with is just one of them. So, I fill my life with activities that I feel work towards improving myself and the other people around me (I hope that doesn’t sound cheesy).

Two years ago I left a job that made me unhappy to the core. I was not passionate about it, I didn’t feel creative, and it did not seem like I was helping anyone. I now run a business that drives and energizes me. I get the chance to make an impact on people’s lives everyday. Do what you love because as you know, life is short and we spend way too much time at work to be unhappy.

Besides just my career though, I have learned through experience and time to honor myself. To listen to what it is I am really craving. Do I need to lay low tonight instead of going to a social obligation? Is my body craving movement and exercise? By being more in tune with my wants and needs, I feel more fulfilled on a deeper level. Don’t ignore your “mini-me” (that voice inside that knows what is best).

Appreciate what you have.

So often in life we are in a rush to get to that next stage. There are always pressures to be in that next stage of life. Unfortunately, we do not have control over when we can switch into this next stage, and there is a plan in place. So what do we do? Well, we usually worry or wish for something different. This is a natural part of being a human, but what if we thoroughly enjoyed the stage we are in now? Every stage of life has its advantages. I am going to enjoy the heck out of this stage of life until it changes to something different.

Yoga + vacation = happiness.

You got to have faith.

Cue George Michael! Sometimes it is difficult to put this into practice, but I firmly believe that there is a plan for me. Someone up there has a better idea of what I need than I do. There is a reason that I am in the stage that I am in, and when it is time for things to change they will. When you have faith, you can surrender. No more worrying about what should be, just the peace of mind that everything is exactly as it should be at this moment.

I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

All you need is love.

I sometimes think that people rush into relationships because they are looking for love, affection, and comfort. Don’t get me wrong; these things are all super nice. I would love to have someone that provides these things for me. However, a significant other is not the only possible source. When I am feeling a bit lonely, I look to my friends and family as a source of love. I have been blessed to have such an amazing group of friends and a family that has always been my rock.

Forever grateful I have friends that will do handstands with me.

Many wise ones also say that the love you feel for others is really inside you, and you are feeling a reflection of that love. This one is hard to put into practice, but one way that I try to bring more love into my life is by pouring it onto others, even strangers. Don’t worry, I am not jumping onto the bus and immediately hugging it out with the bus driver. My “hippiness” has not gotten to that point yet.

Wherever you are in life, know that it is perfect. You will get to where you are going, when you need to get there. No regrets, and no worries for the future, just being.