An Introvert’s Guide to First Days.

I have no idea why it specifies 'Introverts' in this guide.

First days are alarming for anyone.

Whether it's school, work, relationships, parenthood, lockup (or lockdown), loss, death...(you get it), there is something unsettling about Day 1s. It is the dread mixed with anticipation and expectation and the unspoken belief that how you handle anything on Day 1 sets the course for eternity. No, really. I mean eternity.

So how do you go about First Days?

14 days before Day 1

The 'two weeks before' is a notable first stage. It is a time of ignorant bliss for most of the things that happen and therefore becomes a time you cycle back to when your new normal becomes unbearable. So you probably want to remember what happened two weeks before. No one will come out and ask 'What were you doing 2 weeks before (your new circumstance)' but you'll know. And for some of them, there will be that disbelief, 'Can't believe just two weeks ago I was laughing at that insane meme?' What I'm saying is that every moment is precious because you never know when it will turn into 14 days before Day 1. You probably want to start your journal or video logs. Something that gives a somewhat proper account for this time.

3 days before Day 1

Because time is its own thief and in a blink of an eye you have three days to Day 1.

For those you see coming - Tell your squad, plan a 'last day of' party. Go through your list. Yes Introvert, I'm sure you have your list of what you will do till end of day. Pretend not to be thinking about it. Don't worry, you are fooling no one.

For those you don't see coming - ...

2 days before Day 1

Because a count down only makes sense when it's 3, 2, 1...can't be skipping this one.

For those you see coming - Tell your squad again, have your 'last day of' party. Go through your list. Let everyone know you are thinking about it. Torture yourself with hypothetical scenarios of what could possibly go wrong.

For those you don't see coming - ....

1 day before Day 1

Because there is that thin line of Before and After and it's usually separated by a few hours.

For those you see coming - Your squad is already in on it and they are probably calling or texting or whatever to kill your nerves. Be reachable - or not.

Go through your phone gallery and whisper after every photo 'Oh my goodness tomorrow I will be (in your new circumstance).

Lay out your gorgeous first-day outfit and hope it is as good as you imagined it to be. Try it on. Get second and seventh opinions on it.

Go through the conversations you will have in your head, how you will introduce yourself. You won't have a second chance to make a first impression - get it right. Pack your novel - just in case.

Fail to get enough sleep because you are overthinking everything.

For those you don't see coming - ...

Day 1.

You've made it.

For those you see coming - Ready or not, here you go!

For those you don't see coming - You're not ready but life doesn't care.

DISCLAIMER; All opinions here (yes opinions, I'm not a certified Guide) are subject to amendment. Also, these occurrences are known to vary from person to person. Beware what you take to heart.