Vocation Distress

[Kateri89]

I've been away from PM for quite awhile now to kind of have a little bit of a retreat from the many differing opinions and topics on here which, while usually warranted, have often made me more confused spiritually.  As a result, I haven't posted to talk about my spiritual progress but I'm currently having what I'm considering a vocation crisis.  I'd like to keep the particular details to myself but I'll just say that I came back from a retreat where I feel fairly certain that the Lord confirmed a religious vocation for me.  This is something I thought I had been quite open to since I was about 16 (I'm approaching 25) but I think that my "openness" was the product of vague prayers, research and convent retreats.  After I received this blunt revelation during adoration, I suddenly began to panic and the reality of the difficulties of the religious vocation really hit me.  While most of the difficulties are things I believe I could handle, there are a few that are completely overwhelming to me and I literally can't stop thinking about it.  It's heartbreaking to be honest.  People love to quote JPII and tell me not to be afraid but so far that just isn't helping me.  All I'm asking for is prayers that I will gain some clarity and ease of heart and mind.  I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and pray for me.  God Bless!