As the spring semester of my sophomore year began to come to a close, I found myself in a funk. I wasn’t really looking forward to summer break, and quite honestly I wasn’t looking forward to anything in general. I was so caught up in finals, different events I was helping to plan or attend, and going to doctors’ appointments and physical therapy that I didn’t even have time to look forward to something. This semester, like yours I’m sure, was go-go-go, all day every day. It took me a while, but I soon realized I wasn’t taking care of myself. I haven’t been taking care of myself for a while now. Yes, I was taking care of my schoolwork, organizations, athletics, etc., but I wasn’t putting as much effort into my own well-being. I had forgotten to take care of the most valuable things in my life: me and my mental health.
As I drove the fourteen hours back to New Jersey, I decided that a renewal was necessary and very much needed. This summer wasn’t going to be a waste; it was going to change me- I was going to change me. I was going to do things that make me happy and that would help me grow. I had forgotten how much I had loved to play instruments, go to the beach (even if it is still freezing cold) or practice learning French. I forgot how much I loved to bake, to fish, and to watch new movies; I forgot me. I have been so caught up in taking care of school, work, athletics and my friends that I had forgotten to take care of myself. Obviously, this is a pretty normal thing to occur for any person, whether in college or in the real world. But I don’t think many people stop and realize that they miss these little things. We forget about these little things that bring smiles to our faces and give us full hearts. We forget to focus on ourselves and do things that make us genuinely happy to be alive. We forget to challenge our minds and learn new things. There is so much out there to be learned, to be done, and to be conquered- you just have to want it.
“Of this be sure: you do not find a happy life, you make it.”
While summer is a great time to unwind for any college student, it is also a great time to explore outside of your comfort zone. Read a new book, learn a new instrument, practice a new language- the opportunities are endless. Find something that relaxes you, that brings you joy, and do just that. Take this summer to take care of yourself. This summer and for the rest of your life, choose you.
