We all like to think that we have it all figured out in college; school, friends, extra curricular activities, and life in general. But being completely honest, I've had at least 20 breakdowns within the last two days. It's not only important, but it's good to sit back, open up that mind of yours, and realize that it's actually okay to not be 100 percent sure in yourself or what you're doing at this point in your life. Giving myself pep talks is my no. 1 college activity, I mean, talking to yourself isn't completely crazy, as long you don't respond to yourself, right? (Right.)
On that note,
Dear me: Slow down and enjoy where you are now.
Yeah yeah, the cliche quote "enjoy the little things" is definitely being said right now. Sure, college is the time where you are shoving a cold bagel down your throat, while walking to the library to study, for 8 hours straight, just to be able to (kinda) pass the exam you have the next day. But, do you ever really stop and think, and appreciate where you are in life right now? College: that scary word that literally followed you around like an unwanted shadow all through high school. College: the place where "stressed" is basically the number one adjective you'd use to describe yourself. College: where sleep is the only friend you ever want to hang out with; but why look at it that way? Sure, all those things may be true. But, zooming out and looking at the big picture, it's pretty fricken awesome that you're here where you are right now. And, it's even more awesome that you're (kinda) alive to talk about it. So rule #1, never forget how hard you worked to get here. Slow down, put stress and obsessive amounts of sleep aside, and enjoy where you are in life right now.
Dear me: call mom.
She misses you, she likes to hear from you, she's the only person who can actually be honest with you without sounding like a complete bitch, and she can (at times) make you feel completely sane. Trust me, you may not feel like sitting on the phone for an hour at this exact moment, but once she picks up and you start venting about how the sauce they use in the dining halls is nothing compared to hers at home, you'll feel a lot better to hear her completely agree with every last thing you're saying.
Dear me: go to the gym.
Okay, the only thing scarier than the phrase "cumulative finals" is the phrase "freshman 15," and, let's be honest, it's not just "freshman 15," it's "sophomore, junior, and senior year 15." I know that long(ish) walk to the gym may seem like an extreme struggle right now, but just think about how hot you'll feel after. Yeah, you may not know how to work the machines, so you awkwardly stand there while the fit girl next to you looks over and wonders what possessed you to come here. And, yeah, you may sweat just walking to the gym, and then realize your workout has not even begun yet. And, yeah, you'll be thinking about a burrito the entire time you're running on that treadmill, but it's probably the only valid excuse to not be studying, and you will feel a million times better about yourself once you leave.
Dear me: do not worry so much about what people think.
Yeah, coloring on a Saturday night may not be the coolest thing in the world, but who cares. Do what you want to do, don't let other people's opinions or lifestyles determine your decisions. Plus, when they wake up the next morning with last night's throw up in their hair and can't find their other shoe, you can shove that beautiful coloring page in their face, laugh, and actually enjoy your Sunday, not in bed all day dying.
Dear me: be confident
Confidence is actually key, and not just in college, but in the real world. Owning what you got, and what you earned, are very important qualities to have within yourself. Sure, you may look in the mirror and think, "I am a solid three on my good days," but in reality, you know your personality is at least a seven, so that makes you a 10, am I right or am I right? (You right).
Get up a few extra minutes early to look decent for class, sit next to that cute guy in your law enforcement class, speak up when your professor is discussing a topic you're well educated in, but most importantly, be the best version of you you can be, and do not let a little self confidence issue get in your way, just own it!
Dear me: be you
"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!" -my main man Dr. Seuss.
This is by far the most important quote that may ever exist: being you is so important, and it's not all necessarily about just being you, but it's also about completely loving being you. When you are your complete self, you learn that the people that surround you actually like the real you, and aren't liking the fake you, who pretends that little salad you just ate actually filled you up. So, make those lame jokes that usually you only find funny, get five desserts even though it may be frowned upon, watch Disney movies until 2 a.m., take weird Snapchat videos of yourself running around campus, who cares? You may run into someone who is exactly like you, and you'll feel a hell of a lot better graduating college knowing that you were your complete self the entire time.
Okay, I think that's a long enough pep talk for now, so listen here me, just remember that life is too short to not enjoy it. And, yeah, sometimes you just want to take a break from it all, and forget all responsibilities, but just remember, college is only four years long (hopefully), so enjoy it while it lasts. You may not have it all figured out, but you're getting pretty damn close. Enjoy the little things, keep in touch with those who raised you, stay healthy, don't worry what people think, confidence is key, and most importantly, be you, and everything will fall into place.
Until your next breakdown,
Sincerely, me.
