I feel like I've changed over the course of this summer.
I quit baking, reading, hanging out with friends, and almost everything I used to enjoy doing. It was like a switch. I didn't feel alone. I just didn't care. Everyone I knew, from my friends to my parents, would encourage me to open up and tell them what was wrong - but, nothing was. I felt fine. I was just physically and mentally exhausted. I'd hit a mental road block.
The wildfire within me started to feel like a dying match. It felt like I was going through the motions of life without engaging in it. I had become a fully functioning zombie...that was until I stumbled across the Tumblr quote that would eventually become my mantra:
“I just wanna go on more adventures. Be around good energy. Connect with people. Learn new things. Grow”
Then it hit me: When did I become an actor in my own life? Everything was passing me by! Freshman year was a huge adjustment, and college had drained me of my last drop of energy. My reaction was to shut down and retreat like a wounded infantry on the battlefield. I decided that three portions of myself needed to change: my mind, body and soul. It was time to draw a road map back home and follow it.
MIND
- Find what interests you and what you want to learn more about.
Books are food for the soul. Open a book, a magazines or a newspaper. Read in the park. Read in the cafe. Read with a book club. Books will transport you to another universe for a travel fee of $0. The sheer beauty of staring and vividly hallucinating on thinly sliced pieces of tree is insane. Reading opens a universe that shows nothing is impossible.
- Don't forget what makes you who you are.
Obligations to school, or other people, started taking over my life. I would spend hours studying, then running to chapter, then running a student government meeting. There are times when we need a moment for ourselves - a moment to remember what we love! Whether it's art, tennis or even sky diving, don't forget about it for too long. Go on and pencil in some "me time!" Take that time to develop who you are and remember what makes you you!
- Get some beauty rest.
I know this obvious, but you need to sleep. Every two weeks I would break out the caffeine pills and gear up for another round of all-nighters. I'm letting you know those sleepless nights will add up. Sleep helps you whether you want to succeed on an exam, or remove those those semi-permanent bags under your eyes. So get some rest - your long term health will thank you!
BODY
- Explore, even if it's downtown on a Sunday morning.
Save your money; pack your bags and travel. The most introspective self-knowledge is gained from traveling. After an adventure you can reflect on the person you were before, you can appreciate who you are now and you can start to decide who you want to become. Everything you take from your travels will shape you, that's why travel can give you a better perspective on life. Opportunities like these are what make us human!
- Fall in love with healthy foods.
First, let me admit that pizza will always be number one in my heart. For almost 19 years, I didn't really pay attention the things I put into my body. Growing up, I played three sports year-round and used that as a crutch for my unhealthy eating. I didn't touch vegetables unless it was some form of a potato. I had never tried eggs and had I a soft spot for assorted Oreos. After I came to college, and stopped regularly exercising, I realized (and saw) how badly I was draining my body of nutrients. Your body is a temple, not a trap house. Try new salads, find cool fruit at the local international market, heck even color coordinate you veggies! Find the healthy foods you like, and eat up!
SOUL
- Define what spirituality means to you and seek it.
Spirituality doesn't have one simple definition. Being spiritual isn't tied to books, chakras, auras or angels. Spirituality is being connected to one's soul. Praying can bring people peace of mind, but so can yoga and mediation. Spirituality encourages relaxation, creates a deep internal energy and builds empathy, love, patience, selflessness and forgiveness. It's accepting all of you, and not just the part that society deemed appropriate. Life is busy and materialistic, but getting in touch with your spiritual side opens the path of finding abstract goals in life. So meditate or pray, ether is helpful to put your mind at ease and find your inner voice. You will find the path to freedom is here in your emotional body.
- Want for your neighbor what you want for yourself.
Yes, giving back is one of the best things you can do for humanity, but it's great for you also! Volunteering introduces you to people with different life experiences and stories than you. You gain a sense of optimism and fulfillment while volunteering, and while it won't reduce your stress build-up, it can give you a reason to be proud of yourself. Most importantly, you are showing others you care about their well-being. Even if it is only for a day, volunteering can make a real and beautiful difference in others' lives. That in itself is the most heart warming and fulfilling feeling of all.
- Drop EVERYTHING that makes you unhappy.
If it's toxic, drop it. It'll eat you alive. Friends, relationships, jobs, majors or even that television show that killed off every single one of your favorite characters. You deserve happiness, even if you feel like you don't deserve it! It might be senior year when you discover that the thought of blood makes you want to vomit, and you hate where your life is going. Drop pre-med. If you don't like the path your're on, there's a pretty good chance you won't like the destination!
So go on. Let your soul be free. They say freedom is oxygen for the soul.
