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9 Ways I'm Living My Best Life

If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad.

Olivia Vander Tuin

Nov 21, 2018

Michigan State University

101

Olivia Vander Tuin

As the first semester of my sophomore year nears an end, I have been reflecting on how content and happy I've felt. Two or three years ago, high school-me was stressed, seemingly always tired, burnt-out from school, and nervous for the future. The past one and half years have been some of the most transformative, fun, and self-discovery filled years yet, and although I'm not really sure what path I'm gonna take, I'm not worried about it (maybe just a little)! The following are the best tips I have for thriving on your own.

1. Like attracts like

You are who you're friends are, so surround yourself with people who bring positive energy to your life. Finding my forever friends at college has made school a home away from home. Stop wasting energy on people that don't have your best intentions in mind, and if you stay genuine to yourself you'll attract like-minded people.

2. Say yes to everything

Okay so maybe not everything, but really make an effort to try new things and be open to opportunities. I feel as though half the battle of doing something new is just showing up. It can be hard to do things alone, but if you want to do something, you are the only one in your way. So go sky-dive, learn yoga, perform slam poetry, whatever it may be, it is waiting for you!

3. Tell him boy byeee

Maybe you're happily coupled up or maybe you're feeling more slashing tires and lousiville sluggers vibes. Either way, just remember that when people show you their true colors, believe them! You don't need anyone to complete you, so don't be afraid to drop him. Can you tell my mood rn?

4. Take a chance

Take a chance on meeee, Abba anyone?

Find your wide open spaces and take a chance on whatever is out there. Whatever your comfort zone is, SHATTER it! Go out on a Tuesday night, go vegan, go talk to that boy that you see everywhere, or ask a question in your 400 person lecture. College has made me leave my comfort zone like never before, and I'm 100 times better for it.

5. Make your health a priority

Prioritizing my sleep, mental and physical health has made such difference....duh. But seriously, staying on top of school, work, family, sleep, and a social life can be a lot to balance. College leaves me with a lot of free time, but it is easy to let it slip away. Time management is key, but sometimes you need to prioritize working out over socializing or vice versa. Take care of yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

6. Doors close

Annnnd new ones open. Maybe you didn't make the team, club, get the job, whatever it is, don't let it keep you down. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason (even if it sucks atm). This semester, for whatever reason, has seemed to be full of rejections for myself and others, however it all leads to different people, places and opportunities.

7. Be in the moment

If you're always happy in the now, you'll never be sad. So being happy all the time is obviously not realistic to maintain, but if you really try to focus yourself on being present, it helps the ease the fears and anxieties of the future.

8. Stop comparing

You're not your siblings, friends, classmates, you are you. Everyone is keeping up appearances, people with 4.0 gpas may actually be depressed and people with thousands of Instagram followers may be really lonely. The grass always looks greener on the other side, and in reality everyone has their own struggles.

9. It's not that deep

It's really not that deep sis! Laugh off the mistakes, awkward and embarrassing situations, and just have fun with it!

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Recommended for you

9 Ways I'm Living My Best Life

If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad.

1. Like attracts like

2. Say yes to everything

3. Tell him boy byeee

4. Take a chance

5. Make your health a priority

6. Doors close

7. Be in the moment

8. Stop comparing

9. It's not that deep

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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