“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.”
Similar to most middle school relationships, it is safe to say that life is complicated. From deadlines that we have to meet to meetings that we have to attend, it can be more than easy to get caught up in the moment and lose your sense of self. I have always been someone who has been passionate about being involved, but unfortunately my love for this has eventually led to my downfall and ultimate burning out.
Thankfully, however, two of the great brothers that I have here on campus gave me advice that I will stick with for the rest of my life. Their lesson to me is a lesson that I have waited years to hear.
All throughout my life, I had people tell me how proud they were of me for being involved in close to everything. They always encouraged me to stay ambitious, stay dedicated, and to always go the extra mile. However, at one point or another, you are going to stretch yourself out too thin. And that is what has happened to me in the past week or so.
All of my prior obligations collapsed and fell on top of me in a matter of a week, and I found myself burnt out to say the least. I cried for help, not knowing what to do and feeling completely helpless. My physical, mental, and spiritual health were all suffering because of this experience that I was going through, but thankfully I had two brothers pick me up when I was down.
They assured me that they were proud of me for everything that I was doing, but also reminded me that sometimes, you can't always do everything you want to do. Sometimes, you need to put yourself first. They told me that I'm far too young to be burnt out like this, and that I need to try and focus on myself and limit my obligations to a healthy standard.
This was the first time in a while where I had finally been told to "take a break." All throughout high school, I was told to keep on doing more. "Colleges are going to love it," they said. Even though I did it for my own personal satisfaction rather than for the love of higher ed institutions, the reality was that I wasn't focusing on myself.
Saying "no" is a lot harder than it looks, trust me. I've always been one to want to help people at the snap of a finger. Whatever favor you needed, I was there. Whatever you needed help with, I was always at your side. But unfortunately, I forgot that sometimes, saying "no" is not only healthy, but necessary.
After listening to the advice that my wonderful brothers gave me and taking it to heart, I realized that every word they said proved to be true. Sometimes, it's okay to take a break. Sit down, ignore all of your obligations for a few minutes, and just breathe. Relax. Listen to your favorite album on repeat. Make your favorite meal. Read your favorite book. Scroll through your favorite blog. Whatever it is -- do what you love.
Life isn't permanent. The harsh truth of reality is that, at some point, we will no longer be here. So why not make the most of it? Don't let your stress eat you alive. Don't let your obligations dull the exuberant and vivacious atoms that make up the person that you are. Live life as free as you care to. When you grow old, you won't be remembering the nights you spent crying over projects or deadlines. You'll remember the nights you spent wide awake till 3 in the morning with the best group of friends that you could have ever asked for.
Treat yourself. Take a break. Smile.
