For me, this past summer has put me through a whirlwind of emotions. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, I’ve been angry and I’ve made some big decisions in my life. I decided to transfer back home for this Fall semester, and sort of take a test ride down a new path. Not going to lie, so far, I am thinking I might have made the wrong decision.
Although I may feel this way, I believe this feeling comes along with any decision you may make. Whether it be taking on a new job, and wondering if you even like it; moving to a new place, and then wanting to go back home. No matter the choice, it comes along with changes, adjustments, and new beginnings that might take a while to get used to. During this ‘getting used to’ process, you may feel like you’re drowning.
You may feel overwhelmed, stressed and completely lost in life. I’m even feeling this way as I am typing this article, and for someone who struggles with anxiety, these moods are probably amplified. As I am struggling with this, I know that you, your friend, or someone you deeply care about is probably going through the same issue. I’m here to tell you that you will overcome all obstacles life has to throw in your direction, and will be a stronger, better version of yourself because of it. Don’t let the feelings of worriedness and sadness push the happiness out of your life. Here are a few ways to live a positive, happier life.
Do what makes you happy
If you were thinking about joining that club or organization, but may be afraid of what others may think, stop. Don’t let other people control your way of thinking or influence ANY decision you have to make. Decide based on your thoughts, your opinions, and what you think will be best for you. Are you halfway, or even more, through college and you’ve decided that you hate you major? Don’t freak out, evaluate the situation, and look at your options. You have an entire team of faculty and advisers that are there for the sole purpose of helping you find your way. You also have family and friends that are always there to listen and support you. I am not going to sit here and say “well if you don’t like it, change it!”, because if you are, for example, a senior, changing your major may not be an option. But, there is always a solution and there is always something you can do. You are never lost, and you are never stuck. It’s your life and you are always in control of it.
Go where you are happy
You may be far away from home and are missing your family and friends. If you want to go back home, then go back. If it doesn’t work out back at home, then move to a new place where you think you may be happy. Your environment and your surroundings are a huge part of your everyday life. They shape who you are and influence your thought process. When one is around different cultures, different lifestyles, their moods and attitudes may vary. If you are not happy where you are, it is never a permanent situation. Life takes you down many paths before you feel like you chose the right one, that’s just the beauty of it. There are no bad choices or wrong decisions, there are only learning experiences to help you move onto a new chapter.
Surround yourself with happy people
You know that person that you thought was so different and was head over heels for, but ended up shattering your expectations? Forget about that person. You are going to encounter so many new faces in your lifetime that in a year, maybe even a few days, you’re going to laugh at yourself at how much time and effort you put into someone that wasn’t worth any of it. I know you’ve heard this a million times, but when the time and place is right, the most amazing person will walk into your life and you’ll just know at that moment that it’s YOUR person. Besides relationships, friendships are also a huge part of one’s life. When it comes to your friends, if you aren’t surrounded by people who support, love, and care for you without judgement, then you aren’t around the right group of people. If you are scared to lose your friends because you have no one else, but they are horrible and unsupportive, don’t be afraid to let them go. This is a time in your life when you’re growing, learning, and finding yourself. While this is happening, you want to be around people that will be push you to be your best, and will be there to catch you when you fall down. If you don’t see yourself being friends with a person for the long haul, then that person is not worth your time. It may seem stressful letting go of negative people, especially if you’ve been around them for so long, but know this, the ones that are worth it will be there until the end. You don’t need people to define who you are, only you can do that.
As I’m still sitting on my bed writing this, I don’t even know if I follow any of these in my life in order to be happy. All I know is that I am going to try my absolute best to be the most positive version of myself, while going down paths that I think will contribute to this, and that’s all any of us can ever do.
