There’s nothing I dread more than hearing the words “you’ve changed.” People say it to others all the time, and chances are, that person has changed. But why always say that and nothing else to back up how they’ve changed? There’s no way that everyone can constantly stay the same as they used to be. Without growth, you’ll never become a better person. Even if some people do change for the worse, they’re going to learn from each decision that they make, so let them be. Let people be happy, and let people become who they want to be. Don’t be the person that constantly expects everyone to stay in the same place.
A few years ago, or even last year, if anyone would’ve told me I would be how I am now, I wouldn’t have believed it for a second. Honestly, my priorities and what I found to be so important was WAY different than what I find important now. My biggest concern was what I was going to wear, or my plans for the upcoming weekend. I also tended to not care about many people other than myself. I was constantly worried about the friends I hung out with and all the “fun” things we were doing, rather than surrounding myself with good, quality people who wouldn’t just be temporary.
Since coming to college, I’ve changed a lot. For the first in a long time, I love who I am becoming. I’ve learned how important and how truly thankful I am for my family. I’ve learned to be myself, and to not try to impress other people constantly. I’ve started to speak up for myself instead of being a constant doormat, telling people how I really feel. I’ve made friends that make me want to be a better person. I take my grades and my future more seriously than anything. I’ve become involved in things that truly interest me and make me happy. I think I’ve just finally recognized the true meaning of having your priorities straight, and what’s important. But I am not saying that it didn’t take me a long time to get to this place, because it did. It’s also been a very bumpy road.
I’ve made my fair share of mistakes over the years, but everyone does. I want people to know that it’s okay to make mistakes. If one day you wake up and realize that you don’t like the person you’ve become, you have the power to change yourself. People aren’t going to like it. People will talk about you, and say things that’ll hurt your feelings. But just remember who you are, and keep envisioning the person you want to become. You’re the driver of your life; create your own road map for yourself.
So the next time you hear the words “you’ve changed”, and you’re proud of the person you’ve become, just smile and say, “Yes, I have”. But if you don’t like the person you’ve become, I am living proof that the choice is yours to become someone your 6 year-old-self would be extremely proud of.
