What gets me through college? Wine, late night pizza runs, and most importantly, phone calls with my mom. Going to college only 75 miles away may not sound very far, but being on your own is hard no matter where you are doing it and it really never goes away. I’ll be 20 years old next month, am well into my sophomore year of college, and I think I go to my mom for advice more now than when I was in elementary, middle and high school...combined. From little problems like having too much homework, to major life decisions like contemplating changing my major, my mom's always the first person I go to, and she gives the best advice out there. These are just a few
1. “Ignore nonsense.”
Little things can seem like big problems, it’s important to keep everything in perspective.
2. “Where you are now is the best place to be.”
Even when it feels like my life is a wreck, there is a reason that things are the way they are, and it won’t always be that way.
3. “You can’t be good to others if you’re not good to yourself”
This is something that I have really struggled with. I want the people around me to be happy and I want to make them happy, and sometimes I forgot to make sure I am OK.
4. “Love people in spite of their struggles…”
Because nobody is perfect.
5. "...Unless they violate your self-worth”
Because nobody who truly cares about you would want to make you feel bad about yourself.
6. “Do things for you"
It’s your life and you get to decide how it goes.
7. “Perform to your abilities and you will succeed”
This is especially said when I am stressing out before an exam.
8. “Say what’s in your heart”
Nothing haunts you like the things you don’t say.
9. “Be kind to yourself and others”
It’s simple but powerful.
10. “Think about all that you have instead of what you don’t”
And I have a lot to be grateful for.
11. “Opportunities don’t just fall into your lap”
A.K.A I have to work my butt off to get the things that I want
12. “Sometimes you just have to go to bed and tell yourself that tomorrow will be better.”
Everyone has days like that.
13. At the end of the day, you will always have me and that should be enough to make you feel okay.”
And it always is.
This is for my mom and moms of college students everywhere. Thanks for being there for the good, the bad, and the mental breakdowns. I hope to be half the mom to my daughter that you have always been to me. I love ya.
