Whether it is a societally accepted idea or not, I believe in the quarter-life crisis. As of late I have been experiencing the craziest sensation of feeling entirely lost. I might have a general direction that I want to head in, but it seems that direction changes like a compass needle every other day. They don’t tell you growing up how often you’ll change your mind, how often you’ll question your decisions, and how often you’ll doubt yourself.
It is without doubt that this is normal. I’m realizing slowly that all of my friends and peers are at different places in their lives. It’s possible for all college students to be at approximately the same place in their lives, a stage if you will, but each person’s experience is so incredibly unique that we should never generalize the college experience. It might be the best four years of one’s life, it might also be the most difficult. It could be both at the same time.
It is important to remember that you are allowed to change your mind. We’re in a place that presents hundreds of opportunities every day and sometimes that can be overwhelming. Let it overwhelm you. Get involved with different things to try and figure yourself out and pick a direction you want to head in for a while but if you’re no longer passionate about it, change your mind and try something new. Life is short, embrace opportunities and changes.
It is important to remember to be thankful for the people in your life when they are there and express it. Again, life is short and those who care about you are in your life for a reason. You might be busy but you’re never too busy to call home and tell your family you love them, call your parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters. Text that friend from high school you miss but never tell them that, meet up for coffee with old teachers and mentors and reconnect with those who have been important to you along the way-it will mean the world to them.
It is important to remember that you don’t have to know everything. We might be learning more intensely than ever before but that doesn’t mean we’re supposed to actually know what we’re doing. Life presents a lot of daily challenges and long term ones too, but life is about learning. We’re studying at school for classes yet simultaneously learning how to handle adult life on our own. Making connections and forming relationships with other wonderful people like yourself makes this easier. You’re never alone.
It is important to remember that you are in control of your own happiness. Don’t take yourself for granted, please treat yourself to things that make you happy. You deserve to be happy no matter what you have been through. Doing things for others is often an easy way to make your own day, but don’t forget yourself. Treat yourself kindly and with patience, you’re growing. We’re human and apt to change our minds about almost everything, but that’s okay.
It is important to remember that you are important.
