The Power Of Being
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Power Of Being

"Being vs doing" and how to make the shift

108
https://unsplash.com/photos/h7qhDX6ExD4
https://unsplash.com/photos/h7qhDX6ExD4

College culture often facilitates grinding hard - pulling all nighters to study or complete assignments or filling your schedule with classes and meetings that turn into 12 hour days. And most notably, college students talk about it - All the time. I have witnessed friend groups that are only bonded by their common experience of being too busy or stressed to function. But this is not healthy. Furthermore, this mindset perpetuates the idea that people need to "do" lots of things in order to reach be happy or fulfilled. However, the difference between this myth and reality is that life is not always fair. And unfortunately, just because you study hard, procrastinate and then get work done just in time, does not mean that the world will work in your favor.

This idea of "doing" also perpetuates the idea that you are naturally lacking something and needing to get more from sources other than yourself - yet another myth. What if I told you,"you are whole on your own"? And not in the cheesy voice that you may have initially read that line in. But rather the thought that your opportunities and moments of pure joy will happen if you simply are you in each and every moment in time. "Being" does not mean stop doing. Nor does "being" mean to be stagnant. However as you experience more life and grow from those experiences, you will attract the opportunities that are meant for you.

I know that for me, I was fed that in the process of "being" or "becoming" (to reference Michelle Obama) myself, I thought that I would know more about myself and have more information about the world. If this was the case for you also, I would like to debunk this theory. I would argue that "being" and "becoming" does not necessarily mean that you know more about yourself. Because that means that you do not know yourself to begin with. However, the knowledge about yourself could stem from knowing what you are not and acting in accordance to that. However, this distinction only comes from personal discernment. Some may say it is from God. But there has been a situation when you have felt in your gut that this is not for you. Well guess what? You're right.

Each life encounter can offer insight into who you are, if you let it. And the even more beautiful (and sometimes frustrating) part about "being" is that it is an ever changing process. Do I believe that it is smart to eat cookies for every meal? No. But when I was little, I did. And there is nothing wrong with that. Evolution is a beautiful process in which each season prepares you for the next while gaining wisdom along the way. So with this mindset, there is no need to check the boxes of the biological clock that might tell you to get good grades, so you can get a good job, have a good marriage, raise good kids to follow in your successful footsteps - all by the age of 30. But if you can acknowledge that your timing is inherently perfect, regardless of your preconceived notions of how things should be - then you can faithfully "be" who you are.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71013
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132584
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments