A lot of things can happen during 6 months: you failed a class, you met your boyfriend, you gained weight, you lost weight, you had 28 mental breakdowns etc.
A lot of things happen. But during this Thanksgiving season, I've learned to give thanks for all the bullshit that's happened.
1. Letting Go is Okay.
No one likes goodbyes, especially bitter ones. No one likes to admit that they're wrong or that they're afraid. It's hard to say goodbye to people (friends, significant others) and things (poor exam grade, stolen bike), especially when you weren't prepared. This mental and emotional hardship will only help you open your eyes to what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong. Be thankful for this opportunity to grow.
2. Therapy Helps.
It's so so SO intimidating to talk about your deepest, darkest feelings that you write in a journal that only your eyes can see. It's so vulnerable and exhausting, but it's like running a race. Once you finish, you'll feel much better and sometimes that is what you need. You need exposure and expression; we're humans, we can't keep everything to ourselves. There's nothing wrong with asking for a little bit of help along the way.
3. Sometimes You're Not Good Enough.
And that is totally okay. No one became a genius overnight and just because you pulled that one all nighter doesn't mean that you'll ace that exam. You want to scream and shout and let it all out and maybe that's what you have to do. What's done is done; you can't change it but you can change going forward.
4. Cherish Everyone You Love.
Once someone is gone, as in gone gone from this Earth, you begin to realise the limited time you have with everyone. It's kind of like Death saying, "Hey, so imma stop by real quick real fast and you won't even realise." So, love everyone who loves you. Don't let that "oh, they're gonna hurt me so badly; I'm so scared" bullshit hold you back from being human and showing everyone that you are indeed human.
5. Get Back Up.
I just got a skateboard and I've fallen, like, 18 times in front of a lot of people and yet I still get back on it. Why? Well, I don't want to look like I was defeated by a single leaf, but also because what else can you do? The only way after falling is to get up and move forward. Fuck gravity and its tricks. You got this.
6. Sleep is So, So Important.
At this point, everyone knows what it's like to have 3-4 hours of sleep and classes from 9-3pm. Yeah, it gets worse if you add in a term paper here and two midterms there. BUT! If you're tired and cannot function, please please please go to bed. Everything will be the same tomorrow and everything will be 110% more productive. Just knock the fuck out and listen to your brain.
7. Exercise!
Trust me, when you don't hit the gym for 3 months straight and you take a F45 class that has a hot trainer which you've never ever seen before, you do NOT want to be that one weakling who has to sit down to catch her breath. Trust me. I speak from experience. The worst first impression. So, get those endorphins going! Also, summer bodies are made in the winter ;)
8. Make Sure You're Comfortable.
I don't mean go study in your bed with a tub of ice cream, 3 blankets and 9 pillows. Make sure your space that's supposed to be comfortable, be comfortable. Your stress levels also take into consideration your environment where privacy is key; it's never comfortable to be in a room full of people you don't know (anymore).
9. Cry.
Like exercising and therapy, this helps. Crying until you can't breathe, crying until your entire face is puffy, crying until your nose is all stuffy; this always always makes me feel a tiny bit better. You're not acknowledging weakness, you're acknowledging your emotions. You don't ignore them, you face them. Now that's courage.
10. Do Things Your Way.
Just because someone else wants you to deal with a situation, a problem or an emotion their way, which is SO much more comfortable for them, doesn't mean that it's the best way to handle it. You should be comfortable (point #8!) in your own space and own ways of thinking; that's the only way you'll be productive. It's way harder being a people pleaser. Don't be one, please. Don't be a Marshall snek.
Now these are somethings I've learned from this semester and it's only a handful! What have you learned and thought about? Try to write it down and share it with others. You'll be practicing point #2 and allowing for everyone else to learn something as well.
Happy Thanksgiving!