A few lessons and tips that have made me a stronger and more confident woman in college.
1. Push yourself out of your comfort zone
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone has been one of the hardest things to do. Being at college, especially this year has really opened up my horizons and I have forced myself to try many new things. Writing right now is one of them, public speaking, making new friends, traveling alone, being a leader as opposed to a follower in many areas and saying yes to more opportunities. I feel like a better version of myself and I am far more confident.
2. Learning to be independent
This can root from many different changes in life, I have learned this mainly by going to college across the country. It's hard to not have your family an hour away and to not be able to go home randomly. I often get homesick and I have really learned to just deal with it, keeping busy is the way to cope. Also being financially independent has made me a very strong person. Going to school and having a job, along with everything else in college isn't easy at all to balance. I am most proud of this because it's not common for most of my friends and it has made me very independent at a young age.
3. Getting your heart broken
This one may feel like the end of the world for a couple weeks, but in the end it truly makes you stronger. It is a push for you to find yourself, focus on yourself and become a better version of yourself. Learning to put yourself first is the best lesson to get out of this heartbreak. Being surrounded by people who love you and support you will make all the difference.
4. Losing someone you love
Everyone has experienced this in some way, but some more than others. I have noticed the people who have lost a parent or sibling are some of the strongest people I know. I give so much credit to them for finding the light and being able to stay positive. No one wants to go through this never-ending pain, but to everyone who is and has, you are so strong.
5. Staying healthy
In terms of mental and physical strength, focusing on your health will make you feel a whole lot stronger. Being focused, observing, questioning and paying attention to stress is important to feel mentally strong. Being physically strong has a different meaning for everyone. Just finding the time to work out and eating healthy makes a huge difference in every person's everyday lifestyle.
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