When You Allow Yourself To Be Vulnerable, You Realize You're Not Alone
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

When You Allow Yourself To Be Vulnerable, You Realize You're Not Alone

Your thoughts are valid, and I promise you, you are not alone.

53
When You Allow Yourself To Be Vulnerable, You Realize You're Not Alone
Ashley DeBoer

The other day, I posted a caption on Instagram of a quote I rapidly typed down as I saw another status of someone celebrating their 4.0 and all their great successes, and don’t get me wrong, I know this isn’t a comparison game and I am genuinely happy for their achievements, but it can seem discouraging when others are celebrating in areas I lack and breakdown, and I just hoped I’d be ending the semester on a happy note like them.

Maybe a little more effort next time around or better preparation for my finals would cure my mental fatigue, but here’s what I had to say:

Lately, I’ve been enduring an internal struggle that I’ve been too ashamed to address. As school comes to an end, I must diligently remind myself that I am not defined by my grades or what my GPA reads on Gulfline; I wake up bright, excited and hopeful for what’s to come, but that’s if I ignore a lingering thought many college students deal with — I don’t know exactly what I want or even where I am going. However, uncertainty fuels my drive. I put forth effort and continuously put my best foot forward with an optimistic mindset because, although at times, I seem lost and the faint words “not good enough” start to trickle in, I know who I am becoming and who I will be. Every day, I’m building my character, experiencing highs and lows and overcoming obstacles, while building relationships and treasuring connections. I know I am loving, thoughtful, intuitive, and dedicated to being the best version of myself in this lifetime. So in case you’re struggling too, don’t sell yourself short because your soul is worth of being celebrated.

* * *

The number of people who reached out to me either through commenting, direct messaging, texting, and even calling was wild to me because something I hesitated sharing had touched people's hearts. In my moments of being vulnerable, I was able to share my insecurities and fears while reminding myself that we are so much more than labels and numbers and others immediately reassured me that they to needed this right now. So with that being said, you make real connections when you open up and show your true colors and let your soul be bare to the world. Your thoughts are valid, and I promise you, you are not alone.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45117
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28486
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953081
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

158598
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments